Golden Companion 4-wheel: a full-time scooter with suspension

The Golden Companion 4-wheel (full size, model GC440) is new on our shelf. Golden designed it for riders who use a scooter all day, every day, and it can still be taken apart when you travel (Golden Technologies: Companion 4-Wheel Full Size).

Who it suits

If you ride every day and want comfort first, the Companion 4-wheel deserves a close look. Suspension at both ends and 10.75-inch tires on all four wheels take the sting out of cracks and bumps. Its rating is 400 lbs, and top speed is 5 mph.

The sliding swivel seat is 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep, and it sits 17 to 19 inches above the deck. You can add an optional 6-inch power elevating seat, which raises you closer to counters, shelves and conversation height.

Key specs

Figures from Golden Technologies's product page:

• Weight capacity: 400 lbs
• Maximum speed: 5 mph
• Ground clearance: 4.25"
• Turning radius: 54"
• Length: 48"
• Width: 24"
• Weight of unit (assembled): 222 lbs
• Batteries: 2-U1/ up to 50AH
• Front and rear tires: 10.75"
• Seat width x depth: 18" x 16"
• Deck to top of seat: 17"-19"

Range

On the standard U1 batteries, Golden's figure is 14 miles on a charge; choose the optional 50AH battery if you need to go further.

On the tiller

The tiller has a digital dashboard that shows battery percentage, a USB port for your phone and two cup holders, small comforts on a long day.

Size and travel

The Companion 4-wheel is 48 inches long and 24 inches wide, weighs 222 lbs assembled and has 4.25 inches of ground clearance. Its turning radius is 54 inches, so it needs space to turn around indoors. It comes apart, but the pieces of a full-size scooter are heavy, so a vehicle lift is worth considering for regular travel.

How it compares

Against the three-wheel Companion, this model gives you a wheel at each corner and the same 400 lb rating, but needs more room to turn (54 inches against 45) and weighs a little more (222 lbs against 207). Pride's Victory 10 4-wheel is another 400 lb option, with EZ Turn for a 45.5-inch turning radius. If you want more capacity still, look at the Companion HD, rated for 500 lbs.

The optional power elevating seat is worth thinking about if you often reach for shelves or counters while seated.

Before you order

• Turning: measure the tightest turn at home against the 54-inch radius.
• Seat: decide whether the optional 6-inch power elevating seat would help you reach counters and shelves.
• Storage: it weighs 222 lbs assembled; plan a parking and charging spot.
• Doorways: check them against the 24-inch width.

Our fit assessment can help you narrow the choice, and the shipping by state page explains delivery to the lower 48 states and DC.

Warranty

Golden lists these terms in its scooter limited warranty (Golden scooter warranty):

• Frame: lifetime limited
• Drive train: 2 years
• Electronics: 2 years
• Batteries: 1 year
• Initial consumer only; warranty registration card must be on file with Golden for service
• Parts only: labor, service calls and transportation are the consumer's responsibility

Also on the shelf

Other full-size four-wheelers:

• Golden Companion 3-Wheel: the three-wheel Companion, with a 45-inch turning radius.
• Golden Buzzaround LX 4-Wheel: a Buzzaround LX four-wheeler rated for 375 lbs.
• Pride Victory 10 4-Wheel: a Pride four-wheeler with EZ Turn, rated for 400 lbs.

Compare every model side by side in our mobility scooters collection.

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See the Golden Companion 4-Wheel on Faith Mobility.

Sources

• Golden Technologies: Companion 4-Wheel
• Golden Technologies: Scooter limited warranty (PDF)