Start with how it will actually be used, not the spec sheet
The biggest mistake in mobility scooter selection is working backwards from the model with the longest range or the most features, rather than from the client's real week: the terrain around their home, whether it needs to fit in a car boot or through narrow doorways, and how far they realistically travel in a single trip.
Class 2 vs Class 3
Class 2 scooters are lighter, easier to transport, and suited to pavements and indoor use at lower speeds. Class 3 scooters are road-legal, faster, and built for longer outdoor journeys, but they're heavier and need more storage space. For most clients moving between home and local shops, a Class 2 is often the better everyday fit; for those covering longer distances or needing to travel on roads, Class 3 is worth the extra size and weight.
Portability matters more than people expect
A scooter that can't easily be broken down or loaded by the client or their carer often ends up parked permanently at home. If transport in a car is a requirement, prioritise models with lightweight, quick-release components over raw battery range.
Battery range: buy above the estimate
Manufacturer range figures are measured under ideal conditions. Cold weather, hills, and carrying shopping all reduce real-world range. As a rule of thumb, choose a battery range at least 30-50% above the client's typical daily distance.
Try before you commit
Turning radius, seat comfort, and control layout all feel different in person than they do on paper. This is exactly why we offer private studio and in-home trials — it lets clients test a scooter on their own driveway, through their own front door, and on the terrain they'll actually use it on, before any funding is committed.
Talk to an OT if funding is involved
If the scooter is being funded through NDIS or a Home Care Package, an occupational therapist's assessment will usually be required to justify the specific model and features. Looping in your OT early avoids delays later in the funding process.