As they are considered medical devices, scooters are manufactured to meet or exceed the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Good Manufacturing Practices (FDA-GMP). In addition, in 1982, the ANSI/RESNA Wheelchair (also addresses scooters) Standards Committee was formed to develop standard procedures for testing and comparing scooters and wheelchairs. The combination of these assures that scooters must be built to meet rigorous quality requirements, and that their performance claims should be readily compared.

It is very important that you know all you can about scooters. Be sure to understand both the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of scooters, and the validity of the information source. Professional sales people are able to answer the majority of your questions.

You should also talk with the Service Personnel, as they have intimate knowledge about the reliability and durability of scooters.

What are the two or three main features of each manufacturer’s products?
These are the fundamental strengths of each manufacturer’s scooters.

What are the safety, reliability, and comfort features of each model?
Gather this core information to ensure your ability to make a valuable comparison.

What is the manufacturer’s warranty?
Accept no fewer than three years, and be sure that it covers the important parts, like motors, transaxle, and electronics.
Are extended warranties available?

Does the scooter manufacturer inspect every scooter prior to shipment? Yes No

Does the scooter’s electronic’s contain
Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) shielding?
Yes No

EMI shielding protects the scooter operation and you from external interference from 2-way radios, garage door openers, etc.
How stable is each scooter?
What is the Maximum Incline Stability Rating?
Under no circumstances should it be less that 5 degrees at the scooters weight capacity.

Does the scooter’s top speed promote instability?

How reliable are the scooters?
In addition to the sales person’s experience, speak to Service Department personnel. Ask them which units they feel have the lowest repair incidence.

How durable is the scooter’s exterior?
Most scooters are painted, and will develop scratches and dings through normal everyday use. They can be repainted, but at considerable expense. Scooters with ‘molded-in’ color retain
their neat appearance for many years, are easy to maintain, and do not require repainting or retouching.

Is the scooter seat comfortable & resilient?
Does it fit me, feel good today, and is it built to last?

Does the scooter separate (disassemble and reassemble) easily?
A simple and clean separation system makes for easy transportation of the scooter.
Ask for a demonstration.

Where is the scooter manufactured?
Will parts always be readily available?

Is the manufacturer’s sales literature complete?
Demand to look at the Owner’s Manuals of all scooters and confirm that all important specifications in the Owner’s Manual mirror claims made in the sales literature.

Are the seat and tiller adjustable to fit my needs?
Ask for a demonstration.

Are a broad range of options and accessories available?
Ask to see literature and samples.

Source: PaceSaver Buyers Guide