Understanding Mobility Scooters
At TGA, we believe that when it’s hard to move, you needn’t stop enjoying life. It’s easy to take the ability to move for granted, until the day that it no longer comes easy.
When walking becomes a challenge, scooters and powerchairs make everyday life easier, enabling you to be spontaneous and free. They offer invaluable assistance and convenience to help maintain your independence and quality of life
Mobility scooters are a lifeline for a wide range of people who are at different stages of their mobility journey. They’re easy to operate, comfortable and, most importantly, they offer a sense of freedom.
We have a wide range of mobility scooters and we understand the different types and their benefits. Most importantly we know how to choose the most suitable one that supports you and your needs.
What Is a Mobility Scooter: An Overview
A mobility scooter is a specifically designed medical device with features and functions to support those who need help or assistance getting around.
When it comes to finding the ideal scooter, there is a lot to consider. Buying a mobility scooter isn’t an everyday experience and if you are just starting to investigate it, we know it can feel overwhelming.
What do you need it for? Where will you take it? What level of comfort do you need? Do you want a compact scooter for easy storage or a large 8mph Class 3 road legal model? Do you need to transport your scooter in the boot of the car or are you looking to go away on holiday? These are just a few of the questions that will guide you to your ideal choice.
Types of Mobility Scooters
We provide mobility scooters tailored to suit all kinds of people with all kinds of needs.
We have compact folding mobility scooters that are transportable, compact for easy storage and travel safely at up to 4mph. They have lightweight lithium batteries for easy transportation, like the Minimo range. We also have the Zest range which dismantle into a few easy to lift parts. You can fit them in the car boot, take them on a trip to the shops or even away with you on holiday.
Mid-size scooters offer more comfort and a longer range for running those daily errands. The Breeze Midi range, for instance, offers all-round suspension and a front and rear lockable box as standard – perfect for storing shopping. The Maximo, meanwhile, is unique in this category in that it is a foldable scooter but has the comfort and leg room of a bigger scooter.
Finally, our large scooters offer the most advanced comfort and with the maximum amount of space. With full suspension, these models are just as much at home on rough terrain as they are on the open road with speeds safely up to 8mph, often referred as Class 3 mobility scooters in the UK. You can even add a solid canopy for extra weather protection as well as many other options and accessories to tailor the scooter to your needs.
TGA’s Range of Mobility Scooters
The purchase of a mobility scooter is a big decision and it is important to have everything you need to know to make an informed choice. TGA has been trading for over 30 years and we’ve committed ourselves to providing quality mobility products of the highest standards to help our customers not just get by but to thrive. Our hands-on experience over the years means we know which scooters are ideal for a wide range of users and their individual circumstances.
TGA has a diverse range of affordable and reliable mobility scooters that include folding mobility scooters if space is at a premium for you. If you’re in search of a more portable option then TGA’s lightweight mobility scooters provide a perfect travel option. You may have more of a desire for adventure, in which you could opt for an off road mobility scooter, allowing you to travel capably and comfortably over rougher terrain. TGA’s 3 wheel mobility scooters provide you with better manoeuvrability. So, if you think that you will be using the scooter in tight spaces, such as shopping centres, these may be the right choice for you.
Choosing a scooter is a very personal decision, so we have a helpful guide called The Essential Mobility Checklist to help guide you and give points to consider, plus we always have helpful mobility advisors to support you through every step. We’re also on hand if you think you may need more information on the current available grants for mobility scooters.
Benefits of Using a Mobility Scooter
Mobility scooters allow people who have trouble moving to get their lives back. They are far more than just getting from A to B. Freedom and independence mean so much more, be it popping to the shops, meeting friends at the café or taking your dogs for a long walk through the woods. The benefits are far reaching for yourself, but also for your friends and family.
Independence and Mobility
16 million people have a mobility challenging illness, impairment or disability in the UK (Family Resources Survey 2021/22). Yet, research undertaken by Surewise in 2022 estimates under 1 million people use a mobility scooter. Scooters simply allow those with limited mobility to move more freely and independently for longer periods of time. With such a wide range of products available, and the right support when purchasing, the correct scooter can enhance every part of your life.
