FAQ Mobility Scooters
All Star Medical offers folding mobility scooters which offer the user the ability to fold the scooter into a compact shape to easily store the scooter in the trunk of a car, the back seat or in the storage area of an SUV or van. A large number of first-time shoppers have the idea that a folding scooter would be much easier to handle and store compared to a portable compact scooter that disassembles into a few pieces. Be advised that folding scooters do have a 1 or 2 step process to fold, but the scooter is still, for the most part, still fully assembled and could be heavier to lift into the vehicle. Compared to a portable scooter that disassembles, the pieces are lighter and easier to lift, depending on the model you are interested in. While you are considering a scooter, pay close attention to the specifications of the heaviest piece when disassembled, or in the case of a folding scooter, the total weight when folded.
Portable mobility scooters do not fold. Instead, they disassemble into 4 or 5 pieces, making them much more manageable to store due to the decreased weight of each piece. These scooters can have more comfort adjustments than a folding scooter, such as a swivel seat, height adjustable seat and adjusting the front tiller (handlebars) to different angles for arm comfort. Most of these scooters come in either 3 or 4 wheel versions (which we will discuss further below), and can have additional options such as a wider seat option, suspension of each wheel, larger battery upgrades, headlight and scooter color options. Portable compact mobility scooters normally have a weight capacity of 250 to 300 lbs. These scooters have been the most popular selection for our customers here at All Star Medical.
If you are unable to find any of these specifications on our website for the unit you are considering, please call us directly or you can always chat with us online, during normal business hours. 615-730-9438
All Star Medical offers a large variety of heavy duty mobility scooters, which are designed to support heavier weights, normally above 300 lbs. Again, some of these have 3 or 4 wheel options, but not all of them. We will discuss further below. Heavy duty mobility scooters also have wider seats, and most have suspension on the wheels for a smoother ride. There are some heavy duty mobility scooters that have the option to disassemble into 4 or 5 pieces, but be prepared for these pieces to weigh substantially more than the smaller compact mobility scooters.
Weight Capacity– This is crucial for determining which scooter fits your needs. The weight capacity is the total weight that the unit can handle according to the manufacturer. Selecting a scooter which does not support the user’s weight can void the warranty, and can cause costly repairs. The average weight capacity is 300 lbs. There are some options that have a weight capacity of 375 lbs and are still able to dissemble and easily be put in a car. We carry options that have a 400-500 lb weight capcity.
3 or 4 Wheel versions - At All Star Medical, most first-time shoppers normally state up front that they do not want a 3 wheel scooter because they do not want to “tip it over”. That is a misconception with 3 wheel scooters. Basic physics does tell us that more points of contact on the ground does provide a more stable unit. However, if you are under the weight capacity and DO NOT drive erratically around corners, 3 wheel scooters are very stable. 3 wheel scooters do have a tighter turning radius than 4 wheel scooters, making them more versatile for indoor or outdoor use. 4 wheel scooters are more stable, but since there are 2 wheels in the front, they have fenders over them, so foot room is limited. 3 wheel scooters do not have the fenders, so you have more foot room. As mentioned above, 4 wheel scooters do have a wider turning radius as well.
Seat Width – The dimensions of the seat are important based on the user’s measurements. Most seat DO come with adjustable armrests, so you can adjust them outwards or inwards for comfort.
Weight of Heaviest Piece (when disassembled) – If you are considering a unit that disassembles, pay close attention to the weight of the heaviest piece to ensure it will be manageable for the person storing the unit.
Travel Range - This is the total distance a unit can travel on a full battery charge. A number of the scooters All Star Medical offers do have the option for a larger battery upgrade, for increased travel distance. Some of them can go up to a 35 mile range before needing to be charged.
All Star Medical is different from a number of ONLINE ONLY RETAILERS. We have brick and mortar stores in the Nashville, Tennessee area. We carry the largest selection of in-stock mobility scooters in the Middle Tennessee area. Our staff test drives each scooter. We take them apart, put them back together and are certified to service each and every scooter we sell. Our staff have daily hands-on experience with the mobility scooters we offer. Not in the Tennessee area? No problem. Our network of local service contractors allows us to provide in-home service for all of our customers with the service contracts through the manufacturer of your scooter of choice.
If you are ready to start your search for a mobility scooter, we can help you find the perfect model at the right price and provide you with the best customer support before and after your purchase simply by giving us a call or chatting online with one of our professional sales staff. All Star Medical DOES NOT have a commissioned sales staff. We believe in finding the right product for you, no matter the cost. Educating our customers on getting the right product is at the fore-front of our culture at All Star Medical.Here are some of the popular models we carry:
Go Go Elite Traveller
Buzzaround XL
Snap N GO
Literider