Mobility scooter chooser: which type suits you?
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Mobility scooters come in three broad types, and the right one depends on where you will ride it, how far, and whether it has to go in a car. Answer five questions and we will tell you which type to look at first, and what to check before you buy.
The three types in brief
| Type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Boot (portable) scooter | Shops, days out by car, smooth ground | Small wheels and battery: short range, a firmer ride, poor on kerbs and hills |
| Mid-size pavement scooter | Regular local trips on pavements | Too heavy to lift into a car; needs somewhere to live |
| Class 3 road scooter | Longer trips, hills, places without pavements | Large and heavy, must be registered, needs a garage or store |
Boot and mid-size scooters are "class 2": they are for pavements and limited to 4mph. Class 3 scooters can also use the road at up to 8mph, must be registered with DVLA and need lights, indicators and a horn. The rules are set out in our mobility scooter guide.
Before you spend anything
- Try one first. Borrow a scooter from a Shopmobility scheme or hire one for a week. It is the quickest way to learn what size you can manage.
- Ask about help with the cost. If you get a qualifying mobility benefit, the Motability Scheme leases scooters, and with a long-term condition you may not have to pay VAT.
- Think second-hand. Scooters lose value fast: see buying second-hand mobility equipment.
- Never buy from a salesperson in your home on the day. Know your cancellation rights.
Common questions
Do I need a licence or insurance for a mobility scooter?
You do not need a driving licence. Insurance is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended. Class 3 scooters must be registered.
Can one scooter do everything?
Not really. A scooter light enough to lift into a car will not be comfortable on a long, hilly trip, and a road scooter will not go in a boot. Choose for the journey you make most often.
What if I cannot lift even a boot scooter?
Look at ones that split into lighter parts or fold automatically, or at a car hoist. A mobility shop or a Driving Mobility centre can show you the options.