Really would like advice about buying a scooter

[O2H O2H]

We just got insurance after a long lapse. I am hoping to get a scooter to help me get out and around more easily. There is so much I am limited from, depending on how bad my issues are that day, etc.

Advice on getting insurance company to play nice? Advice on best scooter to get? It needs to be able to fold up/come apart to go in back of a minivan. I have used 4 wheel ones before, but I really think that my balance is good enough to deal with issues from a 3 wheel one. I need it to be rated for 300 lb (me plus some stuff to bring for the day). This is not exclusively for parks, but I would love to be able to handle a major outing like that! Needs to have a decent seat/back. Anything else I am not thinking of? Thanks so much!!

 

[GranJan]

I'm not sure about all insurance, but mine doesn't cover a scooter unless you need it inside your home to take care of yourself. If a walker will serve that need, that's all they'll cover. Getting out & about isn't a necessity, I guess. I have the Pride Go-Go Sport. I tried the 4 wheel but it was much more difficult to maneuver in small spaces so returned it for a 3 wheel. Never have any problems with stability. It has a little more ground clearance, bigger wheels & bigger battery than the regular Pride Go-Go I previously owned so it handles bumps & gravel much better. It comes apart & my husband loads and unloads it. The heaviest part is the battery since it has the bigger one, but that battery lasts all day with power to spare. The smaller battery wouldn't last a full day at WDW. Hope this helps.

 

[cobright]

Just my own experience helping a friends kid out, a zero turn radius power chair is about the best thing ever. Like a Pride Jazzy series. I built up a custom power chair on this platform and it's a good system.

Often you can search craigslist for used mobility scooters. Sadly, the original owners often check-out before the scooter is done and the survivors have no need for it. I've actually gotten a few of these free and nearly free. Usually you will need to replace the batteries but a couple 12 or 24 volt deep cycle batteries is less than a couple hundred bucks.

 

[Bete]

For your pound capacity of 300 pounds you will need to consider a scooter like the Pride Victory model. This scooter will come apart, but it's bigger than a go go. This scooter comes with two batteries. This will give you a scooter that lasts longer. We have used this scooter ourselves. It has a better seat than the go go.

You can rent this model if you can't get insurance coverage.

You should probably visit a mobility scooter store and check the different models that come apart. Most stores have demo models that you can drive in their parking lots. They will show you how to take them apart, too. You can bring your own vehicle to make sure it will fit into your car.

 

[RubySue]

I have no info on insurance. Mine is the same as GranJan. Won't pay unless a person requires an ECV in their home. Makes no sense, but what can you do?
Everyone has different needs, weight, power, and speed requirements. As Bete said - go to a mobility store and try different models. Get online and check out reviews of ECV that you are interested in. I know there are a lot of choices out there and it can be confusing.
I've been thinking about buying a Tzora Titan 3. It weighs around 100 lbs without the batteries and comes apart in two pieces. I think the weight limit was 300 lb, but I don't remember exactly. It is longer than many ECVs at 55 inches, so it would not be good for someone using WDW buses. As I said, what's good for one person might not work for someone else.
Good luck in your search.

 

[powellrj]

My first scooter was a Tzora Elite. While it was easy to travel with because it was light weight. Problem with it was the battery didn't stay charged very long and the handle bar came off when I got stuck on uneven pavement coming out of a parking lot.

Now I am not sure what the name and model is of my new to me scooter. I bought it used at scooter Rama on our last trip. It is heavier than the last one, but is easy to get in and out of the trunk of our Ford Fusion. It has 2 batteries and has never run out of power even when using it all day. I guess what I am saying is avoid the Tzora elite if you want to use it outside and all day.

 

[mamabunny]

We just got insurance after a long lapse. I am hoping to get a scooter to help me get out and around more easily. There is so much I am limited from, depending on how bad my issues are that day, etc.

Advice on getting insurance company to play nice? Advice on best scooter to get? It needs to be able to fold up/come apart to go in back of a minivan. I have used 4 wheel ones before, but I really think that my balance is good enough to deal with issues from a 3 wheel one. I need it to be rated for 300 lb (me plus some stuff to bring for the day). This is not exclusively for parks, but I would love to be able to handle a major outing like that! Needs to have a decent seat/back. Anything else I am not thinking of? Thanks so much!!

As others have said, most insurance companies simply won't pay for a scooter. I bought my own - and as a 3L (Large Lovely Lady) or "Pooh sized" person, I have been very happy with it. I use a TravelScoot. I just drop the handlebars, remove the seat back (most days I don't even use it - helps keep my posture in line!) and I can easily lift it, battery and all, into the back of my Kia Soul. Without me, it weighs about 35 pounds, because I have the high capacity lithium-ion battery on it.

