Best mobility scooters

The best mobility scooters are thoughtfully designed, comfortable, easy to control and smooth to drive.

We've tested Class 2 collapsible, folding and pavement mobility scooters, and Class 3 road and off-road mobility scooters.

Mobility scooters from brands such as CareCo, Kymco, Monarch, Pride and more, have been put to the test to discover which are best for comfort, driving experience and technical ability.

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We've found excellent Best Buys of each type, so you can find the best mobility scooter for your needs. 

You can also read our advice on getting help with the cost of buying a mobility scooter and commonly asked questions around insurance, registration, storage and servicing.

The best folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2)

Only logged-in Which? members can view the mobility scooter test results below. 

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The folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2) we've tested

All the Class 2 mobility scooters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best mobility scooters from our tests. 

Join Which? now to get instant access to our test results and recommendations.

Abilize Stride Sport

Available from CareCo (£1,299.99 with VAT relief, £1,559.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 89 x 59 x 112cm (H x W x D), 55kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 17 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5.2cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

CareCo AirLite X Travel Mobility Scooter

Available from CareCo (£599.99 with VAT relief, £719.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 82 x 49 x 101cm (H x W x D), 41kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 7 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Drive Envoy 4 Mobility Scooter

Available from Livewell (Out of stock), Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,339 with VAT relief, £1,606.80 with VAT),  Ableworld  (£1,349 with VAT relief, £1,618.80 with VAT)

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 102 x 60 x 121cm (H x W x D), 94kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Air-filled tyres, 160kg weight limit, swivel seat, wing mirror, 6cm ground clearance, headlight

Drive Explorer Transportable Mobility Scooter

Available from Ableworld (£799 with VAT relief, £958.80 with VAT),  Relimobility (£995 with VAT relief, £1,194 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 91 x 48 x 108cm (H x W x D), 42.8kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 14 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6cm ground clearance

See our pick of the best hearing aid providers and the best rollators and mobility walkers

Electric Mobility Rascal Ultralite 480 Mobility Scooter

Available from Smart Scooters (£849 with VAT relief, £1,018.80 with VAT), Millercare (£999.95 with VAT relief, £1,199.94 with VAT) (Out of stock)

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 85 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 41kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 8 miles, charging time not stated

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

I-Go Vertex Sport

Available from CareCo (£999.99 with VAT relief, £1,199.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 94 x 49.5 x 108cm (H x W x D), 57.5kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 15 miles, 10 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Kymco K-Lite F Folding Mobility Scooter

Available from First Choice Mobility (£1,495 with VAT relief, £1,794 with VAT) (Out of stock), Ebor Mobility (£1,945 with VAT relief, £2,302.80 with VAT) (Out of stock)

Date tested April 2023

Size and weight 93.5 x 46 x 99cm (H x W x D), 29.6kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 46 x 46 x 99cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 120kg weight limit, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Livewell Jaunt

Available from Livewell (£431.20 with VAT relief, £517.44 with VAT) (Out of stock), Amazon (£899), Ableworld (£499 with VAT relief, £598.80 with VAT)

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 89 x 56 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 10 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 4cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Monarch MobiFree Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter

Available from Relimobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 75 x 45 x 95cm (H x W x D), 20.8kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 3.7mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 43 x 60 x 43cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

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Sterling Sapphire 2 Transportable Mobility Scooter

Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,299.99 with VAT relief, £1,559.99 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,399 with VAT relief, £1,678.80 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 105 x 59 x 121cm (H x W x D); 79kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 19 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Air-filled tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

TGA Minimo Folding Mobility Scooter

Available from Mobility Smart (£1,474.95 with VAT relief, £1,769.94 with VAT), TGA Mobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 96 x 54 x 96cm (H x W x D), 28kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 45 x 55 x 86cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

VAN OS Travelux Tiempo Transportable Mobility Scooter

Available from Ebor Mobility (£1,175 with VAT relief, £1,532.80 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 90 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 113kg weight limit, swivel seat, 8cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

The best road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3)

Only logged-in Which? members can view the mobility scooter test results below. 

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The road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3) we've tested

All the Class 3 mobility scooters we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best mobility scooters from our tests. 

Join Which? now to get instant access to our test results and recommendations.

Abilize Ranger

Available from CareCo (£3,499.99 with VAT relief, £4,199.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 128 x 72 x 160cm (H x W x D), 157kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 31 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 226kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Adventurer X8

Available from CareCo (£4,499.99 with VAT relief, £5,399.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 140 x 87 x 175cm (H x W x D), 148kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 32 miles, 10 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 205kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

CareCo Daytona XLR

Available from CareCo (£1,999.99 with VAT relief, £2,299.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 118 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 182kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Sterling S425

Available from Great British Mobility (£1,499 with VAT relief, £1,798.80 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,749 with VAT relief, £2,098.80 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 120 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 26 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 13cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Vega RS8

Available from CareCo (£1,799.99 with VAT relief, £2,159.99 with VAT)

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 115 x.5 x 64 x 120cm (H x W x D), 94kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 24 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

The best folding mobility scooters and pavement scooters (Class 2) from our tests

Our tests found big differences between scooters.

