Disabled mobility scooters aren't quite the same as wheelchairs as they are designed not for people who can't walk completely, but for those who find it difficult to go uphill on slopes long distances. As always, there is a wide range of different disabled mobility scooters that you can purchase. Your ultimate buy will depend on what it will be mainly used for. If you're going to use it mainly for indoor purposes, then you will need to buy a different one than if you were going to use it outdoors.

Disabled mobility scooters use a tiller at the front of the base of the scooter to steer the front wheel. This is what directs the scooter itself. This can also be locked to ensure safety and stability when travelling. There are two easy to use thumb levers which control the forward and backward directions. You do need some arm strength to drive the scooter forward though, and the seat of the scooter is mounted allowing the scooter to rotate from side to side.

As aforementioned, there are different kinds of scooters available. One of the most popular types is the foldable mobility scooter. This can be folded and used for transport so is perfect for the travelling type. In fact, the foldable scooter is often called the travel scooter. They are also easy to disassemble into small parts and stored in the back of a car. Or even on a plane if taking a flight somewhere.

For a full featured scooter, you may want to look into a three-wheel scooter. With three wheels, you can expect excellent manoeuvrability both indoors and outside. They also offer more comfort in terms of seating with swivel seats, arm rests, storage baskets and other features. Those with a larger frame can also be accommodated as some scooters have a capacity of 300 to 500lbs.

The most stable disabled mobility scooter of all is the four wheel scooter. With a fourth wheel and a wider base, four wheel scooters are designed for maximum stability and the best scooter for outdoor use. These scooters are best for rugged surfaces and even offer a range of speeds with a top speed of 10mph.

You can even purchase disabled mobility scooter accessories such as ramps. These are portable ramps which can help scooters glide smoothly over steps or curbs. To keep your scooter clean and free of dust, you can also purchase scooter covers. Stylish scooter bags are also now on offer. Simply attach them to the arm of your scooter to keep your belongings at an arm's reach.

Whilst the accessories themselves are fairly cheap, the cost of purchasing a mobility scooter can be quite high. A foldable scooter can cost you up to $700 and the more powerful three wheel scooter and four wheel scooter are an average of $1,500 to $2,000 respectively. It all depends on your budget and what you're looking for. Unfortunately, with the hefty price tag, it you may have to compromise.