If you live in Devon, Cornwall or anywhere in the South West, a transportable mobility scooter can make day-to-day life much easier. Whether you’re shopping in Drake's Circus, exploring Plymouth Hoe, enjoying a ride on the Camel Trail, heading to a Cornish garden centre, or simply popping to your local supermarket, the right scooter gives you freedom and independence.
But not all transportable scooters are created equal. Should you choose a folding scooter or a boot scooter that dismantles into separate parts? And what about boot hoists or even a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) for transporting your scooter with zero lifting?
We asked our Plymouth and Launceston branch managers Rob and Mike for their key recommendations when it comes to choosing the right solution. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Folding & Auto-Folding Mobility Scooters
Folding scooters, such as the Genie+ Ultralight, Monarch Air or Smarti Automatic folding scooter, are a popular choice for people looking for maximum convenience & compact storage.
✅ Pros:
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Compact design – Folds quickly into a suitcase-style package, perfect for small car boots or easy storage at home.
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No assembly required – Ideal if you don’t want to lift multiple pieces or fiddle with clips.
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Travel-friendly – Great for taking on trains, planes, and coaches. Popular option for Cruise holidays (check airline requirements).
❌ Cons:
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Weight can still be an issue – Even folded, they can be heavy to lift for one person. Manual folding scooters weigh in at 12-15kg with automatic folding options at around 25-30kg depending on model
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Smaller wheels & suspension – Best for flat, smooth surfaces rather than rough terrain. Think shopping centres, supermarkets and level pavements.
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Shorter range – Typically less distance per charge than larger boot scooters.
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Less robust feel – Not always as stable as a full-sized scooter particularly for larger and/or taller users.
Rob from our Plymouth Showroom says "We find these types of scooter are popular for our Plymouth based customers wanting to go on the bus into town or to the supermarket. They don't take up much space when folded and can help get you from A-B around town"
Boot Scooters that Dismantle
Slightly larger scooters, such as the new Rascal Vista Liteway, Rascal Vierra or Marlin can be dismantled into several lightweight pieces – usually the seat, battery pack, basket, and chassis.
✅ Pros:
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More robust & stable – Larger wheels and better suspension for varied terrain.
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Longer range & better comfort – Ideal for all-day outings featuring some mixed terrain
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Lighter components – Each section is easier to lift than a folded scooter’s full weight. The heaviest components being around 14kg.
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Better choice of models – Wider range of options for user weight limits, seating, and accessories.
❌ Cons:
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Assembly required – You’ll need to clip parts back together before each journey.
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Takes up more boot space – Though components can be stored in different areas.
Mike at our Launceston branch finds this type of scooter more versatile for our customers from Launceston and it's satellite villages who need a more robust transportable mobility scooter to cope with more uneven village paths and those who need to travel by car to get to the supermarket or for days out. He says "People like the idea of the folding scooters but they are much heavier to lift than individual parts of a boot scooter. A boot scooter that you can take apart gives you more flexibility and can accommodate more people"
Boot Hoists – Making Transport Effortless
For those who struggle to lift any scooter components, a boot hoist can be fitted into most vehicles. These powered hoists lift the entire scooter in and out of your boot with minimal effort.
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Ideal if lifting is a challenge
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Saves time and strain
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Keeps independence – no need to rely on others to help load your scooter
We offer a wide range of boot hoists to fit most vehicles and can install them at our Plymouth, Exeter or Launceston workshops.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
For some customers, particularly those using larger scooters or powerchairs, a wheelchair accessible vehicle is the perfect solution. A WAV allows you to drive or winch your scooter or powerchair straight into the rear of the vehicle via a ramp, with no dismantling or lifting at all. A WAV means you can transport larger pavement scooters, or even a road-legal Class 3 scooter with you for days out reducing the need for a 2nd scooter if you like to explore further afield for days out.
At Unique Mobility, we have a wide selection of approved used WAVs available with rear access ramps, and our team can guide you through the best options for your needs.
Transportable Mobility Scooters: Key Takeaways
When choosing a transportable mobility scooter, think about:
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Your lifting ability – Can you safely lift a folded scooter, or are separate lighter components better?
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Your regular journeys – Will you use it mainly on pavements, or do you need something more robust for country paths?
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Your vehicle – Will it fit in your boot, or would a hoist or WAV be more practical?
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Your independence – Do you want a solution you can manage completely on your own?
Talk to the Southwest's Travel Mobility Scooter Experts
At Unique Mobility, we offer:
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Free in-store or at-home assessments
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Demonstrations of folding and dismantling scooters so you can feel the weight for yourself
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Advice on boot hoists and WAVs to find the best solution for your lifestyle
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Huge choice of brands and models including Genie+ Ultralight, E-Drive, Smarti, Rascal, Kymco, Marlin and more.
📍 Visit Rob and the team in Plymouth or Mike and team in Launceston to discuss your travel mobility scooter needs. Try out different scooters or arrange a home visit, subject to location, and find the right solution for your lifestyle and circumstances.
We look forward to seeing you in store soon!