Thinking about getting a scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme? There are lots of choices to help you stay mobile and independent.
Some are small and easy to transport, while others are built for longer trips.
Here’s a guide to the different types of powered wheelchairs and scooters available on the Scheme and how they might work for you.
The difference between scooters and powered wheelchairs
Powered wheelchairs are designed for those with greater mobility challenges. Scooters suit those requiring less assistance.
If you need help choosing the right product for you, use our find a vehicle tool.
Scooters
Transportable scooters: Great for short trips
If you can walk short distances but need extra support when you’re out, a transportable scooter could be a good choice for you.
These scooters can be taken apart into smaller, lighter pieces. The heaviest part is usually about 15kg, making it easier to lift into a car boot.
Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller 4
They’re ideal for:
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Shopping trips
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Days out with family
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Short journeys in flat, accessible areas
Top speed: 4mph
Explore our full range of transportable scooters
Folding scooters: Compact and convenient
Like transportable scooters, folding scooters are designed for people who do not need a mobility aid all the time but would like support when they’re out.
The difference? These scooters fold up for easy storage. Some fold manually, while others fold at the push of a button.
Folding scooters are often heavier than transportable ones (between 15kg and 30k), so you may need someone to help lift them.
One Rehab Qfold
They’re ideal for:
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Storing in small spaces
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Taking on public transport
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Using on flat, paved surfaces
Top speed: 4mph
Explore our full range of foldable scooters
Pavement scooters: For longer trips
These scooters are bigger and more comfortable, making them better for longer journeys. They have a bigger battery, and some include suspension, lights, and indicators.
Invacare Leo
They’re ideal for:
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Getting around your local area
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Travelling further on pavements
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A smoother, more comfortable ride
Top speed: 4mph
Explore our full range of pavement scooters
Road-legal scooters: For greater freedom
If you want to travel further and use both pavements and roads, a road-legal scooter could be right for you.
These scooters are the biggest on the Scheme. They have lights, indicators, and mirrors, just like a car. Some even have a canopy to keep you dry in bad weather.
Monarch Sprint8
They’re ideal for:
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Travelling longer distances
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Use on rougher terrain than standard UK roads
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A mix of road and pavement use
Top speed: 8mph (on roads), 4mph (on pavements)
Explore our full range of road-legal scooters
Powered Wheelchairs
Standard powered wheelchairs: For home and outdoor use
These are for people who need extra help getting around but can still move in their seat on their own. Some models fold up or come apart for transport.
Excel Mobility Quest
They’re ideal for:
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Moving around at home and outdoors
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Shorter trips
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People who do not need postural support
Top speed: 4mph
Explore our full range of standard powered wheelchairs
Configurable powered wheelchairs: For all-day support
These wheelchairs are designed for people who spend most of the day in their chair and need extra postural support.
They can be adjusted with features like seat tilt, seat risers, backrest recline, and pressure-relieving cushions. Some can also be controlled with the head, chin, or switches if using hand controls is difficult.
Otto Bock Juvo
They’re ideal for:
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All-day use
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People who need extra support with posture
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A higher level of customisation
Top speed: Up to 8mph (for Class 3 models with lights and indicators)
Explore our full range of configurable powered wheelchairs
Find the right fit for you with the Motability Scheme
Choosing the right scooter or powered wheelchair is about finding what works best for your needs.
Think about how and where you’ll use it, how much support you need, and whether you’ll need to transport it in a vehicle.
Use our find a vehicle tool to explore our full range of vehicles or find out more about the Scheme.
