If your local scooter store will let you, see if you can rent or check out the model of scooter you are most interested in for a day to two, so that you can really get a feel for what it's like to assemble/disassemble and use for extended periods in real life situations (like going to the grocery store, the movies, the mall, etc.)
Personally, I'm comfortable with either 3 or 4 wheels. Some folks have a marked preference. Both have pros and cons.
- 3 wheels: Can make tighter turns. May be lighter. May have a smaller "footprint" (length and width). May have more ground clearance (which means slightly higher seating position (better visibility) and can roll over small obstacles (like a soda can). Single front wheel means you must pay careful attention to where you drive; prone to front wheel "sinking" in softer softer surfaces. Inclines, hills and ramps (especially steep ones) may be better addressed at the bottom from a slight angle, rather than head on.
- 4 wheels: (possibly) Longer wheelbase may allow more leg room. May ride differently than 3 wheeler. May have a rather large (compared to 3 wheels) turning radius. May have a larger "footprint". May weigh more. 4 wheels means weight is more evenly distributed to all four wheels, but may have less ground clearance than 3 wheel scooter. Might do slightly better on soft surfaces. Typically can approach ramps, hills, and inclines straight on.
When you are looking at traveling with an ECV, it's different from day to day living - you may have to assemble/disassemble more often, or in less-than-optimal conditions. You will have to make sure you can charge your batteries, and that your batteries will be sufficient to get you through a long day of touring under unknown conditions. And you want to know that your scooter will ride and drive well over uneven surfaces.
Here's what I would focus on, if I were you; direct comparison points that will help you decide which model might be most comfortable for you.
- Size: What is the "footprint" (length and width when assembled and ready to ride) and what is the total "curb weight" (assembled and ready to ride with a battery installed)
- Battery life: What is the expected run time for the battery?
- Battery chemistry: Is it SLA or Li-On? Check with your favorite airline and/or cruise line to make sure that you will be allowed to bring that battery on board.
- Throttle type: Is it a twist throttle (like a motorcycle) or a squeeze throttle (where you have to push or pull a lever all the time) (and FYI, almost all twist throttles can be "converted" with the use of an inexpensive product like a
Crampbuster for those who have hand problems)
- Seat: What is the type (Captains chair? Armless? Backless?) and note any special features like Memory Foam, height adjustment, contouring, etc.
- Portability: Does it fold? Does it come apart into multiple pieces? What size and weight is the heaviest part? Can you lift the heaviest part at least 3 feet to/from the ground? Can you bend over or squat long enough to assemble/disassemble the ECV when needed?
Everything else is window dressing. Color, molded plastic covers, pockets, storage, cup holders, keys, buttons, dials, gauges... all the rest is *nice* but if I were in your shoes, I would focus more on making sure I was able to manage the scooter on my own, maximize my comfort and run time, and consider everything else as "gravy", as the folks in my neck of the woods say.
Good luck on your continued search! I know how important this is - and I hope you find exactly the right scooter for you!
