Folding mobility scooters allow anyone to gain mobility and independence. These types of scooters are great for an active lifestyle combined with the ease of transporting. Because they fold easier than other types of mobility scooters they allow just about anyone who needs one a better way to transport the scooter in vehicles and other forms of transportation.
We take an in-depth look at these types of scooters and put our list of the top 5 best folding mobility scooters and what their strengths and weaknesses are so you can choose the top make and model for your individual needs in terms of a folding scooter.
- What is a folding mobility scooter?
- Why should you choose a folding mobility scooter?
- Different types of Scooters
- Difference between a 3-wheel and 4-wheel portable scooter
- Top 5 Best Folding Mobility Scooters
- Top Folding Scooters Comparison Chart
- 1. Pride Go-Go Ultra X4 Wheel Scooter
- 2. Ezfold Super Lightweight Foldable Scooter (43 lbs)
- 3. Shoprider Echo 3 Wheel Scooter
- 4. Golden LiteRider 4 Wheel Scooter
- 5. Pride Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter
- Best folding mobility Scooter buying guide
- Weight of the portable scooter
- Foldability of the mobility scooter
- How far can your folding mobility scooter go?
- Max weight capacity
- How fast do portable folding mobility scooters go?
- Our final thoughts on the best folding mobility scooters
What is a folding mobility scooter?
A folding mobility scooter is a scooter that can be folded or can be talked apart without the use of tools. These scooters are excellent choices for seniors or anyone else who wants to live a more active lifestyle.
Not only can these types of scooters fold but they are made with lightweight parts and materials that are easy to carry and lift when transporting.
Why should you choose a folding mobility scooter?
Those of you out there that want to stay active by using a folding mobility scooter to help get you around should seriously consider using a bolding scooter. These scooters are lighter and fold up smaller than a traditional scooter. Because of this you can move and store these types of scooters much easier.
Taking your scooter with you on vacation or even in the car will be easier in terms of other types of scooters on the market.
Different types of Scooters
There are different categories of scooters. Each category excels in certain aspects. The below are how we break them down and what they are best used for.
Why use itPortableOutdoorIndoor Heavy-dutyGood for:For active users who want to travel and have a lightweight foldable scooter that is lighter than most. | Traveling outdoors over rougher grounds like thicker grass, rocks, and another terrain. | Indoor use because of the narrow bases and tighter turning radius. This would consist of 3-wheel scooters | Users that need to accommodate the extra weight. These models use bigger motors and have a wider base and tires. | |
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Not so good for: | Rough terrain or higher grass because of traditionally smaller tires. | Indoor use around smaller tighter spaces because of larger turning radius. | Outdoor use where terrain can cause problems with smaller wheels. A not great option for bariatric users. | Indoor use in tight spaces. These scooters require a little more room when turning. |
Difference between a 3-wheel and 4-wheel portable scooter
Both 3 and 4 wheel scooters are excellent ways to get around for anyone who has mobility issues. And while they both perform the same function they have a few small differences in terms of 3 or 4 wheels. You can expect that:
- The 3-wheeled scooter makes tighter turns in less space than a 4-wheel model scooter. 3-wheel scooters may also utilize an Anti-tip wheel that is under the scooter close to the front wheel to help with stabilization.
- 4-wheel scooters tend to give you better stabilization due to the wider wheelbase and of course the 4-wheels. They also provide a little more room at foot level. They may not turn as sharp and maybe a little harder to use in really tight spaces.
Top 5 Best Folding Mobility Scooters
RANK | Product | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 |
4.8/5 |
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#2 |
4.5/5 |
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#3 |
4.5/5 |
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#4 |
4.5/5 |
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#5 |
4.5/5 |
Top Folding Scooters Comparison Chart
Pride Go-Go Ultra X4 Wheel Scooter | EXfold Super Lightweight Foldable Scooter | Shoprider Echo 3 Wheel Scooter | GoldenLiteRider 4 Wheel Scooter | Pride Victory 10 4-wheel scooter | |
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Weight Capacity: | 260 lbs. | 250 lbs | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 400 lbs. |
Product weight: | 80 lbs. | 43 lbs. | 70 lbs. | 133 lbs. | 137 lbs. |
Drive range: | 7.2 miles | 18 miles | 8 miles | 12.5 miles | 15.5 – 16 miles |
Max speed: | 4 mph | 10 mph | 3.8 mph | 5 mph | 5.3 mph |
1. Pride Go-Go Ultra X4 Wheel Scooter
The Pride Go-Go Ultra X4 wheel scooter is our top choice for the best portable scooter. We love the one-handed frame disassembly and the drop-in battery box. This scooter delivers excellent performance at a great value and includes a one-year in-home service plan.
The heavies part of this scooter is just 28 pounds making it manageable for most people to get this inside a vehicle after is disabled for transport.
The auto-latching lockup mechanism allows for a simple frame separation. The fame design disassembles into 5 very lightweight pieces for easy storage or transport.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 260 lbs
- Product weight: 80 lbs.
- Seat width: 17″
- Seat depth: 17″
- Drive range: 7.2 miles
- Max speed: 4 mph
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Auto-latching lockup permits frame separation with one hand
- Easy to disassemble and travel with
- Battery and charger included
- Great performance and value
Cons
- Drive range is on the low side
2. Ezfold Super Lightweight Foldable Scooter (43 lbs)
This 3-wheel foldable scooter is also at the top of our list for the best overall foldable scooter. This is probably one of the most compact and easiest scooters to travel with. It can fold into a compact travel size in under 3 seconds and fits in almost any trunk. The best part is there is no dissemble required to achieve this.