Compare our results and prices at a glance in our table below or read on for our full reviews.

Best Buy: Sterling Sapphire 2 Transportable Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 93%, The best we've tested

Available from Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,299.99 with VAT relief, £1,559.99 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,399 with VAT relief, £1,678.80 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth and controlled drive indoors and outdoors
• Handles slopes, hill starts and vibrations brilliantly
• Comfortable seat and armrests
• Easy to set up and adjust
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot
• Sharp beeping noise when reversing can be helpful for those hard of hearing

Cons

• Reversing alert volume can't be adjusted or muted

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 105 x 59 x 121cm (H x W x D), 79kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 19 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Air-filled tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Our testers universally loved driving this scooter. Both indoors and outdoors, it felt smooth, controlled and responsive, and we had no trouble handling reversing, tight turns or manoeuvres.

This scooter collapses down into several parts that should fit into most car boots without any issues. The well-padded seat, which turns 360 degrees to make it easier to get on and off, is comfortable, as are the armrests and handlebars. We did find the seat a little wobbly, though.

The air-filled tyres also do a brilliant job of reducing vibration and making it more comfortable to drive over bumpier surfaces, and it handled the steepest slopes and hill starts with ease in our tests.

Heavy batteries that are difficult to lift are common among mobility scooters, but this one helps offset this issue by having two smaller batteries instead, each weighing 12.5kg, which are easily removed for charging.

The only other complaint we had about this scooter in our tests, besides the wobbly seat, was the sharp beeping noise it makes when reversing. It's potentially useful for those with hearing issues, but there's no option to quieten or mute it, and we found it to be quite piercing..

Best Buy: Drive Envoy 4 Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 88%, Supremely comfortable

Available from Livewell (Out of stock), Fenetic Wellbeing (£1,339 with VAT relief, £1,606.80 with VAT),  Ableworld (£1,349 with VAT relief, £1,618.80 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth, controlled and comfortable ride indoors and outdoors
• Handles slopes and vibrations well
• Brilliant at hill starts

Cons

• Batteries can’t be removed for charging
• Can't be collapsed to fit into a car boot

Our verdict Supremely comfortable

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 102 x 60 x 121cm (H x W x D), 94kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Air-filled tyres, 160kg weight limit, swivel seat, wing mirror, 6cm ground clearance, headlight

The Drive Envoy 4 is the largest Class 2 scooter we've tested, and although the lack of portability restricts you to driving around your local area, the 30-mile range means you can still travel pretty far before having to head home.

We found this one of the most comfortable mobility scooters to sit on and adjust. The seat is wide and squishy, the handlebars smooth and pleasant to touch and it has well-padded armrests. The seat turns a full 360 degrees and moves backwards to allow more room for getting on and off.

You can't shift the tiller back and forth, though, which might be frustrating for some, and the batteries of this scooter can't be detached for charging. This means you'll need sufficient space near a power socket in your home to plug it in between uses. This, along with being unable to collapse it down, is why this scooter falls just short of our top spot behind the Sterling Sapphire 2.

For driving experience, this scooter is right up there with the best we've tested. Both indoors and outdoors along pavements, it was a controlled, enjoyable and effortless ride, with smooth acceleration and braking. It had no problems with manoeuvres, either.

The air-filled tyres did a fantastic job of flattening out the bumps and pebbles we drove over. We had no issues with vibrating handlebars or wobbly wheels. This scooter also managed to drive up the steepest slopes and carried on right over the top of the 25% incline in our tests. We think you'd be hard pushed to find a sloped pavement that this scooter can't handle.

Best Buy: Abilize Stride Sport

Our score and verdict 87%, Simple and superb

Available from CareCo (£1,299.99 with VAT relief, £1,559.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth, controlled and comfortable ride indoors and outdoors
• Handles slopes, hill starts and vibration well
• Easy to set up and adjust
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Large and heavy battery

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 89 x 59 x 112cm (H x W x D), 55kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 17 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5.2cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

We found the Abilize Stride Sport straightforward to assemble and set up, but the battery is heavy so you might need help detaching it from the scooter. It can be charged without detaching the battery, though.

We liked how easily this scooter could be adjusted. The swivel seat turns around fully and the armrests can be flipped up to keep them out of the way, making it much easier for users to get on and off. Handles and armrests are comfortable and smooth. It also collapses down into five parts, which should fit into most car boots without too much trouble.

We loved driving this scooter. Driving inside, we found it stable and easy to manoeuvre, handling turns, reversing and stopping smoothly. We were also impressed outside. Although it didn't reduce vibration quite as much as our other Best Buy Class 2 scooters, the Sterling Sapphire 2 and Drive Envoy 4, the suspension dealt well with the bumpier patches of pebbly concrete.