With a fully charged hi-cap L-ion battery, I can go all day at WDW. I have a smaller L-ion battery that I bring with me, and "double stack" so that I don't have to worry, but I very rarely have to swap batteries. I just make sure I leave the resort every morning with a fully charged battery.

That silly little red fabric triangle can hold a TON of stuff at WDW, or while shopping at home - and when I need to go grocery shopping it comes in SUPER handy.

I drive it right down to the gate at the airport, and remove the battery (put it in the travel bag - that goes in the cabin with me). The gate crew carries it down, and it goes in the same cargo hold as wheelchairs and strollers. Gate crews *love* it - it's so lightweight and easy. I never have to fold it, even to fly!

At WDW, the bus drivers, boat captains and Monorail attendants all love my Travelscoot because it's quick and light - and it looks "cooler" than a standard ECV.

I will say that some folks who own them have had the seats re-upholstered with WonderGel cushions underneath, and have had the seat back made bigger. I have found that I am comfortable enough without all that - the standard seat is fine for me, and as I said before, most of the time I travel without the seat back even on.

Good luck in your search for a personal mobility device. The choices are overwhelming - I hope you find what you are looking for!

 

[RubySue]

My first scooter was a Tzora Elite. While it was easy to travel with because it was light weight. Problem with it was the battery didn't stay charged very long and the handle bar came off when I got stuck on uneven pavement coming out of a parking lot.

Thanks for the info!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Without needing it for full time daily day to day living, chances of getting insurance to pay for one are unfortunately pretty much nonexistent.
If you have a health care account, you could look into getting a Dr to write you a script for one and using those funds to buy it which would make it a little better priced because you would be paying for it with pre taxed money.

 

[DreaminDisney2013]

As others have said, most insurance companies simply won't pay for a scooter. I bought my own - and as a 3L (Large Lovely Lady) or "Pooh sized" person, I have been very happy with it. I use a TravelScoot. I just drop the handlebars, remove the seat back (most days I don't even use it - helps keep my posture in line!) and I can easily lift it, battery and all, into the back of my Kia Soul. Without me, it weighs about 35 pounds, because I have the high capacity lithium-ion battery on it.

I've been eyeing up this type of scooter for awhile now. Was it easy to purchase? Do most medical supply companies carry them? Do you mind me asking you how much it cost you? I have Spina Bifida and would love a scooter like this since I would be able to lift without help for times I need it for distances. Thanks in advance!

 

[mamabunny]

I've been eyeing up this type of scooter for awhile now. Was it easy to purchase? Do most medical supply companies carry them? Do you mind me asking you how much it cost you? I have Spina Bifida and would love a scooter like this since I would be able to lift without help for times I need it for distances. Thanks in advance!

Let's see...

First of all, in the interest of full disclosure, I actually have TWO TravelScoots. Both are the "Deluxe" model.

I purchased my first one used, on Craigslist. That first unit (Angus, named after Merida's faithful horse) is a "old style" TravelScoot - it has a belt-drive, no reverse (The first ones didn't have reverse at all - you have to "Fred Flintstone" to go backwards LOL) and the original square-type connector for the battery. Angus and I went to WDW - and everywhere in between! - and I put LOTS of miles on him! I carry a small toolkit and a spare belt for him when he goes on adventures, just in case! He came with his "travel bag" (it's about the size of a golf bag) and a spare battery with a cool, carry-on bag that has the TravelScoot logo on it. That carry-on bag is where I put the batteries and chargers when I fly, so the Airline crew sees that it goes with the TravelScoot, and there is no hassle about having an extra carry-on.

Then my DH bought me a new (current style) TravelScoot - so I now have a direct-drive motor, REVERSE! and the easier-to-use "flat" style connector for the battery. I named that guy Max (for Maximus, the Palace horse from Tangled!) I still carry a small toolkit with him too - and when the folks at TravelScoot US found out that I had an spare battery for Angus, they sent along a pair of adapters, so I can use either Max's battery with Angus - or Angus' battery with Max! Between Angus & Max, I have a total of three batteries and three chargers, so I never have to worry.

So now, when I travel to WDW, I "double-stack" my batteries - I never have to worry about charging at all! The TravelScoot batteries have Velcro installed on them so that when you double-stack, they stay put, which is super nice. Typically, I can go all day on one battery, but if it starts to get low, I just reach down and swap the connector over. Even with the two batteries on, it's still less than 40 pounds for the whole thing. (without me on it!)

I just make sure I fully charge my batteries overnight, every night when I'm at WDW.

Something that is very handy is that you can drop the handlebars down, and - while sitting on the TravelScoot - roll right up under most tables to sit at the table. At first, I thought "Well, I'll always park it, and get off to eat" but there have been more times than I thought there would be where that little feature came in super-handy.

