Electric scooter, need information

[lsyorke]

DH is going to be getting an electric scooter in the near future. I know nothing about these. Any companies or types we should stay away from?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a few ideas which may help.

First of all decide what he needs. Some models have a weight limit of only 200 pounds, most are around 300, and some go as high as 450.

Generally a three wheeler is more maneuverable than a four and easier to control. However, if balance problems are involved a four might be better.

If you are going to be transporting it in a car trunk, or otherwise breaking it down for transport you would want a lighter machine that is designed to be easily broken down. Note that the person doing it has to have reasonable strength, as some parts are heavy.

Other than breaking one down, there are several ways to transport one. With an SUV or van you can use a ramp or a hoist lift that swings and places the ECV inside the vehicle. There are also lifts that will work on almost any truck and larger cars (requires a Class 2 hitch or higher) that will carry the ECV on the outside.

You might want to look at pridemobility.com (ECVs), Bruno.com (ECVs and lifts), or Harnar.com (lifts) for more information. Note that they do not give any pricing information on their web sites. But you can find dealers, including some that carry all brands.

Comparison shop for pricing. Often you will be able to get a discount if you buy both an eCV and lift at the same time. Negotiate.

Additionally, especially if you have or a getting a new car most manufacturers will give an allowance of about $1,000 to assist in making the car accessible (such as installing an ECV lift). This is completely unrelated to anything a car dealer offers.

 

[SueM in MN]

Additionally, especially if you have or a getting a new car most manufacturers will give an allowance of about $1,000 to assist in making the car accessible (such as installing an ECV lift). This is completely unrelated to anything a car dealer offers.

Yes, we've gotten the $1000 allowance on 2 vans that we bought.
DaimlerChrysler's program is called Automobility.
Ford's program is called Mobility Motoring.
General Motors has a Mobility Program.
All the companies pretty much have the same program. It's up to $1000 back, depending on how much/what equipment you bought. There are many different things that might "count" - things like wheelchair or ECV lifts, special seats, adaptations to the steering wheel, hand controls, etc.

 

[lsyorke]

Thanks Guys! I'm going to check out those dealers. We won't need a lift, as long as it's reasonably portable ,since I can lift it for him with no problem. He really needs it for longer distances so it won't be needed all the time. Balance is a minor problem, so I'm thinking that 4 wheels would be a better choice.

I'm waiting for our insurance company to do an authorization for payment, or at least partial payment. I didn't even know about the allowance from car dealers. That will come in handy, since I'm a nurse!

 

[bopper]

Make sure to read the FAQ sticky's at the top of this forum. There is a treasure trove of info!

 

[RNMOM]

Isyorke,

I just ordered my first scooter. I was wanting a Pride brand but when I called the website to order and asked a bunch of questions, the sales agent recommended the Pacesaver brand due to the parts being lighter, the warrentee longer and the quality being about equal. I was very impressed to have someone talk me out of spending the extra $800 for the Pride.

I also did a search for surveys of scooters and the very little bits I could find all put the Pacesaver on top. I could not find the Pride rated at all. I did see where they didn't recommend the Rally brand at all.

The website I used also gives a 5% discount if you don't have insurance coverage.

I also know Toyota and Honda also offer the mobility programs too.

I chose the Pacesaver Espree Atlas for I need a larger wt. capacity but it also can fit in "most" car trunks and the heaviest piece is 40lbs. The Pride's heaviest piece was 64lbs for the 3 wheel and 72lbs for the 4 wheel. That is quite a difference to me.

So, I hope I have made the right choice as I was really enamored by the Pride Maxima but I think my little blue Espree will serve me just as well and will allow me to handle it myself as I can lift okay at this point. I too am a nurse but my rotten arthritis is getting in the way of my life.

Here is the website I used....http://www.scooterlink.com/

 

[SueM in MN]

I also know Toyota and Honda also offer the mobility programs too.

I think all the vehicle companies offer mobility programs, but I only posted the ones I could find easily on a google search.
You can always ask the dealer if you are interested.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The July issue of Motor Trend has a 12 page "special advertising" section (pages 159-170) on mobilitiy. Most of it is infomercial type of stuff, but it does appear useful.