Anyone here have the TravelScoot?

[TammyAlphabet]

I saw this online and it looks too good to be true. Does anyone have any information about it?

http://www.travelscoot.com/

And no, I am not a stockholder. LOL. I was thinking of buying one and I am looking for information.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Here is what to watch out for:

● Maximum 6 mph, with a range of 8 miles (12 miles with Li-Ion battery).
Speed and distance were ascertained by GPS with a new battery and a 180 pound person on a paved level surface. With a 330 pound load, the distance was 5.5 miles. With these parameters, the distance, with different loads, can be estimated accordingly.

And probably not at maximum speed either.

Disney World does have hills, some of them will knock my meter way down into the lower green even when close to a full charge and I am at about 80% of the weight limit on the full-size ECV.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

That is true. Not a great range.

 

[Bete]

I'll be getting a scooter for my hubby in August. I have researched this scooter and others. I've talked to the inventor of the Travel Scooter; he's pretty accessible. The only way I would get this scooter would be if I did a lot of overseas travel and/or cruising. Even then, I would have two scooters; so, I could have a better one for the rest of the time everywhere else.

Of course this is my opinion:

Anyway, here goes: You can't beat how light this scooter is and the capacity of the individual weight it holds. It can be picked up and carried if you are in a situation that requires it.

The other side: There's no lock mechanism, it has only a 6 month warranty, distance range on the battery is pretty bad as mentioned already, and it cannot go in reverse. With the Lithium battery I find this unit to be too expensive overall.

There are more substantial travel scooters that break down into 4 to 5 pieces where the heaviest piece weighs about 35 pounds. Some of these scooters have double the range of distance compared to the Travel Scooter.

I started a thread not too long ago asking for recommendations and two people liked the Travel Scooter even with the pitfalls. There's a place for this kind of scooter; so, it just depends what you need it for.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Bete,

Thanks for the advice. I will look for that thread.

 

[elizbbw]

Hi Tammy! I own a TravelScoot and use it regularly. I also own another traditional scooter, which I have not used even once since I got my TravelScoot.

I don't know if you've ever owned a scooter before, but the biggest problem I see with them is portability. Even the ones that are advertised as being "easily disassembled" are more than I can handle and they even make my very capable hubby curse and sweat. But not the TravelScoot. Mine weighs 29 lbs. and I can fold it up and store it in my car in less than a minute.

I want to address the "other side" and talk about how it works out with actual use.

1) No lock mechanism. With my old scooter I parked it outside the hotel restaurant and walked inside. Without the key I felt like it was safe. I also parked it in the hallway outside our hotel room. With my TravelScoot it takes up so little space that I drive it right to the table. I haven't found a situation yet where there wasn't a space to put it. If I had to leave it somewhere I'd take the lightweight battery with me.

2) Distance range. The battery has an 8-mile range. That's a really long distance! If you're going to be somewhere where you're going to go further than that in a day, surely you'll be stopping to eat or rest and can charge the battery then. You can also easily add a second battery to the TravelScoot and double your range. The maximum 6 mph is way faster than you're going to want to go most of the time, especially when you're around pedestrians. When I go fast on mine my hair actually blows, which is saying a lot consider this thick, curly head of hair I've got.

3) No reverse. I haven't found this to be a problem. I like being able to put my feet on the ground when I stop, instead of having them on a platform. Pushing back with your feet to back up just comes naturally after you ride a bit, and it gives you some exercise while you're using it. The other benefit is that not having a reverse keeps the TravelScoot lighter, and when you're lifting, every pound makes a difference.

4) Cost of lithium ion battery. As far as I know this is the only scooter that has the lithium ion battery as an option. If that option makes it too pricey, you can easily get a standard SLA battery for much less, and the scoot will still weigh less than 50 lbs.

Hopefully you found the other thread where the TravelScoot is being discussed and can talk to other people who own them. If you could take the TravelScoot and load it in and out of your vehicle several times, and then do the same thing with ANY other "portable" scooter, I believe your choice would be made. Anything you see as a shortcoming to the TravelScoot is more than made up by ease of portability. It's also so small that it fits in spaces that no other scooter could. I can drive it anywhere that my shoulders will fit.

One other neat thing you can do with the TravelScoot is to drop the handlebars down (takes about 2 seconds to do) and pull it up to any table. The other thing to consider about the TravelScoot is the coolness factor. It doesn't look like a traditional handicap scooter. It looks more like the scooters that kids ride.

Good luck with your search for the right scooter. And by the way, I don't have stock in TravelScoot either!

Elizabeth

P.S. I have a blog about my TravelScoot experience at mytravelscoot(dot)blogspot(dot)com

 

[Bete]

Would you share your experience with the travelscoot at Disney World, please? or something equivalent?

I like the idea of this scooter, but I've heard so many bad reports about it; except, when it's used for short trips like appointments, shopping, etc.

 

[elizbbw]

Bete, I haven't personally taken a TravelScoot to Disney, but a friend of mine LOVES Disney and goes often. She used to rent a scooter, but the last time she went she had her TravelScoot so she took it with her. I can't post a link to my blog, but I can post the content of the post about using it at Disney.

