Best Folding Mobility Scooter
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Being able to get out and about is so important for our independence. Yet, as we get older walking, especially over long distances can prove to be a struggle. Thankfully, many mobility aids exist on the market that have made getting around in retirement much easier than it used to be.
The best folding mobility scooter offers the top level of ease and practicality, as you can literally drive yourself around on the pavement when popping to the shops or visiting friends. There are many mobility scooters to choose from, although in today’s guide, we’ll be focusing on the best mobility scooters that fold up.
Table of Contents
Folding Scooters: An Overview
The main type of mobility scooter is known as the standard mobility scooter. While the standard models offer comfort, power and style in abundance – unfortunately they lack portability.
Instead, a folding scooter can be reconfigured to neatly transport in the back of the car, with some folding mobility scooters even being airline friendly too. This means that when you reach your destination, there’s no need to hire a new scooter or get used to a different scooter.
Likewise, you don’t have to endure any time without your scooter when it’s foldable, as it will be right on hand when you park or land.
Folding Scooter Pros
- They are portable making them ideal for shopping trips in the car or travel abroad
- Can be folded away at home too – reducing the chances of tripping over your scooter if left in the doorway, while ensuring fire exits are kept clear (which is an issue with other mobility scooter types)
- The mobility scooter market has significantly advanced in recent years offering more features and choices than ever before
- Mobility scooters are preferred due to having a less ‘medical’ appearance than a wheelchair, which used to be the only other option for those who struggled to walk long distances
- A mobility scooter of any kind means you won’t lose your independence
- If you are in receipt of any disability benefits, you may qualify for a VAT discount on your mobility scooter
Folding Scooters Considerations
- A padded seat makes a folded scooter more comfortable but will add to the weight
- You may require a cushion or blanket to make the journey more comfortable
- Insurance and breakdown cover is always advisable
- As with all scooters, an even terrain is a must to ensure safety and comfort
Relync R1 Folding Mobility Scooter
Price: £1,995
Top speed: 4mph
Product weight: 26 Kg
User weight limit: 18 stone
Maximum range: 8 (up to 16 with spare battery)
The Relync R1 reinvents everything you thought you knew about mobility scooters. This three-wheeled portable scooter takes just 3 seconds to fold up or down in two easy ergonomic movements. When folded, it can be towed behind you like a suitcase making it easy to transport when not in use.
Boasting USB charging points and even a hook for your bag, Relync have also considered the modern, tech-savvy seniors in this fantastic scooter that’s available in two different colour options.
TGA Minimo Folding Mobility Scooter
Price: £1,649.95
Top speed: 4mph
Product weight: 28.5kg
User weight limit: 18 stone
Maximum range: 10 miles
Curved padding and back support combined with puncture-proof tyres make for a smooth ride with the TGA Minimo.
Recently gaining a seal of approval from Which? the publication was particularly impressed with its unusual front wheel design. Placing both front wheels closer together allows for greater maneuverability, especially when navigating smaller turning pitches.
Easy Living Mobility – Ultra Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter
Price: £1,699
Top speed: 4mph
Product weight: 19.65kg
User weight limit: 18 stone
Maximum range: 12 miles (24 with additional battery pack)
The aptly named ‘Ultra Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter’ by Easy Living Mobility is currently the lightest folding mobility scooter on the market, coming in at an impressive 10kg lighter than the standard models. So if the weight of your new scooter is a top priority, you’d be hard pushed to find another model anywhere near as easy to pick up and carry.
As this scooter uses a lithium battery, its range is also far superior at 24 miles with an additional battery pack or 12 on a single battery. Given how lightweight the scooter is, carrying an additional battery pack will not be as arduous as it may be for other heavier scooter models, making it totally doable. If that wasn’t good enough, this scooter also benefits from an electromagnetic brake system too.
ATTO Freedom Folding Mobility Scooter
Price: £2,495
Top speed: 4mph
Product weight: 30.5kg
User weight limit: 18 stone
Maximum range: 10 miles
In search of the highest specification folding mobility scooter? The ATTO Freedom has got you covered, with what they promise is a seamless transition between flight and ride. That’s right, this model fits into the overhead cabin section of a plane just as it will the boot of your car, as it transforms into a trolley complete with a pull handle.
Granted, the ATTO Freedom isn’t the lightest foldable mobility scooter on the market, but its exquisite design and ultra padded comfortable seats are unrivalled. Even the tyres are far more premium in quality, and such details really count when it comes to getting a smooth ride on your scooter. If your budget allows for it, the ATTO Freedom ticks all the boxes where style, comfort, design and features are concerned.
Kymco K Lite Folding Mobility Scooter
Price: £2,098.80
Top speed: 4mph
Product weight: 22.6kg
User weight limit: 19 stone
Maximum range: 9.3 miles
Those who assume foldable mobility scooters aren’t very sturdy haven’t seen the designs on offer at Kymco. Their study frames are made from aluminium which is super strong yet lightweight, offering the best of both worlds. The controls ditch screens in favour of simple, mechanical on/off and speed adjustment buttons.
If you upgrade to the Kymco K-Lite FE, you’ll be given a remote keyfob that folds and unfolds your scooter at the touch of a button. Although the mileage range is slightly less than other models, in terms of basic build quality the Kymco has a fantastic construction that lends itself well to longevity.
Folding Mobility Scooter FAQs
There are two main questions people want to know in relation to folding scooters, which we’ve answered below. As always, if you have another question for us, leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you.
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How To Fold Down A Mobility Scooter?
Every mobility scooter will have different methods of folding down. We recommend asking for a demonstration of how to fold the scooter down before purchasing to ensure you can manage it comfortably. If you do suffer from arthritis or weakness in your hands, check out models that have automatic folding and unfolding, such as the Kymco K-Lite FE.
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What Is The Lightest Folding Mobility Scooter UK?
From our research, we found the Easy Living Mobility Ultra Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter to be the lightest folding mobility scooter on the market, weighing less than 20kg.
Retirement Expert – Folding Mobility Scooters Summary
If you want to increase your ability to get out, and also require a portable option then a folding mobility scooter has a plethora of benefits to enjoy. We hope our above list has given you food for thought, so you can get back out to living life to the full without mobility issues getting in the way.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other articles relating to all things senior living here on Retirement Expert. Some of our recent topics you may enjoy include unclaimed pensions and the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for the elderly.
Also, don’t miss our guide on popular locations when retiring abroad, which is perfect if you’re in the market for a folding mobility scooter, as you’ll already be kitted out with a new set of wheels to explore your new surroundings with!
Have any ideas for us, or want to share your favourite mobility scooter with us? Please leave us a comment below.
