Before you buy · For families
Buying a mobility scooter for a parent?
A checklist for families: whether a scooter is the right fit, which kind suits their week, and what to sort out before it arrives.
Eclipse EV Nova Lite
Eclipse EV Nebula
Eclipse Nova FlyThe short answer
Start with them, not the scooter. The right choice comes from their week (where they go and how far), their body (getting on and off, eyesight, hands) and their home (where it parks and charges). Bring them into the decision. If you have doubts about safety, ask their doctor or an occupational therapist first.
- Wants a roof and doors? Look at enclosed cabins like the Nova Lite.
- Errands and outings around town? A full-size open scooter like the Nebula or Comet.
- Needs it to go in the car? A folding scooter like the Nova Fly.
Start here
Step 0: is a scooter the right fit?
Scooters tend to suit people who can walk a little but tire over distance, can sit upright comfortably, and can use their hands to steer. They aren't always the answer, and families tell us that's the hardest thing to say out loud.
- If they mostly need help around the house, a scooter may be too big for hallways and doorways. Ask their doctor about other options.
- If you're worried about memory, judgement, eyesight or reaction time, talk to their doctor or an occupational therapist (OT) before you buy. An OT can assess what's safe and suitable.
- Many families use the scooter for longer trips and keep walking for short ones. Ask their doctor what's right for them.
Can they use one safely? A readiness check
Go through this together, honestly. A "no" doesn't rule a scooter out, but raise it with their doctor or OT first.
- Eyesight Can they see curbs, people and traffic clearly, including in low light?
- Reaction time Could they stop quickly if a child or a dog stepped out?
- Looking behind Can they turn their head and shoulders to check before reversing?
- Hands Can they grip, twist or press the controls, and use a key or button, for a whole trip?
- Getting on and off Can they do it on their own, without a wobble?
- Memory and judgement Can they remember their routes and make safe choices on their own?
- Stamina Can they sit comfortably for their usual trip, there and back?
Three kinds of scooter, and who each suits
Enclosed cabin
For riders who want a car-like feel. Many list heat, wipers and a backup camera. They're large and heavy, so they need a garage or driveway spot with an outlet nearby.
Full-size open scooter
A comfortable seat, armrests and a storage box, for errands and outings. It needs a ground-level spot to park and charge, and it won't fit in a car. 3 wheels or 4?
Folding scooter
Light enough to fold into a trunk, often with a removable battery. Best for shorter trips and travel, and someone has to lift it. Will it fit in my car?
Let them lead the decision
Families tell us the conversation is harder than the purchase. These help:
- Talk about independence, not decline: getting to the shops, church, the club or the grandkids' games on their own schedule.
- Let them choose the model and the colour. People use what they picked.
- Agree on ground rules together: a lower speed setting at first, familiar routes, daylight trips and a charged phone.
- Agree now on what happens if things change, so no one has to have that talk in a crisis.
- Expect a learning period. Start with short, quiet trips. A few bumped doorframes in the first weeks is normal.
Sort these out before it arrives
- Where it parks A garage, driveway or ground-level spot. Measure any gate or door it has to pass through.
- Who charges it Most charge overnight. Decide whose job it is, and check they can reach the plug without bending awkwardly.
- The outlet Close to where it parks. Follow the manual on extension cords.
- Building rules Condos, apartments and retirement residences often have rules about scooters and charging. Ask the building first.
- Their routes Walk their usual routes once and note curbs, slopes and busy crossings.
- Who they call Put our service page and phone number where they'll find them. Keep the manual and order number together.
- The first month Plan a few short, quiet trips before busy places.
Questions we get asked
Can we see it in person first?
Can I buy it and have it delivered to their address?
Do they need a licence or insurance?
Who do they call if something goes wrong?
Can we pay monthly?
What if they don't get on with it?
How long do the batteries last?
Talk to a specialist
Call with your parent on the line.
Put us on speaker and ask everything. We'll talk through their trips, their home and the models that fit, at your pace.
Or visit one of our 5 showrooms together. Call ahead to ask what's on display.
Press 1 for sales · Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET
- 5 showroomsSee them in person
- FinancingAll credit types welcome to apply
- Service after you buyParts, batteries and repairs
- Shipping across CanadaWith white-glove options
5,000+ riders served
Regulatory notice
Where a mobility scooter may be operated — and whether a licence, insurance, or registration is required — depends on the device and on your municipality. Confirm with your municipality or provincial transportation authority before purchasing. EZ Rides makes no representation as to the legal status of this model in any location.