The Abilize Stride Sport reached the steepest part of the hill we tested on before stopping on the 25% incline, and had no problem managing a hill start on the slope. Although it might pause on the very steepest hills, you shouldn't have any problems on inclines for the most part.

Our other Best Buys dealt with hills slightly easier - this, combined with their slightly better performance on outdoor surfaces, is what led to the Stride Sport coming third in our overall ranking. It's still an excellent scooter, though, and a deserving Best Buy.

See our pick of the best hearing aid providers and the best rollators and mobility walkers

Livewell Jaunt

Our score and verdict 80%, Not far off a Best Buy

Available from Livewell (£431.20 with VAT relief, £517.44 with VAT) (Out of stock), Amazon (£899), Ableworld (£499 with VAT relief, £598.80 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth and controlled ride indoors
• Easy to set up and adjust
• Handles slopes and hill starts well
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Seat wobbles
• Heavy battery

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 89 x 56 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 10 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 4cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

The seat was sufficiently comfortable to sit on, but it wobbled around a bit during use. It rotates right round, though, which makes it easy to get on and off the scooter. 

The battery is heavy to carry but detaches easily from the scooter for charging.

When driving the scooter indoors, the driving experience was smooth and controlled. It was only really let down by its wobbly chair, so we'd recommend test-driving this scooter first to see if that will be an issue for you. Outdoors, it handled uneven ground and small kerbs well, although there was some noticeable vibration in the handlebars.

You should also have no trouble getting up most hills on this scooter. It managed to reach the steepest 25% incline in our tests, and also managed a hill start from that slope.

I-Go Vertex Sport

Our score and verdict 69%, Good, but a few niggles

Available from CareCo (£999.99 with VAT relief, £1,199.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth and controlled indoors
• Comfortable ride
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• You need to take the seat off to remove the battery
• Tiller wobbles

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 94 x 49.5 x 108cm (H x W x D), 57.5kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 15 miles, 10 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

We were pleased with how much back support the chair of this mobility scooter provides, and the handlebars and armrests are smooth and well padded. The seat rotates fully to help you get on and off easily, and there are extra storage trays under the seat. 

You do, however, have to remove the seat to access and detach the battery, which is a faff, and the tiller can be a little wobbly during use so consider test-driving the scooter first to see if it's suitable for you. We enjoyed driving this scooter indoors and found it smooth to accelerate and brake, although some turns felt a bit sharp at full speed.

Outdoors, some testers found it a little too wobbly, while others were happy with how well it handled bumps. There was also some vibration in the handlebars. It isn't bad at getting up hills, but it did stop and turn itself off on the steepest part of the test hill we trialled it on.

Drive Explorer Transportable Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 67%, Fine for indoor driving

Available from Ableworld (£799 with VAT relief, £958.80 with VAT), Relimobility (£995 with VAT relief, £1,194 with VAT)

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Easy to set up and adjust
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Can be a little bumpy on rougher surfaces
• Struggles with steep slopes
• Acceleration and braking controls lack responsiveness
• Large and heavy battery

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 91 x 48 x 108cm (H X W X D), 42.8kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 14 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 130kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6cm ground clearance

We enjoyed the experience of driving this scooter on smooth, flat surfaces indoors, and the easily-adjusted and well-cushioned seat provided plenty of comfort. It also collapses down to a compact size that shouldn't be difficult to fit into a car, though the battery is large and feels heavy to lift.

We also found the drive controls weren't quite as responsive as other mobility scooters we tested. Swapping from accelerating to reversing had a delay of a few seconds, which may feel lengthy when you're behind the wheel.

This scooter also struggled to keep vibration at bay when driving over rougher ground, and couldn't make it all the way up the steepest slopes in our tests.

Kymco K-Lite F Folding Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 67%, Best folding scooter we've tested

Available from First Choice Mobility (£1,495 with VAT relief, £1,794 with VAT) (Out of stock), Ebor Mobility (£1,945 with VAT relief, £2,302.80 with VAT) (Out of stock)

Pros

• Smooth indoor driving and handling
• Handles slopes and hill starts well
• Lightweight and easily-detached battery
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Can be a little bumpy on rougher surfaces
• Hard seat and armrests
• Seat doesn’t swivel
• Still quite large even when folded down

Date tested April 2023

Size and weight 93.5 x 46 x 99cm (H x W x D), 29.6kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 46 x 46 x 99cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 120kg weight limit, 7cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Although it didn't perform well enough in our tests to be named a Best Buy, this fared the best of the folding scooters we tested - thanks to its excellent indoor driving capabilities, easy setup and its handling of steep slopes. 

The lithium ion battery is lightweight and easily detached, and the extra storage space in the boot and underseat bag make up for the lack of a basket. At just under 30kg it's still not light, though, so you may need assistance moving it. It's also bigger than the other folding mobility scooters we've tested when folded, though (43 x 46 x 99cm), so if you've got a small car you might have difficulty storing it in the boot.

