When choosing a mobility scooter, many users naturally assume that a smaller turning radius is always better. While a tighter turning radius does allow quicker and sharper turns, it also affects stability—especially on compact four-wheel scooters.
To help customers understand this balance, we’ve prepared a detailed, image-based explanation of how our scooter’s steering system works and why we have intentionally engineered a safe turning limit.
1. Why Turning Radius Matters
• Smaller turning radius → faster, sharper turns
• Larger turning radius → slower, more stable turns
However, on a four-wheel compact scooter, an excessively small turning radius at moderate or high speed can significantly increase the risk of tipping or rollover.
This is why responsible engineering must prioritize stability, not extreme agility.
2. The Safety Feature Behind the Turning Limit: Steering Stop Structure
Below is an actual image from our scooter’s steering mechanism.
The red-boxed area highlights a critical safety component called the steering stop.
Steering Stop at Right-Turn Limit
This metal tab is designed to physically limit how far the wheel can rotate.
When the wheel approaches its maximum safe angle, the limit tab contacts the frame and prevents the wheel from turning further.
What this prevents:
• Over-rotation of the wheel
• Sudden shifts in the scooter’s center of gravity
• Excessive leaning or rollover risk during tight turns
This small part plays a huge role in keeping the scooter safe and stable.
3. Why We Cannot Allow More Steering Angle
The second image shows the wheel turning in the opposite direction with the steering stop again engaging.
Steering Stop at Left-Turn Limit
Here you can clearly see:
• The wheel is already near its maximum allowable angle
• The steering stop is in contact with the bracket
• Any further rotation would push the wheel into structural components
Allowing more angle would have serious consequences.
4. Engineering Explanation: Why Over-Tight Turns Are Dangerous
• Rollover Risk Increases Dramatically
At extreme steering angles, centrifugal forces shift the center of gravity outward.
On a compact four-wheel scooter, this makes the vehicle more likely to tilt or even flip.
Risk increases further when:
• Driving downhill
• Turning on uneven surfaces
• Carrying weight or leaning to one side
• Riding at higher speeds
Structural Stress Beyond Design
• The turning radius we set is based on full-scale extreme testing, including:
• High-speed turning tests
• Uneven-ground simulations
• Full-load and offset-load testing
• Durability and suspension stress evaluations
The steering stop is positioned where stability and performance remain safely balanced.
5. For Customers Who Require a Smaller Turning Radius
We understand that some users desire an even tighter turning capability.
Technically, the turning radius can be reduced by modifying the steering mechanism using a spacer kit.
However:
Any modification beyond the factory-set steering angle alters the original engineering design. All risks, including instability or rollover incidents, will be the sole responsibility of the customer.
For safety reasons, we strongly recommend keeping the factory-tested configuration unless you fully understand the trade-offs.
6. Our Commitment: Safety First, Always
Our goal is to deliver a riding experience that is:
• Stable
• Comfortable
• Safe in a wide range of environments
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
By carefully engineering the turning radius and using a robust steering-stop system, we ensure that every rider enjoys maximum safety without sacrificing everyday maneuverability.
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