Sun shade for mobility scooters

[minidreamin]

My girlfriend (Chrysta), Mother, and I were at WDW in late July. I'm still trying to figure out how I convinced them to go in the middle of the summer. ;) We normally go during the fall and winter months. We knew it would be hot in the summer Florida sun.

Both Mom and Chrysta use scooters. We had looked at many different types of shades to help keep them cool while scooting around. Most had hard, rigid frames required complex mountings, or were very expensive ($150+). Then we found something that seemed perfect.

(Note: I am not in any way associated with this site. I'm just sharing my happy experience with others.)

Mobility Scooter Canopy and Backpack (http://catalinatreasures.com/mobility-scooter-canopy-and-backpack.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-29609579400243_2072_5897906

This canopy opens and closes like sun shades for car windshields, grab the two ends and twist them together to store it. Strap the backpack to the scooter seat back, raise the backpack handle, and the canopy slides on. Use the two attached tethers to secure the front to the handlebars of the scooter. Setup takes about a minute. We leave the backpack on all the time to make things easier.

At $69, this solution was perfect. Very easy to use and kept the sun from baking Mom and Chrysta.

Actions shots:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3955924546_40354d4dcf.jpg

(bottom right corner)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/3955145641_47a52c89de.jpg

Just thought I'd pass along the information to others that might benefit from this.

[Bete]

Heck, some back packs can cost $69. I love how it folds up and stores in a pouch to fit in the back pack.

Also, I noticed a slightly different model canopy for wheelchairs and a different GT scooter.

I sent an e-mail to Scott to ask him a few more questions; since, I don't have a GT scooter. I feel confident I can adapt it somehow.

Thanks for showing us this great accessory.


Could you answer a question, please: On your canopy I'm not quite understanding how the canopy on the back end is supported by the handle on the back pack? Are there built in holes in the handle of the back pack to secure the canopy poles unto it or ??

[minidreamin]

I'll try to snap a few pics this week. If I'm not able to, I'll get some while we're at WDW next week.

[Bete]

I appreciate any info or pictures.

[minidreamin]

Here are a couple of photos I snapped before I loaded the scooter into the car this afternoon.

This is how the shade attaches to the backpack. Simply raise the handle of the backpack and slide the shade on.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3996095585_1695f43319.jpg

Then tie the tethers to the handlebars.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/3996095511_73bb6db63b.jpg

That bends the shade down over the scooter rider.

Let me know if I need to take any other photos to help illustrate how this works. We're very pleased with this sun shade. It really helped with the record Florida heat this week.

[dclfun]

The problem though with these sunshades is that another person travelling in a wheelchair cannot see over you, esp. at a parade, or trying to maneuver down the street. Even some adults that are upright cannot see over these sunshades---Kathy

[Bete]

I totally understand how this works, now.

With regards to other viewers, I will gladly dismantle it for a parade or similar if we are in the way of those behind us. A parade occurs once a day; so, I don't see that as a hassle.

[dclfun]

You would probably also want to dismantle it before boarding a bus. I once saw the different type ECV with attached canopy take out a bus driver. I'm sure the guest didn't have a sense of their personal space with the canopy and didn't realize it extended out a bit on the sides. I can understand the desire for shade, but in certain instances these shades and canopies are a hazard for other guests. It would be like an ambulatory guest walking around with an umbrella.---Kathy

[peemagg]

I could see it being a problem when trying to see around you to the back. You couldn't see who is behind you and might turn into them.