It also still suffers from some of the common downsides that often cause folding mobility scooters to fall short in our tests - it doesn't do a good job of reducing vibration when driving over rougher surfaces, and the seat doesn't swivel to make it easier to get on and off.

Electric Mobility Rascal Ultralite 480 Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 65%, Can't cope with slopes

Available from Smart Scooters (£849 with VAT relief, £1,018.80 with VAT), Millercare (£999.95 with VAT relief, £1,199.94 with VAT) (Out of stock)

Pros

• Smooth indoor driving and handling

Cons

• Can be a little bumpy on rougher surfaces
• Struggles to cope with hills
• Battery is tricky to remove
• Seat height can’t be adjusted
• Large car needed for storage

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 85 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 41kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 8 miles, charging time not stated

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

This scooter drove nicely indoors in our tests, with smooth handling, intuitive controls and not too wide a turning circle. It doesn't pack down very small, though, so you'll likely need a large car for transporting it around.

We found outdoor driving on pavement a little too bumpy, particularly over sections of gravel where the scooter struggled to minimise vibration.

It struggled to get up steep slopes in our tests as well, and when it came to charging the scooter we found the bulky battery tricky to detach.

VAN OS Travelux Tiempo Transportable Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 64%, Thwarted by rough terrain

Available from Ebor Mobility (£1,175 with VAT relief, £1,532.80 with VAT)

Pros

• Comfortable handlebars
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Can be a little bumpy on rougher surfaces
• Hard seat
• Struggles with steep slopes
• Wide turning circle
• Seat height can’t be adjusted

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 90 x 51 x 102cm (H x W x D), 48kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat, armrests and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 113kg weight limit, swivel seat, 8cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

We mostly enjoyed the driving experience indoors with this scooter, but it has a wider turning circle than some of the other scooters we tested, so it might be tricky to handle manoeuvres in tight spaces. Outdoors we found it too bumpy.

It also struggled with steeper inclines, so if you live in a hilly area it might not make it up the steepest paths.

We appreciated the swivel seat, which makes it much easier to get on and off the scooter, and the handlebars are smooth, squishy and comfortable. Some testers commented that they wished the seat had a little more padding, though.

Monarch MobiFree Lightweight Folding Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 64%, Let down by limited adjustability

Available from Relimobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth indoor driving and handling
• Handles slopes and hill starts brilliantly
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Uncomfortably bumpy ride on rough surfaces
• Armrests are high and can’t have their height adjusted
• Seat height can’t be adjusted and doesn’t swivel
• Battery can’t be detached for charging

Most recently tested April 2023

Size and weight 75 x 45 x 95cm (H x W x D), 20.8kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 9 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 3.7mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 43 x 60 x 43cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 114.5kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

Some testers commented that the armrests on this scooter felt a little too high for their comfort and, frustratingly, you can't adjust their height. The seat height also can't be adjusted and it doesn't swivel, so some may find this scooter tricky to get in and out of. The battery also can't be detached for charging.

It's one of the most compact scooters we've tested, though, and it's very easy to set up and fold away. It's 43 x 60 x 43cm when folded, so it should easily fit into most car boots. It also has a lithium ion battery, which helps make it much lighter than most mobility scooters, though at just under 21kg it still might prove cumbersome for some users to lift and carry.

We were pleased with the driving experience indoors. It's responsive, smooth and controlled. Outside is a different story, though - although powerful enough to get up steep slopes, we found it much less comfortable to ride whenever we encountered rougher terrain.

CareCo AirLite X Travel Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 63%, Convenient, but lacks comfort

Available from CareCo (£599.99 with VAT relief, £719.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Handles slopes and hill starts superbly
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot

Cons

• Turns can feel sharp
• Handlebars vibrate a lot on bumpy surfaces
• No armrests
• Uncomfortable handlebars
• Battery is difficult to detach for charging

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 82 x 49 x 101cm (H x W x D), 41kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 7 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - rear wheels, seat and batteries detachable

Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, swivel seat, 5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

The AirLite X Travel Mobility Scooter has no armrests and lacks suspension, making it less comfortable to sit on and much more prone to vibration when driving over rougher patches of pavement. The battery is also held in place with tough contact tape and takes a lot of effort to detach for recharging.

Despite these issues, the seat turns right round (which makes it handy for getting on and off) and is well padded. It's pleasant to drive indoors and tolerable outdoors, despite the shakiness and vibration on bumpier surfaces, but turning it felt a little sharp at times.

Although this scooter has the shortest range of the mobility scooters we tested, we were surprised to find it had no trouble powering its way up and over the steepest 25% incline in our tests, and it easily managed a hill start.

