Choosing a mobility scooter comes down to a few honest questions: where will you use it, how far will you travel, and where will you store it? This guide walks through the main decisions so you can narrow things down before visiting one of our Kent showrooms.
Class 2 vs Class 3: what's the difference?
| Class 2 (pavement) | Class 3 (road-legal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | Up to 4mph | Up to 8mph |
| Where you can ride | Pavements only | Pavements and roads |
| Registration | Not required | Registration with DVLA required (no driving licence needed) |
| Typical use | Local trips, shopping, indoor/outdoor use | Longer journeys, rural areas without pavements |
Which type suits you?
- Boot and travel scooters — lightweight, dismantle or fold to fit in a car boot. Best if you plan to travel by car or want to store it easily at home.
- Folding scooters — fold as one unit, often with fewer parts to lift, good for people with limited strength.
- Medium/mid-size scooters — more stability and range, suited to regular outdoor use over longer distances.
- Road-legal Class 3 scooters — larger, faster, and built for road use as well as pavements.
Battery range — what's realistic?
Manufacturer range figures are usually based on ideal conditions: a flat surface, a lighter rider, and a full charge. In everyday Kent use — hills, stop-starting, colder weather — expect noticeably less than the quoted maximum. As a rule of thumb, plan around 60–75% of the advertised range for realistic day-to-day journeys, and always charge fully before longer trips.
Will it fit in my car boot?
Check the folded or dismantled weight and dimensions on the product page — this varies a lot between models. If you're not sure your scooter will fit your car, bring your car (or a photo and measurements) into one of our showrooms and we'll help you match a model that works.
Terrain and pavements
If you live somewhere with kerbs, gravel, or uneven pavements, look for a scooter with larger wheels and good ground clearance. Our team can advise on the best model for your specific local streets.
Motability and VAT relief
Many of our scooters are available through the Motability Scheme, and most qualifying customers can buy VAT-free. See our VAT Relief and Motability Guide for full details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a mobility scooter on a plane?
Most airlines allow scooters as checked mobility equipment, but battery type (lithium vs sealed lead-acid) affects what's permitted. Always check with your airline in advance, and ask us about your specific model's battery type.
Can I use a scooter indoors?
Compact and folding models are generally the most manageable indoors. We can advise on turning circles for your home.
How often should a scooter be serviced?
We recommend an annual service as a minimum, more often with heavy use. See our servicing and repairs page.
Is a home demonstration available?
Yes — we offer home demonstrations across Kent. Get in touch to arrange one.
See the full range
Browse our full range of mobility scooters, or visit your nearest Kent showroom to try before you buy.
