Tips for Buying a
Secondhand Mobility Scooter

Buying a secondhand mobility scooter can comes with many benefits. Though, like purchasing any other used equipment, you have to do your research before making a purchase. When you buy used, you have an opportunity to get a high quality scooter at an affordable price.

Like cars, when a mobility scooter is used even once, its resale value begins to drop. This means that you can often get a good price on a mobility scooter, even if the previous owner only used it occasionally

Tips for Buying a Used Mobility Scooter

Ask yourself the following questions to help determine what type of mobility scooter will be right for you.

Will you use your secondhand mobility scooter inside, outside or both?
Do you see a need to maneuver around tight spaces, across uneven surfaces or go long distances?
Do you need a scooter that is highly portable or one that is heavier and more stable?
What type of controls and features do you need and want?

Consult with a scooter specialist to ensure you are considering the right type of scooter for your specific situation. For example, three-wheeled models are designed to be used indoors. They are more agile than models with four wheels and can handle narrow halls and make turns in small spaces. Four-wheeled models are better suited for regular outside use and traversing rough surfaces. They offer stability and comfort to the user.

Whether you prefer a model with three or four wheels, you often can find used mobility scooter options equipped with extra handy features like LED lights, food trays, drink holders, carry baskets, and more.

If you are considering a lightweight travel scooter, you can find both three- and four-wheeled models, along with many of the features listed above. Lightweight scooters are smaller than standard models and are easily transported. Some models can be folded for travel.

Conversely, heavy-duty scooter models are designed to handle greater weight capacity and can safely accommodate users who weigh more than 250 pounds.

Once you determine the type of secondhand mobility scooter you want, begin your search by visiting area mobility stores, searching online for used mobility retailers, and perusing newspaper and online classified ads. In addition, you may want to contact senior centers about available scooters, as well as search for listings on Craigslist and eBay.

Once you find a secondhand mobility scooter that appears to suit your needs and budget, meet with the owner in person and check the following firsthand. You may also want to hire a scooter specialist for an hour or two to look at the scooter with you. Ask how often the scooter was used and when it was last serviced.

Check the tires for signs of wear and tear
Take the mobility scooter out for a test drive to ensure everything works properly, the steering feels tight and the ride is comfortable
Find out if there is any time left on the warranty
Examine the battery charger points to ensure that they’re in good condition
Check the condition of the wheel axles and brakes
Check mechanical components for corrosion
If the scooter has a horn and/or lights, check to see if they are functioning properly

The cleanliness of a used scooter is generally a good indication of how well the owner took care of it. Usually, a scooter with a well-maintained appearance also has well-maintained parts.

Avoid buying a secondhand mobility scooter that is in rough shape, no matter how inexpensive it is. Even though it might seem like a great bargain at first glance, you’ll probably end up spending more than you expect on repairs.

Consider purchasing a used scooter from a dealer. Dealers typically ensure that their used scooters they sell are in good working condition. A dealer may even guarantee to cover the cost of repairs and replacement parts for a specified amount of time after purchase.

For more buying tips and information, check out the article links below.