TGA Minimo Folding Mobility Scooter

Our score and verdict 58%, Compact but has major downsides

Available from Mobility Smart (£1,474.95 with VAT relief, £1,769.94 with VAT), TGA Mobility (£1,795 with VAT relief, £2,154 with VAT)

Pros

• Smooth, comfortable and controlled ride indoors
• Collapses down easily and should fit in the car boot
• Sharp beeping noise when reversing can be helpful for those hard of hearing

Cons

• Wobbly, uncomfortable ride on rough surfaces with high vibration
• Small seat with short backrest
• Chair doesn’t swivel and armrests don’t flip upwards, making it harder to get on and off the scooter
• Piercing beep sound when reversing
• No storage basket

Most recently tested May 2022

Size and weight 96 x 54 x 96cm (H x W x D), 28kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 12 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 4mph

Collapsible Yes - folds down to 45 x 55 x 86cm size

Need to know Solid tyres, 115kg weight limit, 6cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

We found the seat uncomfortable to sit on and the backrest only covers the small of your back. The chair doesn’t swivel and the armrests don't flip up, so it isn't easy to get on and off. The real selling point of this scooter is how compactly it folds down (45 x 55 x 86cm), so you should have no problem fitting it into a car boot.

It also has a lithium ion battery, which makes the scooter significantly lighter than most, but at 28kg it might still prove heavy for one person to lift, especially if they have mobility issues.

We enjoyed a very high level of control and very small turning circles, so we were able to manage manoeuvres in tight spaces, but the scooter's motor slows you right down whenever you turn, which can catch you off guard and make you misjudge your turns slightly.

We found this a frustrating scooter to use outdoors. On bumpier concrete with a few scattered pebbles around, we found the ride shaky and uncomfortable. The different widths of the front wheels compared to the back also makes uneven ground difficult to traverse.

The best road and off-road mobility scooters (Class 3) from our tests

 Compare our results at a glance in the table below or read on for our full reviews.

Best Buy: Abilize Ranger

Our score and verdict 82%, Best Class 3 scooter we've tested

Available from CareCo (£3,499.99 with VAT relief, £4,199.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Easy to get on/off and highly adjustable seat, armrests, backrest and tiller
• Smooth, controlled driving experience indoors and outdoors
• Handles kerbs well and absorbs vibration
• Straightforward and easy to understand controls
• Easily handles slopes and hill starts
• Lots of useful information on the display screen

Cons

• Only just fits through doorways
• Battery can’t be detached for charging

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 128 x 72 x 160cm (H x W x D), 157kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 31 miles, 12 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 226kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

This scooter comes top of our Class 3 road scooter rankings, as it manages to be pretty brilliant at everything without any major compromises. The less squishy handlebars make it slightly less comfortable than the Adventurer X8 reviewed below, but its ability to handle indoor and outdoor driving equally well is what puts it in the top spot overall.

It's comfortable and near-perfect in terms of adjustability, with a swivel seat that goes forwards and backwards, a backrest that reclines, and squishy seat and armrests that go up and down and side-to-side. The wing mirrors are also easy to adjust, and the tiller can easily be moved closer or further away from the driver with ease.

The controls, and especially the display, are excellent. The bright display tells you the speed settings, the battery life, the time, the ambient temperature, the total mileage of your current journey, and the overall mileage of the scooter. The scooter itself is pretty large, but still fits through standard 76cm-wide doorways, so it's suitable for driving indoors as well as outdoors.

There are also clear and easy-to-press buttons for speed settings, the horn, indicators, headlights and hazard lights, and the handlebars go right around the controls so they can be gripped at any point around the tiller and be used one-handed if necessary.

Most importantly, though, it provided a smooth, controlled and comfortable ride throughout our tests. Even on rough ground outdoors it absorbed vibration well and handled every manoeuvre we tried. It also climbed steep 25% inclines easily and handled hill-starts. Overall, it's an all-round superb scooter and an excellent Best Buy. 

The Ranger also has a similar model in the same range called the Abilize Kondor. The Kondor is almost twice the price, but comes with a fully enclosed cabin to keep the rain and chill off in the colder months. 

Best Buy: Adventurer X8

Our score and verdict 81%, Best for off-road driving

Available from CareCo (£4,499.99 with VAT relief, £5,399.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Easy to get on/off and highly adjustable seat, armrests and backrest
• Very smooth, controlled outdoor driving experience
• Handles kerbs well and absorbs vibration
• Straightforward and easy-to-understand controls
• Handles most slopes and hill starts well
• Lots of useful information on the display screen

Cons

• Far too large to drive indoors
• Tiller adjustment switch is a little small and could be tricky to access
• Large tyres means it can take a bit of strength to turn at low speeds
• Battery can’t be detached for charging

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 140 x 87 x 175cm (H x W x D), 148kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 32 miles, 10 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 205kg weight limit, swivel seat, 11.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

If you're looking for a mobility scooter that will enable you to enjoy the great outdoors, look no further. Handling uneven terrain, absorbing vibration and getting up and down kerbs were a doddle for this scooter.

