Advice Centre

• Try in-store before you buy: Come and try out our products in our spacious store environment.
• Knowledgeable mobility advisors: A member of our professionally trained team will be on hand to discuss your mobility needs and answer any queries or concerns you may have.
• FREE home delivery including set up and demonstration on scooters: All scooters are delivered FREE to your home including set up and demonstration on how to use them for peace of mind.
• FREE build and safety check on wheelchairs and walking aids: We don't just supply you a wheelchair or walking aid in a box like some other retailers, mail order or when buying direct online. Our highly trained experts will build and safety check it for FREE so you can leave with your wheelchair or walking aid in full working order.
• After sales service and support: Full nationwide support service on scooters 7 days a week. Range of spares available for wheelchair products with an in-store fitting service on selected parts. Scooter insurance and extended warranty options are also available at an additional cost.
• UK's Lowest Price Guarantee - We won't be beaten on price
• VAT FREE prices for registered disabled customers: VAT can be reclaimed if you are chronically sick or disabled or if you are buying for someone who is.
• 20% off all mobility accessories: when you buy any wheeled mobility product.
• Stores open late 7 days a week and easy on site parking: We are open when others are not. Most of our stores are open till 8pm most nights plus we are open on a Sunday. With most of our stores on spacious retail parks you can guarantee parking nearby. Click here to find your nearest mobility store.
• Member of the British Healthcare Trades Association: Halfords is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association and adheres to the BHTA code of practice - guaranteeing you peace of mind. As a member we have a responsibility to offer you the best advice on your purchase. Halfords is a retail brand you can trust.

A mobility scooter is a great way to keep your independence if you suffer from mobility issues. As you don't have to rely on a family member or carer to help you, you have the freedom of being able to visit friends and family, pop to the shops or even take your dog for a walk.

They are simple to use, easy to maintain and economical to run.

The decision of which mobility scooter to buy can be daunting. However, a mobility scooter is a purchase that you can enjoy for many years, so taking the time to do your research can save you frustration down the road. To make your decision easier we have selected a range of mobility scooters from one of the UK's leading brands which covers all key features and a wide range of uses. Use this guide to help identify which mobility scooter is right for you.

There are 3 types of mobility scooter:

1. Portable Mini: Small & Compact (models available: Little Star and Little Gem 2) These scooters are lightweight and highly manoeuvrable. They are restricted to pavement use and and will fit easily into your car. These scooters are suitable for use around the home, in shops or on short trips. They can travel up to 4mph and with a range of up to 10 miles per full battery charge.
2. Portable Mid Size (models available: Pearl and Sapphire 2)They are more suitable for outdoor use and provide additional stability and comfort. They will fit into larger car boots and will travel up to 4mph with a range of up to 19 miles per full battery charge. Some models come with lights.
3. Road Scooter (model available: Diamond)These scooters have a little more power and will travel up to 8mph. They are for outdoor use only. Ideal for use on pavement and road for longer trips. These scooters come with lights, with a range of up to 24 miles per full battery charge.

Portable Mini Scooters: Small and Compact

These scooters are highly manoeuvrable, lightweight and will fit easily into the boot of your car. They are designed for mostly indoor use, such as shopping centres and are suitable for use around the home or on short trips. They can travel up to 4mph and with a range of up to 10 miles per full battery charge.

Models available are:

	Sterling Little Star
	Sterling Little Gem 2

Portable Mid Size

Portable Mid size scooters are designed for outdoor use, such as travelling on pavements, as well as indoor use. Whilst you're likely to need a larger car boot, they can go further before the batteries need to be recharged, and provide additional stability and comfort. They will travel up to 4mph with a range of up to 19 miles per full battery charge. Some models come with lights.

Models available from Halfords are Sterling Pearl and Sterling Sapphire 2.

	Sterling Pearl
	Sterling Sapphire 2

1. Self Assessment

Before you decide which scooter you would like, you need to consider whether a scooter is right for you. You need to be confident that you don't have any problems with your sight, hearing, or any other medical condition that might interfere with your ability to drive the scooter safely.

You will also need somewhere secure to store your scooter.

Scooter batteries have to be re-charged every day, whether you use the scooter or not, so think about whether you, or someone you live with, can lift and carry the battery to a power point. Alternatively, do you have a place in your home where you can re-charge the battery whilst it is still on the scooter?

If you're happy about driving it, storing it and charging it, you can then consider how you are going to use your scooter.

2. Do you want to transport your scooter in your car?

If you will be travelling by car before using your scooter, consider a Portable mini or mid size scooter as these can be folded or separated into smaller parts to allow them to be transported easily in the car boot.

Also think about the weight of the scooter for lifting in and out of the boot - generally the weight of the scooter increases as the size and price increase.

Road scooters are not transportable by car.

3. Where are you going to use your scooter most of the time?

If on the road, a road scooter will be needed.

If mainly on pavements and indoor shopping centres, then a portable scooter would be more suitable.

Finally, some scooters are better for different surfaces. If you will be travelling on gravel paths, or in hilly areas, consider the Sapphire 2 as this has a more powerful motor.

4. When will you be using your scooter

Think about when you will be out and about. Road scooters, such as the Sapphire 2 have lights on them allowing you to see and be seen, but are not so suitable for indoor use such as in shopping centres.

