Arthritis can significantly affect your mobility, making it more difficult to get around and carry out daily tasks. If you or a loved one is living with arthritis, a mobility scooter can offer much-needed freedom and independence.
However, selecting the right scooter is crucial to ensure comfort, ease of use, and a better quality of life. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a mobility scooter for arthritis:
1. Comfort and support
For people with arthritis, comfort is a top priority. Prolonged periods of sitting or inadequate support can worsen joint pain and discomfort. Look for scooters with:
Ergonomic seats: Ensure the seat is padded and designed to provide good posture support. Adjustable seats are beneficial for accommodating different body types.
Armrests and backrests: Choose scooters with padded armrests and a supportive backrest to alleviate pressure on your joints.
Adjustable handlebars or controls: These features can be adjusted to match your preferred hand position, reducing strain on your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
2. Maneuverability and turning radius
Arthritis often leads to stiffness in the joints, which can make turning and manoeuvring more difficult. Consider the following:
Tight turning radius: Scooters with a small turning radius are easier to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces or crowded environments.
Swivel seats: Some mobility scooters come with seats that swivel, making it easier to get on and off and reducing the need for awkward twisting motions.
3. Weight capacity and stability
It’s essential to choose a scooter that can support your weight and provide the stability needed to prevent tipping or falling. Check the scooter's:
Weight capacity: Ensure the scooter has a sufficient weight capacity to comfortably support the user.
Wide base and low centre of gravity: Scooters with a wider base provide better stability, especially when navigating uneven or sloped surfaces.
4. Ease of use
For those with arthritis, ease of use is key. Look for features that make operating the scooter simpler:
Intuitive controls: Choose a scooter with easy-to-use, user-friendly controls, such as a tiller that’s adjustable and simple to steer.
Throttle and brakes: Some scooters come with simple thumb controls that can be easier on your hands than twist throttles. Also, look for responsive brakes to ensure safe stopping.
5. Battery life and range
The battery life of your scooter can affect how far you can travel and how often it needs recharging. Consider:
Battery capacity: Opt for a scooter with a battery that offers sufficient range for your typical daily activities.
Charging ease: Choose a scooter with an easily accessible charging port and consider models with removable batteries for convenience.
6. Portability and storage
If you plan on travelling or need to store the scooter, portability is an important factor:
Compact design: Look for lightweight, foldable models that can be easily stored or transported in a car.
Disassemble for travel: Some scooters can be disassembled into smaller parts, making it easier to transport in a vehicle.
7. Terrain Compatibility
Consider the type of surfaces you’ll be using the scooter on when selecting the right model:
Indoor vs. outdoor use: If you mostly use the scooter indoors, a smaller, lightweight model may suffice. For outdoor use, you may need a more robust scooter with larger wheels and better suspension to handle rough terrain.
Wheel size: Larger wheels and a good suspension system are ideal for navigating outdoor environments, such as grass or uneven surfaces.
8. Adjustable speed settings
Many people with arthritis find that a slower speed provides greater control and stability. Choose a scooter with adjustable speed settings that you can tailor to your comfort level.
9. Cost and warranty
Mobility scooters can be an investment, so it’s important to consider your budget. While more affordable models are available, ensure you’re not sacrificing essential features for a lower price. Additionally, look for:
Warranty coverage: A good warranty will provide peace of mind and help with any unexpected repairs or issues.
Service availability: Check if the manufacturer offers local service centres or reliable customer support.
Popular mobility scooter options if you have arthritis
When selecting a mobility scooter to accommodate arthritis, it's essential to consider factors such as comfort, support, manoeuvrability, and ease of use. At We Do Mobility, we offer a range of scooters designed to meet these needs. Here are some options to consider:
Vortex with Canopy: Designed by Electric Mobility, the Vortex offers exceptional legroom, an adjustable tiller, and a super comfortable seat, making it suitable for users seeking enhanced comfort and support. The waterproof USB power output ensures your mobile phone is always charged, or alternatively provides power for a GPS unit. View this item here.
Sterling S700 Scooter: The S700 is designed for outdoor adventures, featuring superior performance with larger 33cm tyres and advanced 4-wheel suspension. It tackles gradients of up to 10 degrees and higher kerbs, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The large 75Ah battery offers an extended range of up to 45km. View this item here.
Viper: The Viper offers modern styling with state-of-the-art controls, one-touch tiller adjustment, and delta bars as standard. It features fully independent front and rear suspension, large 14" stylish alloy wheels, and an ergonomic adjustable seat that is comfortable, rotating, and includes a sliding and reclining facility. View this item here.
Rollz Motion Rollator & Wheelchair: Designed to provide two walking aids in one, the Rollz Motion combines the flexibility of a rollator with the comfort of a wheelchair. It comes equipped with handgrips, footrests, and lumbar support to help those with impaired mobility reclaim their independence. View this item here.
Why choose We Do Mobility?
When selecting a mobility scooter, it’s important to partner with a trusted provider. We Do Mobility is a family-run business dedicated to enhancing your mobility and independence. With showrooms in Uxbridge and Beaconsfield, we offer a wide range of new and pre-loved mobility equipment tailored to your needs.
Our experienced team is committed to providing exceptional service and support, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your lifestyle. We also offer free private shopping experiences, either in-store or at your home, to help you make an informed decision.
Contact us
For personalised assistance and to explore our range of mobility scooters and equipment, visit us at:
Uxbridge showroom: 1 The Parade, High St, Cowley, Uxbridge, UB8 2EP. Find us here
Beaconsfield showroom: 4-5 The Arcade, Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1QT. Find us here
Alternatively, you can reach us by phone at 01895 812 776.