| Mobility scooters are designed to assist those that | | | | drive is usually found on smaller scooters that are |
| have difficulty walking and performing daily living tasks. | | | | designed, primarily, to be used indoors or on flat, paved |
| Scooters can be designed for indoor or outdoor use, | | | | outdoor surfaces. The front-wheel drive scooter motor |
| and some models are designed to accommodate both | | | | is located over the front wheels and drives only those |
| indoor and outdoor use. | | | | specific wheels. Because of the motor and wheel |
| However, construction and user needs must be met | | | | configuration, front-wheel drive mobility scooters usually |
| for mobility scooters to perform outdoors at optimum | | | | do not have chains or belts, and are powered by |
| levels. Base unit construction and design are most | | | | smaller motors. The front wheels pull the weight of the |
| important for outdoor use, rider comfort and safety. | | | | rider and the scooter, which makes this type of |
| Scooter base units are often referred to as a platform | | | | scooter less capable of handling steep inclines, climbing |
| or base plate. Typically, base units consist of an | | | | curbs, or managing rough terrain. |
| aluminum constructed frame, steel or composite | | | | Rear-wheel drive mobility scooters are powered by |
| materials or fiberglass floor to support the seat and | | | | motors connected to the rear axle, either via a chain, a |
| feet, battery, and steering column. Base units also | | | | belt, a transaxle unit, or a combination of these |
| include the mobility scooter's drive train. The scooter's | | | | components. Because the mobility scooter is driven by |
| maneuverability, and suitability for indoor or outdoor | | | | the rear wheels, they push the combined weight of the |
| use, depends on the characteristics of the base unit. | | | | unit and the rider, rather than pull it, as front-wheel drive |
| Turning radius, wheelbase size, ground clearance, and | | | | models. |
| overall dimensions dictate the scooter's effectiveness | | | | The combined weight of the rider, motor, and the |
| and manageability. | | | | batteries over (or above) the rear wheels, generally |
| Evaluating the scooter's base for safety features, | | | | create better traction than front-wheel drive models. |
| including overall stability, is very important. A scooter | | | | The increased traction combined with the more |
| should not tip easily when making sharp turns, or when | | | | powerful motors used on rear-wheel drive scooters |
| climbing a curb. Anti-tip wheels should be included as | | | | result in enhanced climbing ability. Rear-wheel-drive |
| part of the frame to help support and stabilize the | | | | scooters also have a greater maximum speed, a |
| scooter. Most rear wheel drive mobility scooters are | | | | longer traveling range between battery charges, and |
| intended to negotiate more rugged terrain, and are | | | | can accommodate the weight of heavier rider. These |
| usually equipped with rear anti-tips to support the | | | | mobility scooters also have a wider wheel base and |
| scooter on inclines or hills. | | | | greater overall length, which eliminate some models |
| The drive train is a critical part of the base unit, and | | | | maneuverability and suitability for indoor use. |
| provides either front- or rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel | | | | |