There are a bewildering amount of mobility scooters to choose from these days.

But just what is a “compact” or otherwise known as; travel, portable, light, etc… scooter, and why should a person purchase one?

Like lift chairs, scooters vary greatly in their design, function, strength and comfort. A portable scooter is specialized for one thing in particular (to take on trips easily in a car or van) and it is excellent as such, since it is designed to be light and break down/fold in order to fit in a small area. Many travel scooters may be broken down and easily placed in the trunk of a car without the need of a special lift.

The 3 wheel travel scooter may also get good marks for performance in at least one area that a larger model may posses. The ability to maneuver easily indoors due to the smaller turn radius you will get with just one wheel in the front, the smaller size itself can also be an advantage when in tight quarters (like in the supermarket).

That being said, there are obvious limitations to the design to counterbalance its strengths; they are typically made primarily for indoor/smooth and easy terrain, the smaller size and portable design may make them less comfortable for people who are taller or heavier than average (make sure you check the models height and weight limits when shopping for a new scooter or lift chair!). Lighter motors and smaller wheels are made for slower speeds ( around 4 miles an hour top speed) and an urban environment. Also, the smaller and lighter batteries may make the range or miles driven per charge shorter than a larger model (usually somewhere in the 10-15 mile range), while the 3 wheel design can be less stable than having 4 wheels for those with poor balance or operating on uneven terrain.

Many folks ultimately decide to have two scooters, one heavier 3 or 4 wheeled model for outdoor and longer distance operation or comfort, and a lightweight model for trips and as a back-up in case their primary scooter needs repairs. The low prices for these compact scooters coupled with their all around usefulness makes them an ideal choice for those on a tight budget or who do not want the hassle and cost of mounting a hydraulic lift in their car or van.

A great 3-wheeled Travel Scooter that is able to handle a weight of up to 300lbs!

Buzzarround 3-Wheel Portable Mobility Scooter This stylish and affordable 3-wheel portable power mobility scooter is easy to take anywhere and quickly disassembles into four, lightweight, easy to transport pieces that fit in most trunks. This item is discontinued and …

For more information, comparisons, and shopping, please visit our Main Scooter Page