5. How far will you want to go on each trip?

As a rule, the distance a scooter can travel increases with the size of the scooter, the size of the battery and the price. However, the distance you're able to travel will vary depending on terrain, battery condition and your weight.

6. Are there particular design features that will help me more?

Take a look at our product demonstration videos to see some of the excellent features our range of scooters have. Think about which particular features are more useful to you - whether you're looking for a scooter that is easy to pack away, extra legroom, a more comfortable seat, or one with arthritic finger and thumb controls and then take your choice!

We've created a simple flowchart of questions, to help you narrow your search and suggest which scooter may be best for you. < link here>

There are three types of mobility scooter:

1. Portable Mini - Boot Scooters and Compact
   models available: Little Star and Little Gem2
2. Portable Mid Size - models available: Pearl and Sapphire 2

Comparison Chart

Use out scooter chart below to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Our trained advisors are on hand to help you should you require any further information.

	SCOOTER COMPARISON CHART
	PORTABLE MINI		PORTABLE MID
	Little Star	Little Gem 2	Pearl	Sapphire 2
Where can the scooter be used?	Recommended for indoor use, e.g. in shopping centres		Recommended for outdoor use on pavements. Also good for indoors in larger areas such as shopping centres and small towns
Can I use the scooter on steep hills?			Max 8° slope at max user weight of 136kg	Max 14° slope at 113kg user weight, max 10° at 150kg user weight
What is the scooter's maximum speed?	4mph	4mph	4mph	4mph
How far can I travel on a full charge?	up to 8 miles	up to 10 miles	up to 15 miles	up to 19 miles
Is the scooter transportable in the boot of a car?				Large boots
What kind of tyres & wheels does the scooter have?	Puncture Proof	Puncture Proof	Puncture Proof	Pneumatic tyres
Does the scooter have suspension for a smoother ride?
Does the scooter have lights and indicators?				Lights only
What is the choice of colours?	Black	Metallic red or blue	Metallic red or blue	Metallic red or blue
Do I need to apply for a free tax disc for my scooter?

Important note: Scooters are not suitable for those with impaired vision

In store:

If you are unsure which scooter is best for your needs, one of our trained mobility aids advisors will give you extra advice to ensure you make the right choice.

• Knowledgeable mobility advisors: A member of our professionally trained team will be on hand to discuss your mobility needs and answer any queries or concerns you may have.
• Try in-store before you buy: Come and try out some of our products in our spacious store environment (please note not all our scooters are in every store)
• Stores open late 7 days a week and easy on site parking: We are open when others are not. Most of our stores are open till 8pm most nights plus we are open on a Sunday. With most of our stores on spacious retail parks you can guarantee parking nearby. Click here to find your nearest mobility store
• Member of the British Healthcare Trades Association: Halfords is a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association and adheres to the BHTA code of practice - guaranteeing you peace of mind. As a member we have a responsibility to offer you the best advice on your purchase. Halfords is a retail brand you can trust.

Scooter Home Delivery

• Once you've purchased your scooter, whether in store or online, we will deliver it to your home, set it up and demonstrate it.

The delivery service includes:

1. Unload the scooter, unpack it, assembly and fit the batteries.
2. Demonstrate how the scooter controls work e.g. drive, reverse etc.
3. Demonstrate how to charge the battery and explain how often this should be done
4. Checks that the user can drive the scooter safely and the environment is suitable
5. Demonstrate how to fold down the scooter (where applicable)
6. Take away all the packaging.

After Sales Support

• Full nationwide support service on scooters 7 days a week.
• Scooter insurance and extended warranty options are also available at an additional cost
• UK's Lowest Price Guarantee - We won't be beaten on price
• VAT FREE prices for registered disabled customers: VAT can be reclaimed if you are chronically sick or disabled or if you are buying for someone who is.

For most mobility products, if you are registered disabled or chronically sick or if you are buying for someone who is, you are entitled to a refund of the VAT paid on your purchase. To help you understand the value of the VAT we have added the price without VAT to relevant products throughout this leaflet.

A VAT Reclaim Form with Eligibility Declaration is available from our in-store team, or can be downloaded here.

You will need to provide copies of:

1. Proof of purchase
2. Proof of delivery, if a home delivery item
3. Proof of disability/chronic sickness

Reclaim forms must be received within 3 months of the purchase/delivery date. Where a VAT refund is due, it will normally be made within 28 days of receipt of the correct information.

Halfords is able to offer additional cover options once you have purchased a scooter. These products are available from a leading provider, Mark Bates Ltd, under their "Premier Care" brand.

The "Premier Care" range of protection and finance products has been specifically designed for those who rely upon mobility aids to enhance their quality of life. With many years in the field they offer a range of unique benefits and features to ensure that you can use your product, whether to get out and about more or to move about more freely in the home, with complete peace of mind.

Ask one of our trained mobility advisors in-store for more information.

We've given you some key questions to consider before you buy a Mobility Scooter, so why not browse through our range of scooters on line or in store. If you'd like more mobility advice, visit your nearest Halfords mobility store. We also have a range of wheelchairs and mobility aids for the car and around the home. If you'd like some help choosing these, read our wheelchairs buyers guide or mobility aids buyers guide.