Electric Mobility Scooters are a means of support for older adults and people who have trouble walking for extended distances. This is a powerful assistive technology that supports people with mobility impairments and gives them the freedom to move around easily. Mobility scooters can range from lightweight, portable models to full-sized vehicles. This article will focus on the full-sized scooters which include many useful features that make it easy for users to move through the world.
Feature 1: Adjustable Handlebars and Seats with Armrests
Most full-sized mobility scooters have adjustable handlebars and seats that can be customized to a comfortable height and angle according to the user’s preferences. The seats are often designed to swivel, which makes it easier for users to get on and off the scooter safely. The armrest helps maintain stability and support when the scooter is in use.
From the lens of the medical model of disability, these features provide users with the necessary support and balance that aids in long-distance travel without causing exhaustion. The armrests provide the necessary support that reduces the risk of falling while driving through uneven or bumpy surfaces.
On one hand, these scooters address the functional solutions model and the medical model of disability by allowing adjustments and customization that accommodate different body types and a range of physical impairments. Due to this, this device supports a variety of users instead of assuming a ‘standard’ body type.
While on the other, a possibie limitation to the functional solutions model is that these scooters usually have a weight capacity of 250 to 400 pounds (113.4-181.4 kgs), which means there is a certain degree of exclusion and it cannot be used by people who may weigh more or less than the given range.
Feature 2: Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery
Full-sized electric mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable batteries that allow users to travel between 15-30miles (24-48 km) on a single charge. This makes it easier for users to remain outdoors for extended periods of time without worrying about the charge running out.
A longer battery life allows users to participate in public life on more equal terms, which supports the social model of disability. From the lens of the functional solutions model of disability, when an assistive device is unreliable, it can easily become a barrier. However, the mobility scooter reduces anxiety around practicality and functionality by providing users with long-lasting usage per charge.
This feature can sometimes be portrayed through the lens of the charity/tragedy model of disability, where long battery life can be seen as a means of ‘giving freedom back’ to people with disabilities, which implies that they were ‘helpless’ without it.
Feature 3: Minimal and Intuitive controls
Many scooters are operated using easy-to-use, hand-operated controls like thumb throttles, paddles, levers, switches, etc which require minimal strength.
From a functional solutions model and medical model standpoint, these minimal controls reduce cognitive and physical effort and allow users to perform actions easily and quickly. This is especially useful for people with limited agility or joint pain that limits hand movements.
Intuitive controls allow users to navigate through multiple environmental terrains and surfaces, which is highly important from the perspective of the social model of disability.
Conclusion
Mobility scooters are a great example of how assistive technology can be designed for diverse bodies and abilities. While they are limited to some degree, they support people with disabilities by making mobility more accessible.
References
- What is a mobility scooter? your questions answered here. Living Your Senior Life. (2026, January 25). https://livingyourseniorlife.com/what-is-a-mobility-scooter/
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2026, February 8). Mobility Scooter. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobility_scooter
- 1800WheelChair. (2025, June 10). Mobility Scooters explained: Perfect for seniors and disabled adults. Wheelchair & Mobility Scooters Guide. https://www.1800wheelchair.com/news/mobility-scooters-explained-perfect-for-seniors-and-disabled-adults/