It's about the size of a quad bike, so it's far too large for use indoors. The tyres are also wide and thick with plenty of grip, so dry steering takes a bit of force. Steering when you're on the move is no problem, though, especially on rougher terrain such as gravel paths and dirt tracks.

There were no issues with steep inclines or hill starts in our tests, either. Even on the steepest 25% slopes in our tests it had no trouble continuing upwards, stopping and restarting again.

It's also highly adjustable, with a swivel seat that makes it easy to get on and off the scooter,  excellent armrests and an adjustable backrest. The switch to adjust the tiller height is a little small, though, so some users might need assistance adjusting that.

Similar to the Abilize Ranger, reviewed above, it also has easily understood controls and a bright and clear display that tells you the battery life, speed settings, temperature, time, and mileage. Its unsuitability for use indoors is what makes it slightly inferior to the Ranger in our view, but if you're only looking for an outdoor scooter, this is a superb choice.

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Vega RS8

Our score and verdict 74%, Good, more affordable Class 3 scooter

Available from CareCo (£1,799.99 with VAT relief, £2,159.99 with VAT) 

Pros

• Easy to get on/off and highly adjustable seat, armrests and tiller
• Smooth, controlled driving experience indoors and outdoors
• Handles kerbs well
• Easily handles slopes and hill starts
• Small enough size that it can easily drive in most indoor and outdoor spaces
• Straightforward and easy to understand controls

Cons

• Not quite as comfortable as our top-rated scooters
• Battery can’t be detached for charging
• Ride can get a little bumpy on particularly rough surfaces
• Backrest doesn’t recline

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 115 x.5 x 64 x 120cm (H x W x D), 94kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 24 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 136kg weight limit, swivel seat, 6.5cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

It might not quite be at the level of the Best Buy Abilize Ranger and Adventurer X8 reviewed above, but the Vega RS8 is still a commendable Class 3 scooter and it doesn't cost nearly as much.

Our testers enjoyed a controlled and comfortable driving experience indoors and outdoors, though on particularly uneven surfaces some found the ride a little too bumpy. It handles kerbs well, though, and on hills it easily managed our steepest 25% inclines and hill starts.

The scooter is easily adjusted and easy to get on and off, but the indicators, hazards, horn and fast/slow mode controls are all small switches rather than buttons, which some users with limited hand mobility might find tricky to use. You also turn the headlight on by turning the ignition key further round when starting up the scooter, which can easily be done by accident.

CareCo Daytona XLR

Our score and verdict 72%, Best Class 3 for indoor driving

Available from CareCo (£1,999.99 with VAT relief, £2,299.99 with VAT)

Pros

• Small enough that it can easily drive in most indoor and outdoor spaces
• Very smooth, controlled driving experience indoors
• Easy to get on/off and highly adjustable seat, armrests and tiller
• Easily handles slopes and hill starts

Cons

• Not quite as comfortable as our top-rated scooters
• Could be better at handling kerbs
• Ride can get a little bumpy on particularly rough surfaces
• Battery can’t be detached for charging
• Switches for fast/slow mode and indicators are small and could be fiddly

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 118 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 30 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 182kg weight limit, swivel seat, 9cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

This small scooter is well suited to swapping over from driving outdoors to indoors, and when we tested it on indoor surfaces it did an excellent job of providing a smooth, controlled ride. We found the ride outdoors a little bumpier than we'd like, though, and kerbs proved a little challenging for it.

There are plenty of options for adjusting the seat, armrests and tiller to get it just right for your needs, although overall our testers didn't find the ride as comfortable as the top-rated Class 3 scooters we tested.

The control panel, although easy enough to understand and use overall, has a small switch for swapping between fast mode (max speed of 8mph, for roads) and slow mode (max speed of 6mph, for pavements). Those with limited mobility in their hands might find switching between the two challenging, especially while driving.

Sterling S425

Our score and verdict 69%, Can struggle on slopes

Available from Great British Mobility (£1,499 with VAT relief, £1,798.80 with VAT), Ableworld (£1,749 with VAT relief, £2,098.80 with VAT)

Pros

• Small enough size that it can easily drive in most indoor and outdoor spaces
• Handles kerbs well
• Easy to get on/off and highly adjustable seat, armrests and tiller
• Straightforward and easy to understand controls

Cons

• Some testers found the rate of acceleration and braking a little jerky
• Not quite as comfortable as our top-rated scooters
• Struggled to handle steep slopes and hill starts in our tests
• Ride can get a little bumpy on particularly rough surfaces
• Battery can’t be detached for charging
• Wing mirrors aren’t particularly adjustable

Most recently tested April 2024

Size and weight 120 x 66 x 135cm (H x W x D), 117kg

Battery range and charging time Approximately 26 miles, 8 hours 

Max speed 8mph

Collapsible No

Need to know Pneumatic tyres, 150kg weight limit, swivel seat, 13cm ground clearance, anti-tip stabiliser wheels

There's plenty to like about the Sterling S425 – it's easily adjusted, small enough that it's suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor spaces, and has a simple and intuitive set of controls on the tiller.

