Mobility Scooters – 3 Wheel or 4 Wheel
May 5th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Mobility Scooters are often the perfect solution for those who have difficulty walking, but want to maintain their independence and manage everyday tasks on their own.
It is important that you choose mobility scooters that fit your lifestyle, abilities and plans. Considerations such as where and when the mobility scooter will be used, weight capacity, battery life, maneuverability, ease of transport, scooter speed and leg room can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your scooter. You may consider getting more than one scooter to cover indoor mobility, shopping and portability plus all-terrain mobility, long distances and comfort. Two very difference vehicles.
Mobility scooters are not a good option for those who cannot sit erect for long periods or do not have the manual dexterity or strength to operate the controls.
The most obvious difference between mobility scooters is whether they have 3 wheels or 4 wheels, but the difference is more than just looks. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 3-Wheel Scooters
- Greater maneuverability than four wheel scooters because of their tighter turning radius
- Well suited for indoor use, or outdoors on paved streets
- Can maneuver well in crowded areas such as the supermarket or department store
- Lighter weight and most can be disassembled for transport
- Plenty of leg room
- Not recommended for uneven terrain outdoors
- Generally less stable than 4-wheel power scooters
- May not be as heavy-duty or durable
Advantages and Disadvantages of 4 Wheel Scooters
- Most reliable when it comes to outdoor use on rough, uneven terrain
- Two wheels in front and back make for a stable ride
- Turning radius is not as tight as most 3-wheel power scooters and may not allow you to maneuver as well within the home or in crowded areas
- Typically wider and therefore less likely to fit down narrow hallways and tight spaces
- Four wheeled scooters tend to be bigger, heavier, faster, more comfortable and more durable
Important: Advances in metals, materials, engineering and battery life are shattering preconceived assumptions about 3 wheeled versus 4 wheeled scooters. Be sure to read the features carefully.
Related Articles:
5 Things to Consider when Choosing a Mobility Scooter
Please call our mobility specialists at 800-861-3211 if you need help choosing your mobility scooter.
And, as always, thank you for being an AllegroMedical.com customer.
About the Author: Valerie Paxton
Valerie Paxton is a co-founder of AllegroMedical.com and lives in Phoenix, AZ. In 1997 she set out with her business partner, Craig Hood to form Allegro Medical - a company dedicated to helping people lead more independent and healthy lives. They poured their knowledge and experience into AllegroMedical.com and now have more than 1 million cu ... (more)
Ray Maher
September 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I am considering the poosibility of purchasing a new scooter. Type to be determined. My question deals with delivery. Does Allegro provide delivery, set-up and removal of shipping materials. Also, are use instruction provided? Do you help with Medicare and Tricare reimbursement, if appropriate?
Valerie Paxton
September 20th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Hi Ray, Thanks for your note. All of Allegro’s mobility scooters are delivered to you directly, sometimes free of charge depending on the product/promo. Some have a shipping charge, which is listed during checkout.
We use different shippers for different warehouses and brands so the set-up options vary depending on the one you choose. My best advice would be to give us a call at 1-800-861-3211 and talk to a customer care agent about your choices, plus set-up and delivery options/charges.
We do not provide formal hands-on instruction. The manufacturer includes written materials that are delivered with the mobility scooter (warranties, instructions for use).
We are not contracted with Medicare or any other insurance company. If you are qualified for a scooter under medicare/tri-care’s requirements, you will need to find a Medicare provider (usually local to your area) to provide your scooter. We do not bill insurance and you cannot bill Medicare or Tri-care yourself.
Have a great day, Ray. We hope we can help get you into a new scooter.
Dianna Tison
September 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
You hint at one problem..if you purchase a scooter yourself it is difficult to find someone to work on it if you have a problem and it is not purchased through insurance or medicare! This has happened to me.
Valerie Paxton
September 27th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Hi Dianna, If your medical condition qualifies you to get a scooter through insurance or medicare, by all means do it. It is the smart way to go. Most insurance companies, however, and especially medicare are very difficult when it comes to qualifying and ultimately paying for a mobility scooter. As for the repairs, though, I can see how that might be an issue depending on where you live. All of our scooters have manufacturer warranties, though, so that helps!