Electric Tricycle vs Mobility Scooter: Which is Right for You?
For those with limited mobility, finding something that helps you get out and about is an absolute life-changer. At Jorvik Tricycles, we have the pleasure of meeting many people who require something to help them gain back their independence and rediscover freedom.
Oftentimes, those looking for a mobility solution are left looking thinking that a traditional mobility scooter is their only option, unaware that an electric tricycle could be the perfect way to get out and about with ease. But what are the main differences between an adult tricycle and a mobility scooter? We’ve put together this guide to help you understand more about the benefits of each and which might be right for you.
What’s the Difference Between a Tricycle and a Mobility Scooter?
We get it – even the term ‘mobility scooter’ can be off-putting. To many, it can feel like a major step towards older age and a loss of independence (even if that isn’t necessarily the case).
Generally, mobility scooters are designed purely as a mobility product. They’re designed to help those who have limited mobility or chronic health conditions get around easily and are built for everyday tasks and operating on paths and roads, where the terrain is more even.
An adult tricycle is designed for disability use and has all the benefits of a mobility scooter – it just looks nothing like it! They feel like a more stylish, modern and unique alternative to a mobility scooter for those who need a little extra assistance but don’t quite feel ready to take the step onto a mobility scooter. They turn heads for all the right reasons.
The added advantage of a tricycle is that they’re a lot more versatile when it comes to where you can take them. The off-road recumbent style means you’re not sacrificing your independence, you’re gaining a whole lot more.
Introducing the Jorvik Freedom
The Jorvik Freedom is our first-ever mobility tricycle, and it’s designed to do everything that a mobility scooter can... plus, much more!
The Jorvik Freedom was designed to do exactly what it says in the name – help bring back a feeling of freedom to those who have limited mobility or health conditions that prevent them being able to ride a bicycle, drive a car or walk longer distances.
The Benefits of the Jorvik Freedom Tricycle for Limited Mobility
An electric tricycle may look like a fun way to enjoy leisure time and days out (it is that too!), but they’re actually the perfect way to get from A to B for more practical trips and everyday chores. Whether it’s a quick pop down to the shops or travelling to and from a workplace, our range of adult tricycles are ideal for every use.
Battery power
The boost of power from a battery is an essential part of the way an electric tricycle works. On our mobility tricycle, the rider can take advantage a rear hub 250w motor, complete with reverse function. This means that those looking for a little exercise can use their tricycle with minimal powered support but increase the pedal assistance to suit their needs on tougher terrain or hills.
Increased stability
Three wheels and a rear differential make tricycles a much more stable and safe way to get about. With a tight turning circle and superior stability, worrying about your tricycle tipping over really isn’t an issue – trust us, we’ve tested it on some seriously unstable terrain!
Storage space
Our tricycles come with plenty of room to store any items such as shopping or other essentials for wherever you’re going. With a rear cargo area on all models and an added spacious front basket on the Jorvik Freedom, you’ll never be short when you’ve got cargo onboard.
Tackling tougher terrain
Unlike many mobility scooters, adult tricycles are built for adventure. Just like many of our mountain tricycles, the Jorvik Freedom features 16” alloy spoke wheels with puncture resistant tyres, rear dual air springs for added comfort and a rear differential for extra stability. All of this means you can tackle much less stable terrain comfortably and safely – helping those adventures go a little further.
Modular frame
The modular frame on the Jorvik Freedom mobility tricycle means that it can be taken apart to make travel easier. This means if you’re going for a day out, heading on holiday or simply need to transport your tricycle somewhere, you can break it down to pack away in the car, motorhome or caravan. Modular and folding tricycles can also be ideal for carers, thanks to their easy transportability.
Looking the part
We understand that the look of a mobility scooter can be off-putting. Our Jorvik Freedom couldn’t be further from that. Sleek, stylish looks, balanced with practicality, mean that the Jorvik Freedom is likely to attract all the right attention. We hear so many stories from our customers who’ve been stopped out and about and asked about their tricycle.
Find Out More About Disability VAT Relief
At Jorvik Tricycles, we’re proud to say that we offer disability VAT exemption. We know all about the benefits of tricycles for disabled riders, so we’ve worked hard to gain this status in order to find more ways to make adult tricycles more accessible to those who would benefit from them.
What’s more, our tricycles are all Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certified. This means that they comply with the laws and regulations required to allow them to be sold as medical devices – in the same way as a mobility scooter.
For those who are eligible, this means that you can make a VAT-exempt purchase and save money on your tricycle purchase. To find out more, discover whether you could be eligible and how the process works, just head to our VAT exemption page.
Try One for Yourself!
We could talk all day about the benefits of tricycles for those with limited mobility (or anyone for that matter!), but there’s no better way to experience it than trying for yourself.
At Jorvik, we offer several options for taking a test ride. At our York and Southampton showrooms, you can come along and enjoy a completely free one-to-one test ride. One of our tricycle experts will guide you round our test track and answer any questions you may have. Visit our showrooms page for more information or to book a test ride.
We also understand that getting to our showrooms isn’t always easy or possible for everyone. That’s why we offer a home demo service, where a tricycle expert brings the Jorvik showroom experience to you – wherever you are in mainland UK! For more information, head to our home visits page.