One of the bigger decisions in choosing a mobility scooter, and a matter that is subject to frequent debate, is whether to choose a model with 3 wheels or 4 wheels. Often times, people will develop strong feelings on the matter, sometimes out of experience, and other times out of necessity. This article will address some of the pros and cons of each configuration and shed some light on the subject.
3 Wheel Mobility Scooters
The three wheel configuration is much more prominent in our Adventure Series of compact mobility scooters because they play to the strengths of portability and manoeuvrability. They feature a much tighter turning radius which makes them ideal for small spaces–especially homes, apartments, and public transportation. They manoeuvre around obstacles and tight spaces much more easily than a four wheeled unit. They are also often lighter and sport a lower price tag.
The second great advantage of a three wheeled unit is that they provide extra leg room due to the absence of the two front wheels. This becomes especially advantageous for individuals who either taller or suffering from leg and knee injuries.
However, these added benefits come at the cost of stability.
While they include anti-tip wheels for safety, three-wheel scooters are not quite as stable as four-wheel scooters. They are best used on smooth, level surfaces and not on rougher outdoor terrain like grass or gravel. From Drive Medical “A Word About Wheels.”
The Supascoota features a bi-directional stabilizing wheel.
For many people, this uncertainty around stability is a big deal breaker and certainly there are applications where three wheels are not suitable, especially outside. For this reason, they can be less popular, which is why we primarily stock four wheel units in our showroom. However, that being said, there are some attractive solutions to the stability issue. Some models will feature a dual wheel in the front, while others such as the SupaScoota feature extendable bi-directional stabilizing wheels that guarantee stability without sacrificing maneuverability.
Pros
- Tighter turning radius and improved manoeuvrability
- More leg room
- Cheaper and lighter
Cons
- Decreased stability—not as suitable for use outdoors
4 Wheel Mobility Scooters
Four wheel mobility scooters are configured much like automobiles with two drive wheels in the back and two wheels for steering in the front. This makes them much more stable and suitable for handling a variety of terrain including curbs and short stretches of grass or gravel.
Compared to three-wheel scooters, four-wheel models provide excellent stability over any kind of terrain—indoor or outdoor—by resisting tipping, even at top speed, and safely handling hills and curbs. Four-wheel stability is excellent for users who may suffer from poor balance. From Drive Medical “A Word About Wheels.”
Anti-tip wheels on the Drive Prowler
Because of the nature of being more suitable for a variety of more intensive uses, four wheel scooters are often larger, faster, and capable of longer distances—although this is not always the case. A number of our larger four wheeled units are also available in a versatile three wheeled configuration.
Four wheeled scooters are, by definition less maneuverable and may not be, depending on the size of the unit, suitable for use indoors or on public transit. They are often heavier and can cost slightly more than their three wheeled counterparts.
Pros
- Improved stability
- Can handle a variety of uneven terrain
Cons
- Less maneuverable
- Slightly more expensive
Moving Forward
It is important to take these aspects into consideration when choosing a mobility scooter in order to find the absolute best fit for your unique situation. For further reading, take a look at this excellent article from Drive Medical, “A Word About Wheels.” For others considerations in choosing a mobility scooter, please take a look at our online guide to choosing a mobility scooter, or give us a call! We would love to help you in your decision and answer any questions you may have.