We love the fact that this scooter only weighs a total of 43 lbs. Not to mention it has a top speed of 10 mph and is considered to be the fastest scooter in the class of foldable.
Oh, did we also mention this has a range with a battery fully charged of 18 miles!
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Product weight: 43 lbs.
- Seat width: 16″
- Seat depth: 16″
- Drive range: 18 miles
- Max speed: 10 mph
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- One of the lightest portable scooters
- 10 mph speed
- 18-mile range
- Excellent for travel
Cons
- Not many drawbacks
3. Shoprider Echo 3 Wheel Scooter
This portable scooter excels in some areas and is a great overall choice when it comes to lighter 3-wheel folding scooters. For one this particular model is great for smaller spaces when turning and getting around is necessary.
It has an adjustable seat height, armrests, and flat-free tires to ensure long-lasting outdoor and indoor mobility.
It also comes with a basket to store stuff in while on the move. This is a great scooter at a great price range making it a top choice among foldable scooters.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Product weight: 70 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″
- Seat depth: 16″
- Drive range: 8 miles
- Max speed: 3.8 mph
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Run-flat tires
- Adjustable seat height
- Armrests
- Good value
Cons
- The lower range on distance per full charge
- Slowest of the foldable models in terms of speed that we reviewed
4. Golden LiteRider 4 Wheel Scooter
Right off the bat, you see the sleek style this folding scooter has. The low-profile black tires and tubular frame design are not only attractive but can support up to 300 pounds of weight. It is also wireless, so disassembly is straightforward.
The stadium-style seat is super comfortable and comes with adjustable armrests and a full 360-degree swivel for getting off or on the scooter easily.
For those who need to store more stuff, you get a storage basket on the front and one under the seat for maximum storage room.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Product weight: 133 lbs.
- Seat width: 17″ – 20″
- Seat depth: 16″ -18″
- Drive range: 12.5 miles
- Max speed: 5 mph
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Stadium seating
- Excellent storage
- Attractive styling
- Great drive distance
Cons
- Heavier than other foldable models
5. Pride Victory 10 4-Wheel Scooter
this is a great 4-wheel portable scooter that while heavier than most on our list it is packed with features and comfort. There is plenty of room for your feet because of the wide style of the body. The seat is extremely comfortable for long drives.
The tires on this particular model are non-scuffing and low-profile that not only look good but perform great.
The LED headlights will help you light up your way in the dark and also comes with a back-lit battery meter.
When it comes to the mileage you can go the distance with this foldable scooter. On a full battery, you can travel from 15.5 tiles to 16 miles.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Product weight: 137 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″ – 22″
- Seat depth: 17″ – 22″
- Drive range: 15.5 -16 miles
- Max speed: 5.3 mph
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Very far drive range
- Excellent tires
- LED headlights for driving in the dark
Cons
- Heavier than other foldable models
Best folding mobility Scooter buying guide
There are a few key features you should be aware of when purchasing a portable scooter. The below will highlight these areas and what you should look for before your next purchase.
Weight of the portable scooter
Because you are looking for a portable scooter you will want to make sure that you or someone you are with like a caregiver can in fact lift the scooter into a vehicle when necessary.
Portable scooters are lighter than other types of scooters but still can be heavy for someone alone to lift these in and out of a vehicle. You can expect to see weights from 43 lbs to 140 pounds on average for a portable scooter.
Foldability of the mobility scooter
One of the main reasons to purchase a portable scooter is the fact it can fold to a smaller size and be taken with you almost wherever you decide to go. This may be on vacation or simply in the car to a friend’s house.
Either way, the ability of our scooter to fold smaller than its current rideable stage is important. Your portable scooter should be able to fold down without the help of tools in just a min or two and be put back to ridable in the same amount of time.
The best portable scooters have removable parts that make folding fast and easy for transport.
How far can your folding mobility scooter go?
Folding scooters should provide a decent amount of miles on a single full charge. Portable scooters are somewhat smaller and lighter than a typical mobility scooter and the batteries may not last as long as some other scooters.
You should look at an average drive mileage of anywhere from 7 miles all the way up to 15 miles on a full charge when using a newer battery.
Max weight capacity
The max weight capacity should be something you look at carefully. Always try and go up if you are right at the maximum weight level of a mobility scooter.
These weight limits are in place to keep you safe and it will be wiser to opt for a scooter that can easily manage your weight and not push the limit.
you can expect to see weight limits from 250 lbs. to 400 lbs on portable scooters. Bariatric devices will be able to hold even higher weights if needed.
How fast do portable folding mobility scooters go?
There are safe limits that are put into place by most manufacturers on mobility devices. You can expect to see speeds on full batteries of 3.5 to as fast as 10 mph. These devices are meant to bring back independence and safety while getting active again.
Speed should not be a major factor in a buying decision for most of us. However, you should really pay attention to turning and the radius of turn while on your portable scooter. Take these turns slow to help minimize tipping.
Our final thoughts on the best folding mobility scooters
The best portable scooters in our opinion are excellent investments for anyone who has an active lifestyle and wants the ability to take their mobility scooter with them most places they go.
These scooters are light enough, provide long drive times, and really give back your sense of adventure and independence. Be sure to choose the best scooter that fits your personal needs in terms of size, weight capacity, and foldability.