Light Mobility Scooter/Bike Advice

7roland8

I already have a large four wheel scooter (for round the village) plus a small three wheel portable one for out in the car.

I have ME and can walk but not far.

I can drive the car a little way but even the small scooter is too heavy for me on my own and I like being independent and not havig someone with me always.

There is a lip to our boot so things need lifting and I was wondering about a little electric bike or tiny scooter than I could maybe put by the passenger seat. It would have to be quite cheap as well.

We have a Hyunda coupe so only two doors.

Cannot afford a lift or anything and although not a big problem as hubby or son takes me to Drs or hosp it would be nice just to be out and about a little on my own. Don't often drive out anyway but on the rare occasions I do it would be nice to get away form the car a little.

I see that some of the cheap electric bikes need you to peddle as well.

ukmaggie45

I'm not sure if this would suit you, but yesterday I was reading about a thing called Travelscoot, which folds up real small and is light too. I took a look at the EU website, and it seems to be 1655 Euros for the cheapest version (sent from Germany but arrives fast). But you may be able to get it VAT free, you need to check that out. Reason I mention it is that it was a fellow ME patient who had written a review and really loved it. Not particularly cheap though! You can download the review here. Hope this helps!

7roland8

Thanks ever so much Ukmaggie - will follow your links -there are just so many to choose form these days arn't there and most not cheap!

bll78

I have a go go elite traveller plus, which is great and comes apart easily but the battery is too heavy for me to get into the car. I haven't found anything yet that's suitable. My current solution is to start to look at lifts for my next mobility car. Is this an option for you?
I will watch this thread with interest

Mr_F_Dorsetty

I'm not sure if the OP can get or wants a Motability vehicle but that is the answer and you can get grants for help with the vehicle and adaptations if needed.

Presently I have a large MPV with an electric hoist which I use to carry my present electric wheelchair.

That chair is now being replaced for medical reasons and the present car will go to be replaced with some sort of Mini bus van.

Personally speaking, if any receives higher rate DLA or for some now PIP, and either they have a driving licence or someone living with them does, I have no idea why they do not have a Motability vehicle.

As for scooters, I have severe RA which is basically in all joints and I cannot use a scooter as holding my arms out just hurts too much and I do not have the wrist strength to steer.

Personally I find a power wheelchair far more pleasant and far more usable in shops etc as they are significantly easier to handle and have a 360 turning circle. The added manoeuvrability over a scooter is a real boon in the usual over stocked shops you can barely move around.

7roland8

7roland8 wrote: »

Thanks ever so much Ukmaggie - will follow your links -there are just so many to choose form these days arn't there and most not cheap!

That looks a super little thing Maggie but based in Germany and too expensive for my third scooter!

7roland8

bll78 wrote: »

I have a go go elite traveller plus, which is great and comes apart easily but the battery is too heavy for me to get into the car. I haven't found anything yet that's suitable. My current solution is to start to look at lifts for my next mobility car. Is this an option for you?
I will watch this thread with interest

Yes the batteries are always way too heavy arn't they?

Yes a lift is the proper solution.

I used to have a trailer on the back of the car and run a scooter up the ramp at the back - but since getting a bit weaker even that is hard to manage (well not done it for about 4 years now) - as is the boot lid really.

7roland8

Mr_F_Dorsetty wrote: »

I'm not sure if the OP can get or wants a Motability vehicle but that is the answer and you can get grants for help with the vehicle and adaptations if needed.

Presently I have a large MPV with an electric hoist which I use to carry my present electric wheelchair.

That chair is now being replaced for medical reasons and the present car will go to be replaced with some sort of Mini bus van.

Personally speaking, if any receives higher rate DLA or for some now PIP, and either they have a driving licence or someone living with them does, I have no idea why they do not have a Motability vehicle.

As for scooters, I have severe RA which is basically in all joints and I cannot use a scooter as holding my arms out just hurts too much and I do not have the wrist strength to steer.

Personally I find a power wheelchair far more pleasant and far more usable in shops etc as they are significantly easier to handle and have a 360 turning circle. The added manoeuvrability over a scooter is a real boon in the usual over stocked shops you can barely move around.

Mr F - yes I agree a power chair is also good - I used to hire one out in a local town some years ago and it was ok - but quite old design.

I expect our car will be needing to be changed soonish and hope to get one with a flat boot of some sort that I can run a scooter up ramps.

As mostly housebound though so it seems silly to go to lots of expense for the very odd trips - but still nice to be able to now and again.

Cyclamen

As mostly housebound though so it seems silly to go to lots of expense for the very odd trips - but still nice to be able to now and again.

if it is a rare trip what about an accessible taxi company.. you just drive into them and get the wheels tied down. Dropped where you wnat to be and not in a carpark etc..

I have a license but stopped driving as i just didnt feel safe and not well enough to warrant keeping a car.. so we use taxis.. usually one trip a week and then volunteer drivers (you pay petrol and a bar of chocolate) to them for hospital trips.

I would also suggest phoning the local taxi companies.. a non adapted company may still be willing to lift scooters in and out if you ask .. our local firm help my husband with my chair.

hope you find a solution

SuzieSue

bll78 wrote: »

I have a go go elite traveller plus, which is great and comes apart easily but the battery is too heavy for me to get into the car. I haven't found anything yet that's suitable. My current solution is to start to look at lifts for my next mobility car. Is this an option for you?
I will watch this thread with interest

My husband has a go go elite traveller plus and has just had a hoist fitted in the boot of a Qashqai +2.

If you are going to get a Motability car, then it is much cheaper to get it a hoist fitted when you buy the car. We didn't realise this, but managed to get a second hand one fitted.

dori2o

I'm currently trying (badly) to save up for one of these

http://www.luggiescooters.com/

The cost new I have seen between £1600 and £2000.

But there are often a few on Ebay for between £800 and £1200.

The Batteries are tiny compared to my Kymco Minu 4 U and last just as long.

It suprisingly will take a load of upto 18st, and it folds away to the size of a small travel case.

It's the best example of a folding, light weight, compact scooter that will accomodate those of use who are towards the higher end of the weight scale