Mobility Scooter Components

The base unit is basically the body of the scooter. Generally it consists of a steel, aluminum, or composite frame with a fiberglass or composite floor to support the feet and batteries. Some scooter bases also include a shroud over the front wheel and drive head, creating a dashboard for the unit and giving the scooter a bullet-shaped appearance.

As mentioned above, the base also includes the wheels and the drive train. In some scooters, the seat post is also part of the base. The base unit is the primary determinant of whether the scooter is designed for indoor or outdoor use, the vehicle’s maneuverability, the size of its wheelbase, its ground clearance, its turning radius, and its overall dimensions.

The base unit also determines the comfort and safety of the rider. When evaluating a scooter, it is important to be certain that the base can accommodate the user’s needs. The floor should provide enough space to comfortably support the feet at a natural angle, and the overall dimensions should permit the controls to be easily reached and manipulated.

Some manufacturers offer models with optional extended bases for tall people and/or shorter bases for small adults. Some models also offer optional extended footrests for those who wear leg braces or who have difficulty bending their knees.

Evaluating the base for safety features, including its overall stability, is also important. A scooter should not tip easily during sharp turns or on inclines such as curb cuts (if the scooter is designed for outdoor use).

Anti-tip wheels should be included as part of the frame to help support and stabilize the scooter. On frontwheel drive units, anti-tips are often located laterally just behind the front wheel because they generally lack the power for steep inclines.

Because most rear-wheel drive scooters are intended to negotiate more rugged terrain, they are usually equipped with rear anti-tips to support the scooter on hills. Side anti-tip wheels are sometimes offered as options. It should be noted that lateral anti-tippers may cause difficulties on curb cuts and ramps.

On some scooters, the base unit may be comprised of modular units or may otherwise be disassembled for transport and storage.