Suffering from arthritis is a constant and unpredictable battle.
One day, the pain isn’t quite so bad, and the next, it’s excruciating, and you can hardly move your fingers. Walking or simply moving around can leave you exhausted – if you can manage to walk at all.
Within this context, investing in a mobility scooter is definitely an empowering option, promising a return to some of the freedoms you enjoyed before your diagnosis.
However, if you’re considering restoring your hard-won independence with a new or used mobility scooter – there are some crucial things to think about if you have arthritis.
The model you choose has to be very comfortable so you can sit on it for long periods, easy to get in and out of when just slight movement can be agonising – and the controls must be simple to use with your painful hands.
It must also be well built and durable so you can go off-road or handle that rough track before reaching the pavement – and the battery must be powerful so you’re not left stranded on the way home.
And lastly, but not exhaustively, the mobility scooter you decide upon must be competitively priced and affordable because that’s a prerequisite.
So, what are the best mobility scooters for arthritis sufferers? Let’s look at some options.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Mobility Scooter for Arthritis
We’ve mentioned your scooter must be comfortable to ease your arthritis – so what does this actually mean in terms of the features you should look out for?
Comfort and Ergonomics
An ergonomic design with a supportive or orthopaedic seat is essential, plus ample legroom so your knees aren’t pushed up against the control tiller.
In this regard, a 3-wheel scooter offers more legroom than a 4-wheel model, as the wheel arch is in the middle, leaving more space for your legs and feet on either side.
Active suspension is also key, giving you a smooth ride that reduces stress on your joints – whether you’re walking the dog by the river or window shopping on the high street.
Adjustable Seating
Seating shouldn’t just be comfortable as standard – but adjustable too, with a backrest that matches your driving posture.
Look for armrests that swing up for easy access and a seat that rotates 90 degrees, letting you place your feet on the ground before standing. Everyone loves this feature the first time they try it
Other Important Features to Look For
Easy-to-Use Controls
If you’ve got arthritis, being able to easily push all the buttons and pull the levers to actually drive your scooter is essential.
So choose a model with controls designed for minimal hand and arm pressure, making them ideal for users with limited dexterity.
You’ll also need the controls set close to your body, with an accelerator that can be switched for left or right-hand operation.
Lightweight Reliable Batteries
Look for models that come with powerful lithium batteries for reduced weight and the ability to travel longer distances.
This offers great peace of mind that you won’t run out of charge if you’ve met friends for coffee at the other end of town.
Sturdy, Well Balanced Design
Also ensure your chosen scooter is built to be sturdy and well balanced, so you feel safe and secure when driving on pavements, uneven surfaces or even up and down kerbs.
Such dependable performance comes from advanced suspension, chunky tyres and shock absorption to minimise the impact on your joints.
Types of Mobility Scooters Ideal for Arthritis
Folding Mobility Scooters
Folding mobility scooters are easy to transport and store, making them perfect for day trips, errands and popping out for those bits you forgot at the supermarket.
Their lightweight construction allows you to easily fold them, lift them, and fit them in the boot of your car or the cupboard under the stairs.
3-Wheel vs 4-Wheel Models
3-wheel scooters provide better legroom, while 4-wheel scooters offer more stability, especially for off-road use.
Choosing between these models depends on your specific needs in terms of where you live and what you’ll be using your scooter for.
Boot Scooters
Compact boot scooters are like folding models but simply come apart into several easy-to-store pieces. These models are also, therefore, perfect for popping in your car boot for short trips out.
Although more compact than larger four wheel and off road models, these types of scooters still offer comfortable seats, active suspension, and easy manoeuvrability for urban settings like shopping centres.
Popular Mobility Scooter Options If You’ve Got Arthritis
Let’s match all the features we’ve mentioned to some of the best models you might consider if you’ve got arthritis.
TGA Supersport
The 3-wheel Supersport is our cult-classic Harley Davidson-style scooter, finished in black and chrome, giving it an ‘Easy Rider’ look more like a motorbike. We don’t think Henry Fonda had a basket on the back for his shopping though.
This versatile model is equally adept over rough terrain as it is on the road or pavement, and a strong battery gives you plenty of power and range when you want to ‘get out on the highway’.
The Supersport can also be ordered with a longer chassis, giving you a footplate perfect for a relaxed leg position. This added space makes this model (and all 3-wheelers) ideal for taller people, both in terms of getting on and off your scooter and sitting on it comfortably when nipping to Waitrose.