I have a friend from exercise class who just took her new TravelScoot to Disney. She was there for three days. Normally she rents a scooter, so this was her first time taking her TravelScoot. Let me see how much I can remember of what she told me.

This post is from May 8, 2009

TravelScoot at Disney World

Airport: Ayn got a gate check tag for her TravelScoot when she checked in, then rode it to the door of the plane. The man who checked it was fascinated by it. She was VERY happy about not having to walk in the airport. I don't know about all of you, but airports are a real problem for me. I know many airports have carts you can ride in, but it's hard to find one when you need it and it doesn't take you to baggage claim or to your hotel transportation, but the Travelscoot will!

Busses: It was much easier to take her scoot on the busses than it was to take the scooters she rented in the past.

At the park: LOTS and LOTS of people asked her about her scoot. She said she wishes she had had business cards to give out.

Shopping: The Travelscoot fit in all the little shops at the park, and it was easy to go between the aisles too. That's difficult to do (and sometimes impossible) with a regular scooter.

Battery Life: She took her charger to the park just in case, but never needed it. She said the battery life was great.

Triangle-shaped carrying pouch: She was amazed at how much she could fit in this pouch. She was in charge of purses and shopping bags.

 

[elizbbw]

Bete,

The ONLY negative I heard from Ayn about the TravelScoot at Disney is that after a few hours she felt like she could have used more padding on the seat. To me it's a trade-off for the portability, but I'll bet it could be solved with the right cushion.

Would you share your experience with the travelscoot at Disney World, please? or something equivalent?

I like the idea of this scooter, but I've heard so many bad reports about it; except, when it's used for short trips like appointments, shopping, etc.

 

[elizbbw]

Bete, a question for you... What negatives have you heard about the TravelScoot that actually came from someone who uses one? I've become a TravelScoot junkie and in all my internet searching haven't come across anyone who owned one who didn't like it. Maybe I could help ease your mind? If you live anywhere near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you're welcome to come try mine.

Hardy Huber (the TravelScoot inventor) is going to be at the NAAFA conference in Washington, D.C. at the end of July/beginning of August. I'm giving a workshop about TravelScoots for large people on Friday afternoon at 2:30.

Once I have 10 posts under my belt I'll be able to post links. If you want more convention information, it's at naafa(dot)org.

Would you share your experience with the travelscoot at Disney World, please? or something equivalent?

I like the idea of this scooter, but I've heard so many bad reports about it; except, when it's used for short trips like appointments, shopping, etc.

 

[Bete]

Bete, a question for you... What negatives have you heard about the TravelScoot that actually came from someone who uses one? I've become a TravelScoot junkie and in all my internet searching haven't come across anyone who owned one who didn't like it. Maybe I could help ease your mind? If you live anywhere near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you're welcome to come try mine.

Hardy Huber (the TravelScoot inventor) is going to be at the NAAFA conference in Washington, D.C. at the end of July/beginning of August. I'm giving a workshop about TravelScoots for large people on Friday afternoon at 2:30.

Once I have 10 posts under my belt I'll be able to post links. If you want more convention information, it's at naafa(dot)org.

making comments on internet I heard two big negatives: battery distance on one charge is like 5 miles for heavier people and it's extremely poor in taking any inclines and in doing so drains the the battery really bad in the process.

For Disney we usually go about 10 to 12 miles a day. We have used a pedometer to check this out. We do it without going back to the resort. The Pride scooter we are looking at can go that distance and it's rated for 300 pound capacity. It comes as a 4 wheeler if you want it and my husband really prefers it that way for stability. He has tried a 3 wheel. I think for our first scooter this will be the one. I will continue to look at the Travel Scooter for improvements. I believe we will get his one eventually, but just not right now. I'm hoping for a second generation of this scooter to be better. I want reverse and keyed ignition, even if it means a heavier scooter.

I appreiate your comments. I've talked to Hardy on the phone and through e-mail. The warranty on the scooter is 6 months and that's not enough for me. The scooter I think I'm getting allows for a three year warranty; you do have to pay extra for it. I will say in his favor is the scooter has a lithium battery which is so ideal, but so expensive right now. I will wait to see more input on how long these batteries will last. At those prices I can't be replacing one every year or so.

I wish I had the funds to do both scooters right now. I think it would give me the best of both worlds.

 

[elizbbw]

Bete,

I know it was a big decision on which scooter to get. I imagine that whichever one you get you'll really like some things about it and wish you had features from other scooters. Too bad we can't just pick and choose to build our own. No matter which one you get I know it will help your husband enhance his life, and that is a wonderful thing.

Elizabeth

making comments on internet I heard two big negatives: battery distance on one charge is like 5 miles for heavier people and it's extremely poor in taking any inclines and in doing so drains the the battery really bad in the process.