Oddly for a Class 3 scooter that's suitable for use on roads, though, we found the ride a little too bumpy for our liking. You might find rougher parts of the road or pavement less comfortable.

Some testers also found the accelerating and braking of this scooter a little abrupt, and hough it managed a 20% incline in our hill tests, it couldn't make it up a 25% incline and it struggled with hill starts.

How we test mobility scooters

We select the UK's most popular mobility scooters to test out and review, and have consulted mobility charities and Which? members on the most important aspects to test.

We evaluate Class 2 and Class 3 scooters slightly differently, as portability is more important for Class 2 pavement and folding mobility scooters, whereas a smooth ride on outdoor surfaces is more important for Class 3 road and off-road scooters.

We regularly revisit the mobility scooters on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them we do. We pay for every mobility scooter we test.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers, and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Ease of setup, disassembly and portability

We collapse and assemble all of the mobility scooters we test, considering how long it takes, how obviously and easily the different parts fit together, and how easily they fit into the back of a small car for transportation.

Comfort, adjustment and charging

We adjust each mobility scooter and consider how easily the seat and armrests can be customised, how straightforward it is to get on and off each scooter, and how easily the scooter's battery can be plugged in for charging.

Driving experience

• We drive each of the mobility scooters indoors, and on even and uneven concrete surfaces outdoors, and on a camber, to judge how smooth and controlled they are. We also drive Class 3 off-road scooters on dirt tracks.
• We carry out manoeuvres as well as sharp turns, reversing and going over bumps in the path.
• We rate how effectively each mobility scooter minimises vibration and how easily the controls can be handled and understood.

Slopes and hill starts

• To find out how the mobility scooters handle hills, we drive each one up the famous Test Hill at the Brooklands Museum, which gets increasingly steep the higher you go, and record the steepest gradient each one can handle before giving up and switching off.
• We also try hill starts on the Test Hill with each mobility scooter.

Are mobility scooters allowed on the road or a plane?

Class 2 mobility scooters - not allowed on the road

• Class 2 mobility scooters can be driven on pavements and indoor areas such as shops and museums. They are not permitted for use on roads.
• Folding mobility scooters and collapsible mobility scooters, sometimes called 'boot scooters', are also Class 2 and cannot be used on roads.
• They're often cheaper and smaller than road scooters, so if you don't live too far from wherever you need to get to and can get around on pavements, a Class 2 scooter is probably for you.
• Some Class 2 scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph, as that's the legal speed limit for pavements, but many can get up to 6mph.

Class 3 mobility scooters - allowed on the road

• Road-legal mobility scooters are known as Class 3 vehicles, and are generally larger, heavier and more expensive than Class 2 scooters.
• Class 3 mobility scooters are allowed on the road, except for motorways or dual carriageways, and they have a maximum speed of 8mph. They can be driven on the pavement too at a 4mph speed limit.
• Class 3 mobility scooters generally have more powerful motors and batteries than Class 2, so they're better suited to longer journeys and steeper hills. They also have front and rear lights, indicators, hazard lights, a rear-view mirror and a horn.

What licence do I need for a mobility scooter?

• You don't need to have a licence or pay vehicle tax on a mobility scooter.

Do I need to register a mobility scooter with DVLA, tax and insurance?

• You don't have to pay vehicle tax, but you do need to register Class 3 scooters with the DVLA. The retailer you buy your Class 3 scooter from will usually arrange this, but if you need to register a scooter or change the registration details, gov.uk has the information you need.
• If you hav a Class 3 scooter you'll also need to display a ‘nil value’ tax disc. You'll need to fill in a V55/4 form for new vehicles or a V55/5 form for used vehicles.
• It's not required for you to insure your scooter, but it's recommended.

How do I store and secure my mobility scooter?

• Leaving it out in the elements is likely to lead to damage, so we'd recommend storing your scooter inside, at least in a shed or garage if you don't have space for it in your home. If you do have to store it outside, you're best off buying a cover to help protect it.
• For security, most scooters have a key to start the ignition, but you can use a wheel clamp, lock or get a scooter alarm fitted if you want extra peace of mind.
• Depending on whether your mobility scooter will fit in a car, you may also consider purchasing a hoist, which can help lift the scooter into the car. This is especially handy if you want to get out and about without assistance, as even the lightest scooters can prove very heavy to lift.

Can you take a mobility scooter on a plane?

• Yes, you can take mobility scooters on planes, but you should definitely check with the airline before booking, as it may have restrictions on the sizes and types of mobility scooters allowed.
• They shouldn't charge you to take your mobility scooter on board, but you should also check that's the case directly with the airline.