The Supersport’s steering and controls are designed for ultimate ease of use for people with arthritis, and are positioned closer to your body for comfort.
Minimal pressure is needed for operation, so even with those painful fingers, you’ll be able to drive it. The accelerator lever can even be adjusted for left or right-hand use, depending on what you find most comfortable.
Anne’s Story With Arthritis and the Supersport
Anne Sprint, 67, from West Yorkshire, has been able to continue her lifelong passion for travel after investing in a Supersport. Anne has rheumatoid arthritis, which means she can drive, but when parked up, she struggles to walk far.
To solve this, she takes her off-road 3-wheel Supersport on her travels. Using her large motorhome as a base and the scooter garaged inside with ramps, she has explored most of the UK, including remote places such as the Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands.
In Anne’s 40 years of touring, she has also taken her scooter and motorhome across France, Belgium and Holland.
“I’ve travelled all my life; you can’t beat it. Without my Supersport, I’d have lost that feeling of freedom,” Anne says. “In all the years I’ve had my scooter, it’s never failed me. It also lets me walk my two dogs, Taya and Derby. They’re getting on a bit now at 15 so also ride on the footplate! I say to anyone who enjoys camping, the outdoors, going off-road, discovering unusual and remote places – you’ll do no better than getting a Supersport.”
Breeze S3 & S4
Another versatile 3-wheel scooter with active suspension to handle any terrain you can throw at it, the popular Breeze S3 offers complete comfort with an adjustable, rotating seat for easy access – and those moveable arm and back rests mentioned above.
Large alloy wheels and a tight turning circle make this scooter brilliant on crowded pavements, and with lockable, weatherproof storage boxes both front and back – you can fit in your purse, wallet, phone and keys, plus a full bag of special offers from your reduced raid at Sainsbury’s.
If you want further options, such as twist grips, foot pedals, and added clearance and stability on rough terrain – the 4-wheel Breeze S4 brings all these features to the table (and more).
Vita E and S
The 4-wheel Vita E and Vita S models are also great to consider if you’re living with arthritis.
Featuring a host of features to maximise your comfort, including pneumatic tyres, active suspension, and high ground clearance – these versatile models promise a smooth ride both around town and off the beaten track.
With solid build quality and powerful batteries for those longer trips out, these scooters come with water bottle holders, charging sockets and easy tiller adjustment.
With added extras on the more sporty Vita S, including rear mono shock absorbers, extra lights and a full digital display – these off-road models will help ‘get your motor running’ and restore your sense of independence and adventure.
Benefits of a Mobility Scooter for Arthritis
Reducing Your Discomfort
The great thing about using a mobility scooter if you have arthritis, is it allows you to manage walking distances better and reduce joint strain, keeping you active without excessive pain.
As discussed above, the Supersport, Vita and Breeze models (plus others in the TGA range) come equipped with active suspension that ensures you enjoy a smoother ride, reducing stress on sore joints to make walking the dog or that afternoon shopping with friends an enjoyable experience again.
Customised Comfort
Seating that adjusts to your body is vital for comfort, especially if you’re struggling with arthritis.
Many of the models in the TGA range, including the ones already mentioned, offer customisable seating and tiller configurations that let you relax your arms and shoulders at the right height while driving.
This unique feature helps you avoid fatigue and maintain proper joint alignment, which is key when you’re using your scooter for a long time – such as on day trips or touring further afield like fellow arthritis sufferer and adventurer Anne Sprint.
Regain Your Independence: Try a Mobility Scooter Today
If arthritis is making it harder to get around, a TGA Mobility scooter could be the key to reclaiming your freedom.
For over 30 years, we’ve helped thousands of people like you find the perfect mobility solution – tailored to your exact needs, lifestyle, and comfort. Our expert team is here to listen, advise, and support you every step of the way.
When you’re ready:
- Request a free brochure to explore our full range.
- Take a test drive and experience the difference for yourself at one of our showrooms in Farnham and Sudbury in Suffolk.
- Get flexible finance options and free delivery to make ownership easier than ever.
Call us today at 0333 251 4572 or email info@tgamobility.co.uk to take the first step towards greater independence.
TGA Mobility – helping you move freely again.
Pictured: TGA scooter user, Anne Sprint on her Supersport
