The turning radius of your new mobility scooter is something that should be at the top of your list while doing your research. More often than not compact mobility scooters will offer a smaller turning radius than their larger counterparts. It is important to remember that units with a tighter turning radius may be less stable than heavier full axle mobility scooters. In this article we will cover your 5 best options with the smallest turning radius for you to maneuver in compact spaces like your home.
What is turning radius?
Turning radius is the amount of space needed for the mobility scooter to perform a 180 degree turn or a U-turn. The smaller the radius the better it will maneuver in tight spaces. To determine if a specific mobility scooter can turn in a certain space you need to measure the length and width of the area in which you wish to make your U-turn. The length and width should be at least two times as wide as the turning radius for the scooter. To make turning safe within your home we recommend that you add a few buffer inches to the measurement.
The mobility scooters that are included in the list below all have a turning radius below 41 inches. As you look over the list you will notice that majority of them are three-wheel scooters or dual front wheel scooters except for EV Rider 4AF. Three-wheel scooters are designed to allow use in tighter spaces than a four-wheel mobility scooter. This is because you would have greater control over the front wheel and this dictates how far you can turn.
Usability
- Maneuverability. This is includes the ground clearance and turning radius. Lower turning radius mobility scooters often times feature a smaller ground clearance.
- Speed and travel range. These scooters almost always are slower and travel a shorter distance on a single charge than your bigger mobility scooter.
- Battery life. Mobility scooters with a small turning radius have an average battery life.
- Size and weight. It is important to consider if your scooter will fit in all of the places you intend to go and how much weight will it need to carry. Compact mobility scooters with a great turning radius usually fold or can be disassembled for travel.
Transportability and Storage
Mobility scooters that feature a small turning radius are more compact for travel and weigh far less than bigger scooters. It is important to consider the overall weight of the scooter so you are certain you will be able to transport your new device. Ask yourself, will you be able to transport your new mobility scooter to the places you plan to visit with our current vehicle? Picking out a scooter you know for a fact you can transport will save you a lot of stress down the road.
Be sure to purchase a scooter sized appropriately to your specific needs and lifestyle. If turning radius isn't a major concern for you perhaps look further into some of our larger devices. Remember, you must be able to properly store it safe from the elements to protect your investment and not void the warranty. They won't take up a huge amount of room so it can be stored in many placed larger scooters cannot.
How to Choose the Best Tight Turning Radius Mobility Scooter for Your Lifestyle
There are many factors to consider when selecting a tight turning radius mobility scooter. This depends on how and where you plan on using it and what your priorities with the mobility scooter are. We recommend giving your preferred scooter a test drive before making the final purchase if at all possible.
It’s most important that you decide on a scooter that meets your specific needs and lifestyle since everyone have different needs. Below are four things to consider when picking out a new scooter:
- Comfort: Research the specifications on things like the type of seat and total leg room. Since small turning radius scooters are more compact for travel they tend to be less overall comfortable compared to bigger mobility scooters. This keeps their overall weight down making it easier to transport.
- Storage space: Smaller mobility scooters with tight turning radius' tend to have little storage space compared to bigger units.
- Drive range: Try to estimate the average distance you plan to travel while factoring in the weight of the scooter to determine which model will feature an adequate battery life for you.
- Intended environment: These mobility scooters can usually be used indoors and in tight spaces. Since they are compact they tend to have smaller ground clearances and are meant for flat smooth surfaces. This is critical to consider when shopping for a tight turning radius mobility scooter.
Mobility Scooters with the Best Turning Radius
|
|
Brand |
Model |
Turning Radius |
Width x Length |
 |
EV Rider |
Transport M S19M |
31" |
33.8″ x 16.5″ |
 |
EV Rider |
Transport AF+ S19AF |
31" |
33.5" x 16.5" |
 |
EV Rider |
Transport 4AF |
39.4" |
33.5" x 18.3" |
 |
Golden Technologies |
XLS-HD 3 GB121B-SHZ |
37.5" |
41" x 20" |
 |
Golden Technologies |
EX 3-Wheel GB118 |
40.5" |
45" x 22" |
EV Rider Transport M
Ready for transport and easily folded, the EV Rider Transport M mobility scooter is perfect for someone with an active lifestyle. The Transport M is equipped with an airline approved 11.5Ah lithium battery and weighs just 42 lbs. making it ideal for travel on planes, trains, and cruise ships. It is portable and also a great space saver. The folding mechanism also makes transporting and storing extra convenient. It can be stored almost anywhere and easily fits in the trunk of most vehicles.
