Classically there are seven main types of scooters powerchairs and electric wheelchairs.

Road scooters such as the Pride Colt-Sport.. .

1. must have lights, indicators and mirrors.
2. Have large wheels and suspension.
3. Usually can travel up to 8mph.
4. Most road scooters have a 4mph speed limiter switch to allow for easy road to pavement transition.
5. Very large batteries are needed to travel long distances at speed, these batteries can be very expensive to replace.

Mid-size scooters such as the Shoprider Soverign.. .

1. usually have lights but no indicators.
2. Have slightly smaller wheels than the road scooters.
3. Some have suspension.
4. They are sometimes mistaken for road scooters, but are slower, with maximum speeds of 4 or 5mph they are intended generally for pavement use.
5. Typically fitted with reasonably good size batteries for long distance travel.

Boot scooters such as the sterling little-gem 3.. .

1. are made purely for portability.
2. They have small wheels and consist of a very simple light-weight construction without suspension.
3. Usually do not have lights.
4. Can be dismantled in a few seconds for packing away into a car boot for day trips out.
5. Very small inexpensive batteries are fitted giving usually around 7 miles range.

Powerchairs such as the Pride Jazzy Select.. .

1. are designed for prolonged use.
2. Typically have a large reclining seat and a single foot plate and can be adjusted for perfect posture and comfort.
3. Controlled by joystick they can pirouette on the spot.
4. Some have 6 wheels for additional traction and improved manoeuvrability.
5. Typically fitted with good size batteries for all day use. Maximum speed of 4mph.

Portable powerchairs such as the Shoprider Vienna.. .

1. are made for portability.
2. Consist of a very simple light-weight construction with small wheels.
3. Controlled by joystick they can pirouette on the spot.
4. They can be dismantled in a few seconds for packing away into a car boot for day trips out.
5. Small inexpensive batteries are fitted giving usually around 7 miles range.

Multifunctional electric wheelchairs such as the Quickie Salsa-R.. .

1. are designed for every day use and can be adjusted for maximum comfort.
2. They usually have a headrest and separate left and right leg-rests.
3. Controlled by joystick they can pirouette on the spot,
4. and usually have additional powered functions such as recline, tilt-in-space and seat lift.
5. They have very large drive wheels giving excellent traction outdoors.
6. Some are equipped for road travel with lights and indicators and can travel long distance at up to 8mph.
7. Necessarily they have some of the largest and most expensive batteries.

Portable electric wheelchairs such as the Enigma Energi.. .

1. are designed for every day use and portability.
2. Will have seat handles and can be easily pushed without power by an attendent.
3. Have removable parts such as battery pods and leg rests.
4. Can fold up to a smaller size, but some models can still be heavy to lift.
5. Controlled by joystick they can pirouette on the spot.
6. They have large drive wheels giving excellent traction outdoors.
7. Typically fitted with good size batteries for all day use. Maximum speed of 4mph.

Micro scooters such as the Freerider Luggie.. .

1. are made purely for portability and can fold down to a lightweight and compact size.
2. Have a very simple construction with tiny wheels and so unless used on very smooth surfaces they can be uncomfortable to ride.
3. Can have a very high price tag for such a seemingly simple piece of equipment.
4. The lightweight lithium batteries are also very expensive to replace.

Micro powerchairs such as the Pride iGo.. .

1. are made with lightweight materials and can fold down to a compact size.
2. Have a very simple rigid construction with small wheels and are intended to be used on smooth surfaces.
3. Some models due to lack of adjust-ability for posture, can be uncomfortable to sit in.
4. Can have a very high price tag for such a seemingly simple piece of equipment.
5. The lightweight lithium batteries are also very expensive to replace.