For Disney we usually go about 10 to 12 miles a day. We have used a pedometer to check this out. We do it without going back to the resort. The Pride scooter we are looking at can go that distance and it's rated for 300 pound capacity. It comes as a 4 wheeler if you want it and my husband really prefers it that way for stability. He has tried a 3 wheel. I think for our first scooter this will be the one. I will continue to look at the Travel Scooter for improvements. I believe we will get his one eventually, but just not right now. I'm hoping for a second generation of this scooter to be better. I want reverse and keyed ignition, even if it means a heavier scooter.

I appreiate your comments. I've talked to Hardy on the phone and through e-mail. The warranty on the scooter is 6 months and that's not enough for me. The scooter I think I'm getting allows for a three year warranty; you do have to pay extra for it. I will say in his favor is the scooter has a lithium battery which is so ideal, but so expensive right now. I will wait to see more input on how long these batteries will last. At those prices I can't be replacing one every year or so.

I wish I had the funds to do both scooters right now. I think it would give me the best of both worlds.

 

[bidnow5]

Elizabeth thank you for posting I read all of your blogs. I will be getting a TravelScoot as soon as I can afford one. I have a few issues and can't bend much and can't lift anything heavy. I have 2 scooters right now they are great but I can't use them most of the time they are too heavy even broken down. I would love to be able to take a scooter every where I go and this is the one that will do it. I will keep reading your blogs thank you so much for all the info

 

[ElizabethB]

Just to add my two cents. We bought Mom a Travelscoot. We've used it on cruises very successfully. And, we used it at Disneyworld for a week last September. It's been great. Anything heavier and we would find it too cumbersome to be convenient.

My brother works for an airline and he simply refused to get Mom one of the scooters his colleagues have to deal with all the time.

We only ran out of juice once at Disneyworld and that was the day we took it to Epcot, having forgotten to charge the battery the night before. Of course, we didn't have the charger with us either. Fortunately, the scooter and battery are so light, it was easy to get back to the car.

Mom finds it comfortable. She viewed parades sitting on the Travelscoot and it was great.

As I mentioned on the other thread, you have to be careful going downhill because it's so light you can get going pretty fast unless you're careful and brake a lot.

The lithium-ion battery was worth the money.

Mom rides the Travelscoot through airports and, as a previous poster said, it's great because it saves us the trouble of trying to find a wheelchair or an electric cart.

My biggest concern was security since it doesn't have a key, but at Disneyworld Mom rode it most everywhere -- while waiting in ride lines, in restaurants and in stores. If we had to park it for a few minutes, we simply took the battery with us.

It was a good purchase and, frankly, we would not want anything heavier or more difficult to manage.

 

[elizbbw]

You're so welcome! I'm so glad you're enjoying my blog. I have fun carrying my camera around with me in case I get a blog photo opportunity.

I hope you'll keep us posted once you're able to get your TravelScoot. You can email me through my blog or post in the comments section.

http://mytravelscoot.blogspot.com

Elizabeth thank you for posting I read all of your blogs. I will be getting a TravelScoot as soon as I can afford one. I have a few issues and can't bend much and can't lift anything heavy. I have 2 scooters right now they are great but I can't use them most of the time they are too heavy even broken down. I would love to be able to take a scooter every where I go and this is the one that will do it. I will keep reading your blogs thank you so much for all the info

 

[elizbbw]

I wish I had known about the TravelScoot when my Mom was able to use one. I'm so glad you found it for your mom at a time when she can really enjoy using it.

I agree with what you said about "anything heavier and we would find it too cumbersome to be convenient." For me that's where the TravelScoot sets itself apart from other portable scooters. I take the seat off, remove the battery, press on two bolts to fold it up and I'm done. I've seen how other scooters come apart and even my able-bodied husband cursed when he tried to assemble my old one.

It's great that your brother the airline employee was okay with the TravelScoot. I hope it's easier for airline workers to deal with it than other types of scooters. My first flight with it is on 7/28/09. I'm really looking forward to it!

Just to add my two cents. We bought Mom a Travelscoot. We've used it on cruises very successfully. And, we used it at Disneyworld for a week last September. It's been great. Anything heavier and we would find it too cumbersome to be convenient.

My brother works for an airline and he simply refused to get Mom one of the scooters his colleagues have to deal with all the time.

We only ran out of juice once at Disneyworld and that was the day we took it to Epcot, having forgotten to charge the battery the night before. Of course, we didn't have the charger with us either. Fortunately, the scooter and battery are so light, it was easy to get back to the car.

Mom finds it comfortable. She viewed parades sitting on the Travelscoot and it was great.

As I mentioned on the other thread, you have to be careful going downhill because it's so light you can get going pretty fast unless you're careful and brake a lot.

The lithium-ion battery was worth the money.

Mom rides the Travelscoot through airports and, as a previous poster said, it's great because it saves us the trouble of trying to find a wheelchair or an electric cart.

My biggest concern was security since it doesn't have a key, but at Disneyworld Mom rode it most everywhere -- while waiting in ride lines, in restaurants and in stores. If we had to park it for a few minutes, we simply took the battery with us.

It was a good purchase and, frankly, we would not want anything heavier or more difficult to manage.