See the best airlines

Can you hire a mobility scooter?

Lots of mobility shops provide mobility scooter hire schemes, if you search 'mobility scooter near me' online, you should be able to find a company locally that will lease you a scooter for a day, a week or a month.

National businesses you can hire scooters from include Mobility Hire, Mobility Giant, National Mobility Hire and Concord Mobility. You can also ask your local disability living centre about other rental options in your area.

Some big supermarkets, DIY shops, tourist attractions and National Trust properties also have mobility scooters available to use within their premises. If you’d like to hire a mobility scooter for a holiday, ask the company if it can arrange for scooters to be delivered to destinations in the UK and abroad.

Important things to think about when hiring a mobility scooter include:

• Check whether the company can deliver the vehicle to your home and whether or not you need to pay a deposit. 
• Make sure you find out who has responsibility for maintaining the scooter and whether you will need to pay for repairs if something goes wrong.
• It is vital that you're given proper guidance and instruction on how to use the scooter before embarking on a journey alone.

See our reviews of the best riser recliner chairs

Second-hand mobility scooters - where can I get one?

Buying a second-hand mobility scooter can be a much more cost-effective way of acquiring one, but there are some extra checks you should do to ensure you won't have any regrets down the line.

1. If you can, visit the retailer in person and take the mobility scooter for a test drive. That way you can get a feel for how it drives and look out for any problems with it.
2. Double-check the warranty terms with the retailer before buying. Every second-hand mobility scooter should be sold with a warranty either included or available for purchase, which will give you peace of mind that if there's an issue the retailer will repair or replace the scooter.
3. It's also worth asking the retailer how old the scooter is and any issues that have been identified with it.

If your mobility scooter needs repairing or needs a part replaced, many second-hand mobility scooter retailers also stock replacement parts and will be able to service your mobility scooter for a fee – a little bit like getting your car sorted for its MOT.

If you already have a mobility scooter and are in the market for a new one, second-hand mobility scooter retailers will likely buy your old one from you or part exchange it for a new one. Search 'Who buys used mobility scooters near me?' online to find the nearest retailers.

For more assistance with mobility at home, see our guide on buying the best adjustable bed.

Who is entitled to a free mobility scooter?

Getting a mobility scooter entirely free isn't often possible, as the charities and schemes that can help you will likely be unable to pay the entire cost. There are plenty of ways to get help with and minimise the costs, though.

How do I get help with the cost of a mobility scooter?

Government grants, tax discounts and assistance from charities are all available to help you finance your mobility scooter. Below are the four main options:

• VAT relief - If you’re disabled or have a long-term illness, you may be eligible for VAT relief, which cuts VAT from the cost of your scooter and makes it cheaper to buy. Most suppliers offer VAT relief prices if you provide a completed self-declaration form from gov.uk.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - If you have difficulty getting around and handling everyday activities, you can get a scooter on PIP payments from the government. You'll receive a monthly benefit that can be put towards buying a mobility scooter. The PIP page  on gov.uk has all the info on how much you can get and how to apply.
• Charities - If you're wondering how do you get a free mobility scooter in the UK, charities such as the Mobility Trust will endeavour to help you if you'll struggle to pay. While you may not be able to get your mobility scooter entirely free, many charities will aim to at least make a contribution to the cost if you need help.
• Second-hand mobility scooters - Used or reconditioned mobility scooters can be bought at reduced rates from mobility retailers such as Mobility Giant, Mobility Smart and Kardinal Independent Living. People do sell mobility scooters on marketplaces such as eBay, Preloved and Gumtree, but we'd recommend going with a retailer that will ensure the quality of scooter and assist you with getting it set up.

Will the NHS pay for a mobility scooter?

Although the NHS can provide wheelchairs to those who need them, it typically doesn't stock or provide mobility scooters. If you need help with financing your purchase of a mobility scooter, the NHS will likely point you in the direction of the Motability scheme.

Motability scheme

The not-for-profit Motability scheme allows people receiving the government’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to lease a mobility scooter or car.

You usually lease your Motability scooter for three years. Here are five things you need to know about the scheme:

1. Higher-rate DLA and PIP payments are applicable - as well as those on lower-rate DLA and PIP payments, you can take part in the scheme if you're currently getting the higher-rate of DLA or the enhanced-rate mobility component of the PIP.
2. War pensioners' mobility supplement are applicable - Motability is also open to people receiving the war pensioners’ mobility supplement and the armed forces independence payment.
3. You'll have an assessment - one of Motability’s dealers will come to your home to assess your needs, and they'll allow you to test drive a scooter before you choose one.
4. Prices start from £12.50 a week - the Motability scheme arranges for the relevant amount to be paid direct every four weeks.
5. Insurance, breakdown and servicing are included - these were provided by RSA Motability, but from September 2023 the insurance provider for the Motability Scheme changed to Direct Line Motability.