Enhancing Social Interaction
One of the most notable benefits of owning a mobility scooter involves social interaction. It is quite common for people to isolate themselves due to mobility issues, this can happen gradually over time.
Now more than ever, it is important to prioritise wellbeing. Allotments, accessible trails in our National Parks and dog walking through the British countryside are often mentioned as positive activities by our customers that enable them to take life outdoors and meet new people at the same time. The benefit of a scooter is not just physical but very much also mental and emotional health.
Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter
If you’re thinking of purchasing a scooter for yourself or for a loved one, there’s a lot to consider. It can be an exciting journey, as you imagine everything you’ll have the freedom to do independently. But it’s not without it’s challenges. Not all mobility enhancing products are the same and the way they’re used isn’t the same either. Some people just need a bit of extra support, while others need more from their mobility scooter. There’s no right or wrong, it’s a matter of finding what works for you.
Below are two crucial steps of your purchase process that really help ensure you end up with the correct product for you.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before committing to a purchase, there are several elements to consider. Decide upon the scooter’s main use: Is it for short local trips, long-distance travel or both? While folding scooters are suitable for travel and storage, Larger Class 3 scooters would probably suit further afield explorations with their 8mph speed limit, comfortable suspension and longer driving range. Consider your available storage space and the terrain you’ll mostly travel.
We will always help you to arrange a test drive, either at one of our nationwide stockists or if you prefer, we can arrange a demonstration in the convenience of your own home.
Important Features to Look For
Once you have concluded the type of scooter or the types of journeys you’ll be doing it’s important to see what features are available on different scooters. Think about how far you need to travel and the battery range you might need? Where will you charge your batteries? Do you need armrests or a swivel seat? Are cup holders or storage compartments important to you? Will you be travelling in all weathers so may need a rain cover or hardtop canopy?
Each person’s journey with their mobility challenges is different. There truly is no one solution. With our years of experience, we aim to support each stage with you, from your initial enquiry, understanding your needs, right through to keeping your scooter serviced and reliable for you.
Safety Tips for Mobility Scooter Users
Mobility scooters can offer newfound freedom and independence. As scooter users explore this freedom, it is important to stay secure, follow recommended safety practices and maintain their scooters to preserve their longevity and reliability.
How to Operate Safely
Operating a mobility scooter safely relies upon ensuring you have the correct scooter for your needs and environment. Remain alert and mindful of the terrain and those around you, avoiding any environment or terrain that is outside of the scooters or your capability. Keep the scooter’s speed in check so that you feel in control and appropriate for where you are using it. In crowded areas or on the pavement, keep the speed slow, this needs to be less than 4mph. For long-distance travel, or in open outdoor areas a Class 3 scooter can travel safely at speeds up to 8mph but you need to take care and be mindful of everything around you.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular servicing and maintenance increases your mobility scooter’s lifespan and keeps it reliable. Battery care is vital, always use the charger supplied and follow the charging instructions in your user manual. Check your tyres regularly to ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure and regularly inspect for any damage or signs of wear. Simple maintenance and care will mean you can travel a greater distance and get the maximum range from your scooter.
We have a series of useful guides in our help section including one on how to get the most from your batteries.
Cover your scooter to help protect the electric components from the harsh British weather. Lastly, a periodic service check by a professional is essential for your safety and maintaining the warranty on the product. Don’t forget insurance, a crucial element that ensures you can travel safe and securely. Read more about our mobility scooter insurance and service plans.
Need Help? Let us guide you to choose the right mobility scooter
Whilst there is a lot to think about, remember we are always here to aid and guide you. Contact us and register your interest in a TGA scooter today. We have the solution to suit your every need when it comes to enhancing your independence. We also stock a huge range of ex-demonstration and used mobility scooters so we can ensure you find the ideal scooter for your needs and your budget.
Please join our newsletter to keep up to date with our seasonal sale and special offer information as well as news and views.
Call our friendly team of advisors on 0800 107 5349. We are ready to answer any questions you might have and guide you through all available options.