Due to its turning radius of only 31", this compact mobility scooter offers great maneuverability in narrow spaces making it a breeze to use in public and in some homes. You can use your foot to push the red button on the side of the scooter to start the folding/unfolding process. The EV Rider Transport Move is one of the most compact and reliable folding travel scooters on the market today.
| Turning Radius | 31" |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs. |
| Drive Range | 10 Miles |
| Safety Lights | Yes |
| Total Weight | 42 lbs. |
EV Rider Transport AF Plus
The EV Rider Transport AF automatic folding mobility scooter folds with a push of a button on your key fob. This mobility scooter is ready for your next trip as it is approved for both airlines and cruise ship travel. We suggest contacting the air or cruise line ahead of time to alert them you are bringing along your medical necessity device. The Transport AF Plus fits in the trunk of most automobiles making it that much more convenient for daily use like trips to your local shopping center, museums, and parks.
The EV Rider Transport AF automatic folding mobility scooter is equipped with an airline 11.5Ah lithium battery and weighs just 49 lbs. making it the perfect folding lightweight mobility scooter for anyone with an active lifestyle. With a turning radius of only 31", this compact mobility scooter offers maneuverability in narrow spaces making it easy to use in public.
| Turning Radius | 31" |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs. |
| Drive Range | 10 Miles |
| Safety Lights | Yes |
| Total Weight |
49 lbs.
|
EV Rider Transport 4AF
The EV Rider Transport 4AF automatic folding mobility scooter folds with a push of a button on a key fob. This mobility scooter is ready for your next trip as it is approved for both airline and cruise ship travel. We suggest contacting the air or cruise line ahead of time to alert them you are brining it along to prevent any possible issues. The Transport AF also easily fits in the trunk of most automobiles making it that much more convenient for daily use like trips to your favorite stores.
The EV Rider Transport 4AF automatic folding mobility scooter is equipped with an airline 11.5Ah lithium battery and weighs just 51 lbs. in total. This makes it the perfect folding lightweight mobility scooter for an active lifestyle. Due to its turning radius of only 39" it offers outstanding maneuverability in tight spaces.
| Turning Radius | 39.4" |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs. |
| Drive Range | 10 Miles |
| Safety Lights | Yes |
| Total Weight |
51.8 lbs.
|
Golden Technologies Buzzaround XLS-HD 3-Wheel
The Golden Technologies Buzzaround XLS-HD 3-Wheel mobility scooter offers more standard features than ever before. It features a wraparound delta tiller, a new LED battery gauge, and a new ultra-bright LED angle-adjustable headlight. The Buzzaround XLS-HD 3-Wheel is now longer to offer more foot room and a 37.5" turning radius making it ideal for use in a lot of areas.The Buzzaround XLS-HD 3-Wheel wirelessly disassembles in seconds with just 4 easy steps making transport from one destination to another a breeze. The heaviest piece weighs only 32 lbs. making it perfect to store in the trunk of most vehicles. Its 9-mile range on a full charge allows you to go the distance for an entire day without issue.
| Turning Radius | 37.5" |
| Weight Capacity | 325 lbs. |
| Drive Range | 9 Miles |
| Safety Lights | Yes |
| Heaviest Piece | 32 lbs. |
Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX 3-Wheel
The Golden Technologies Buzzaround EX mobility scooter wirelessly disassembles in seconds in just 4 easy steps. This makes transporting the Extreme from one destination to another extremely simple. The simple steps to disassemble include folding down the seat to remove it, take the battery pack out, remove the basket, fold the tiller down, and then your EX is ready for transport.
The Buzzaround Extreme offers portability without compromising power, longevity, and features. The Extreme has an extended drive range of 18 miles making it perfect for an entire days use. The EX also features large durable 9" front and rear wheels to tackle rough terrain. This raises the deck of the mobility scooter to a generous 4" ground clearance.
| Turning Radius | 40.5" |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
| Drive Range | 18 Miles |
| Safety Lights | Yes |
| Heaviest Piece | 46 lbs. |
Summary
We hope you have learned something by reviewing what we consider some of the best mobility scooters with tight turning radius'. If you are interested in related articles our mobility experts have compiled a great list of mobility scooters that are airline approved, Best Off-Road Mobility Scooters Of 2023, and the best lift chairs for seniors. Not to mentions our experts have reviewed some of the industries best scooters such as the Buzzaround CarryOn, EV Rider AF Plus, and the Transformer 2.
Our team of mobility experts here at Suncoast Mobility are available by email at info@suncoastmobility.com or by phone at 727-537-6275. Please call or email at anytime. We cannot wait to assist you in selecting your new off-road rough terrain capable mobility scooter to continue your adventurous lifestyle. Call or email us today to take advantage of your special discount.