Renting or Buying a Mobility Scooter

If you have mobility issues, you are well aware of the frustration that comes with. Being unable to keep up with family when you go out. Long trips to and from any store. Parking issues. Sometimes a cane isn’t enough, and a wheelchair is too much. Is there a comfortable medium?

Mobility scooters are the answer you’re looking for. The speed a mobility scooter offers will beat the benefits from any cane or wheelchair. Scooters also allow users to be independent—no need for someone to push you around.

Modern Mobility Scooters

If you have ever used a mobility scooter temporarily, you probably think they are bulky, heavy and slow. This is not the case if you are buying or renting a scooter from a medical equipment store! Unlike mobility scooters used by grocery stores, shopping malls and other large destinations, today’s scooters are made to be fast and easy.

Most modern mobility scooters weigh less than 100 lbs. and they break down into small pieces. Being able to break a scooter down and throw it in the trunk of a sedan is not only easy but great for your wallet. Custom scooter lifts for cars or vans can cost thousands of dollars!

Many scooters manufactured today have top speeds of 5-10 mph. This may seem slow, but the average human walking speed is 3.1 mph. Needless to say, you’ll have no problem keeping up with your family. You may even have to slow down for them to catch up!

Modern Mobility Scooter Features

Not only are they light and fast, but newer mobility scooter models also offer some features that can help with special needs.

Seats can be customized in several ways. Seat width has been an issue for some people in the past, but most major mobility scooter manufacturers can adjust seat width on any model up to 24”. Swivel seats are available for those who have trouble getting onto their scooter seat from the side.

Easy-to-charge-batteries are also in the mix with today’s scooters. Instead of bending over and plugging your batteries directly to the charger, many modern scooters allow you to charge on the driving console. Charge your scooter by connecting the charger to your steering wheel or drive shaft—it’s that simple.

Renting a “New Scooter”

If purchasing a newer scooter is out of your price range, renting one for a special event may be just what you need.

I will say that if you use a mobility scooter every day, you should look into purchasing a good model. The larger price tag is worth it in most cases, saving you a lot of headaches (transportation and storage to name two). If you need a mobility scooter less than once a week, however, renting is a great option.

Call your local medical equipment store and tell them about the event you need a scooter for. Scooter models are recommended for the event you will be attending based on terrain, distance, and comfort. A 4-wheel speedster is great for an outside event while a small 3-wheel model is great for indoor events.

Mobility Scooters at Oswald’s

We take our scooter section seriously. With over 15 models on the floor, charged and ready to test, you will find the scooter you need. Our Medical Equipment Showroom team can answer any questions you have about scooters, including recommendations for rentals.

We also service mobility scooters and our technicians have been certified by major manufacturers. If you need to a repair or you are looking to rent or buy, give us all call anytime. We’re open 7 days a week.

If you would like to see some pictures of our scooter stock or have longer questions, send us an email. We’ll find the answer you need.

Written by Wil Anderson

Wil has been working for Oswald's since 1994. A 6th generation member of the Wickel-Oswald-Kester-Anderson family, Wil focuses on web development, inventory, and sales. With over 10 years of experience selling durable and home medical equipment, Wil is an expert on helping people find what they need to use after major surgery or an accident. Wil graduated with a BA in English Literature from Knox College in 2008, minoring in History. A graduate of Naperville North High School in 2004, Wil is a lifelong Naperville resident and is currently a columnist for Positively Naperville.