Lightweight travel scooter

The first thing to decide on is does she want a 3 whell or 4 wheel scooter?

Next, as she is only 58 inches tall she most likely does not weigh much so would not require anything big.

Next, how often would it be used, and how far would it need to travel when in use and mhow long would it be used for at any one time - deciding or looking at this would give an idea of what to look at.

Next, does it have to come apart to put in the back of a car? Some do but there are some travel ones that don't.

You say you can tow it on a bus, but have you contacted the bus company and asked if they will allow the things on their vehicles - some do but others don't.

Once the above have been considered then you can start looking.

Also you need to take into consideration that some kerbs do not have a dropped section which scooters can use to get on or off kerbs and very often if they do some idiot has parked right in front of the dropped bit rendering it useless.

EDIT - these things start at about £400 brand new and can be had from £50 second hand but would advise if you go for a used one then allow up to an extra £50 for new batteries.

Just because the buses will take pushchairs, wheelchairs and the like does NOT mean they will take mobility scooters.

You need to ASK the company what their policy on the things is.

This also goes for the bus tour companies - a lot of them will not carry scooters and they will not allow their drivers to lift them into the luggage compartment, nor will they allow the rider's assistant, if one is present, to put the thing on the bus - I write from experience.

As for trains - again, you need to ask the train operators what their policy is - some will take them, no problem, just roll up and take it on the train, but others require you to book them on the train and give them notice.

Return trips of 6-8 miles - I'll have a look and come back tomorrow when I've got a spare few minutes, but would say that she needs something which is light and has either a single 32ah battery or two batteries ether 15ah or 17ah each. There are some which have a claimed range of 10 miles but they have two 12ah batteries and may not manage 6-8 miles.

With distance, you also need to take into account any slopes or hills, if the terrain or distance travelled is/would be all on the flat then not much problem, but if any slopes or hills are involved then going up them would, depending on the gradient, gobble up the battery's power, as would dodging any uneven pavement or potholes or even traversing cobbles if there are any in her area.

Deleted_User wrote: »

This could be ideal for the lady in question. I know it is likely to be above her budget as she wondered about a good second hand one being a possibility.

As it is important and would help her a lot, but not very urgent, this one in the link could be a real possibility. She is saving for one and is eager for advice/recommendations such as this one. Thank you very much for this link and good suggestion, jewelly.

If your friend buys this one would you consider letting us know how they get on, please? It would be good to know how robust it is when, eventually, it would possibly be in daily use.

Crimson

Yes, I will feedback and let you know how he gets on. He first saw it advertised on TV and is going to ask for a home demonstration first. He is about 7st in weight with very little muscle and intends taking it on the bus to town and then getting around the town centre shops before returning via the bus. It does look ideal.