Rolling Through Snow: A Mobility User’s Guide

As someone who relies on a mobility scooter to stay independent, I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of mountain towns like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the snow-covered landscapes of Colorado. But winter travel brings a unique set of challenges if you use a mobility device. Snow, ice, hills — they can all turn a relaxing trip into a stressful situation if you aren’t prepared. Check out the recent video I made using a model called the Wrangler 2, made by Pride Mobility.

You might wonder if it’s possible to enjoy snowy destinations with a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The answer is yes, but it requires the right equipment, careful planning, and important safety precautions.

Can You Use a Mobility Scooter in the Snow?

From personal experience, not all scooters are suitable for it. Small travel scooters or lightweight wheelchairs don’t perform well on snowy or icy surfaces. They often have small wheels, low ground clearance, and motors that can’t handle the extra resistance.

If you’re serious about winter travel, you’ll need a heavy-duty model. Some key features to look for:

• Large Pneumatic Tires: Deep-tread, air-filled tires provide much-needed traction.
• High Ground Clearance: Helps you avoid getting stuck when snow builds up.
• Powerful Motor: To climb hills and power through slush.
• Suspension: Essential for handling bumps and uneven, icy surfaces.

Scooters and Wheelchairs That Actually Work in Snow

I’ve personally seen great results with:

• The Baja Wrangler 2 by Pride Mobility — big tires, strong motor, excellent suspension.
• The Afikim Afiscooter S4 — wide tires and stability that handle packed snow well.
• For electric wheelchair users, the Pride Jazzy Outback — one of the few rugged power chairs with four-wheel drive and knobby tires.

We’ve even made videos testing these devices in real snowy conditions, which show what they can handle. Check out our website or Youtube channel if you want to learn more about these models.

Real-World Safety Tips for Winter Travel

For those who prefer a video explainer, I’ve created a video that provides a ton of education about using mobility scooters in the snow. The same safety tips can be applied to power wheelchair users.

After spending time in snowy areas with a mobility scooter, here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

1. Slow and Steady Wins
   Snow can hide dangerous obstacles — rocks, curbs, even boulders — just under the surface.
   Go slow, especially around turns. Avoid sharp movements, and keep your speed dialed down for maximum control.
2. Inspect Tires and Batteries Before Every Trip
   Check your tires for wear and make sure they’re properly inflated. Also, ensure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. Cold weather drains batteries fast — the last thing you want is to get stuck far from help in freezing temperatures.
3. Consider Tire Chains
   You can find chains designed for golf cart tires, and they might fit larger scooter wheels. Adding chains can make a big difference when it comes to traction on packed snow or ice.
4. Stick to Maintained Paths
   Whenever possible, use sidewalks and plowed paths. Fresh powder is one thing, but ice under snow can be almost impossible to handle. Residential areas are often salted, which makes a huge difference in safety.
5. Dress to Be Seen
   Wear bright, reflective clothing — avoid wearing white because you’ll blend in with the snow. Think neon or bold colors, and always add reflective gear if you’re going out when it’s dim or cloudy.
6. Plan for Emergencies
   Bring a fully charged cell phone every time you leave. If you’re able to walk short distances, consider carrying a lightweight cane or walker. And let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
7. Post-Ride Care
   Snow and ice can cause corrosion. After riding, wipe down your scooter or wheelchair thoroughly — especially around battery terminals and motors — and store it in a dry, warm place. If you use a garage or shed, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture.

Transportation Considerations

One thing to know up front: heavy-duty scooters and power chairs are big. They’re not airline-friendly and won’t fit in a regular car trunk. You’ll probably need a trailer or a vehicle lift. Always double-check that your lodging has accessible parking and entryways that can accommodate your setup.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to snowy mountain towns as a mobility scooter or wheelchair user isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. With the right device, the right mindset, and a healthy respect for winter conditions, you can enjoy all the beauty and adventure these places have to offer.

If you want to see how different devices perform in real snow, check out our videos featuring the Baja Wrangler 2, Afikim S4, and Pride Jazzy Outback. We also have a detailed comparison video showing the Wrangler 2 vs. the Afiscooter S4 for those considering their options.

Watch the Baja Wrangler 2 vs. Afikim S4 Comparison Video

Stay safe, travel smart, and keep rolling — even in the snow!

Note: This post is sponsored, but tabifolk only partners with brands and companies we trust and believe align with our mission of making the world more accessible.