Some folks worry about their ECV being stolen if there is no key, but we just unplug the battery, and I tuck the main power plug away, out of sight, if we are going to leave it outside a ride or attraction. There are typically CMs that are in charge of keeping the ECV/Stroller parking "tidy", so I don't worry too much. The only "problem" I have at WDW with Angus or Max is just people stopping me to ask where I got him. The US distributors will gladly give you plenty of business cards to pass out to people - and you WILL be glad you have them! LOL As an FYI - be sure to put your name on the business cards, because they will give you "store credit" for every referral they get in your name!

Both Angus and Max have the red fabric triangle for shopping - it's insane how much we wind up carrying on that thing during an average day at WDW.

I also put skateboard lights on the two "trailing arms" with a separate little battery box (found them on Amazon) along with little battery-powered bike lights for safety at WDW. Angus and Max look pretty cool at night with the undercarriage glow, and the little headlights and tail-lights. Especially when I am at WDW, I make sure to aim my headlights and tail-lights low - I don't want them to shine into the eyes of our little friends who are in strollers - and I never allow them to be set on the "flashing" setting, because I know that can cause problems for some folks.

As far as where to purchase one: it's easy to purchase via the official TravelScoot website, and the US distributors (Tony & Bonnie) are awesome people. Very helpful, and very patient with all my questions!

So... no medical supply companies - the only place you can purchase a TravelScoot is from TravelScoot.com - unless you can find either: a used one (on eBay or Craigslist) or buy one from the company in the US that rents them. Prior to purchasing mine, I did call the rental company (not affiliated with TravelScoot - this rental company ships them out to folks via UPS, and then you ship the unit back at the end of the rental period. People like it because they can have the TravelScoot drop shipped to their vacation destination) and he indicated to me that they are renting the "old style" (with a drive belt) units. He was eager to sell me one, but if I was going to buy a used one (especially for the price he quoted me) then I wanted to find the *best* possible used one. The former rental units didn't come with any accessories at all, either.

I paid $1400 for my used one - it was in very nearly brand new condition when I got it, and it came with all of the accessories I mentioned above: the extra battery, the bag for the scooter itself, plus the carry-on bag that I store the batteries (and chargers) in when I travel.

Not sure of the exact total that my hubby paid, because he got some "extras" with Max - like the foot pedals (2 sets, 1 for Angus, and 1 for Max!) and the little folding wire basket, and a new front tire for Angus. I know that the base price for the Deluxe was running right around $2500.

As I said in the previous post, I ride without my seat back. It helps me keep my posture in place, and improve my core. Plus, it means I can just hop on Max like a tricycle - one leg over, and I sit down and ride. When I travel, I take the seat back out, and plug it back in upside down - it's still there if I get too tired and need it, but out of the way otherwise.

The only other thing I can think to add is that I almost *never* fold mine down. Because I typically don't travel with the seat back on, it's just drop the handlebars and into the back of my Kia Soul. When I fly, I drive it down to the door of the airplane, remove the battery, and carry the battery (batteries) on board while the gate crew takes care of putting it in the hold. I think I have folded each maybe twice - and once was just to see if I could do it.

Hope all this info helps!

 

[Bete]

In regards to the travel scoot: Are there mobility stores you can go to and see one and try one? It doesn't seem like they are widespread at the mobility stores which would make me feel uneasy.

To tell you the truth they look very uncomfortable. The chair looks small and the back is particularly small looking. The footrests look awkward and small.

My hubby is 250 pounds and I can't see him lasting on this scooter for more than a couple of hours. Also, if you are heavier I would assume your speed would be radically reduced. It's rated for 3.7 mph which is on the low side compared to other scooters.

 

[mamabunny]

In regards to the travel scoot: Are there mobility stores you can go to and see one and try one? It doesn't seem like they are widespread at the mobility stores which would make me feel uneasy.

To tell you the truth they look very uncomfortable. The chair looks small and the back is particularly small looking. The footrests look awkward and small.

My hubby is 250 pounds and I can't see him lasting on this scooter for more than a couple of hours. Also, if you are heavier I would assume your speed would be radically reduced. It's rated for 3.7 mph which is on the low side compared to other scooters.

Bete: As I explained above, they are only sold in the US by the distributor. They are not sold in stores, however you can sometimes find one on Craigslist or eBay.

I did take a big risk, buying one before I had a chance to actually try it, but I did quite a bit of due diligence prior to the purchase - simply using Google to find other users (one in particular, Elizabeth, has a large comprehensive blog & Facebook group of TravelScoot users) I also searched for - and found - videos from real-life owners on YouTube to see the TravelScoot in action.

I talked to Elizabeth (she has posted here in the past, BTW) and to the US Distributor. I talked to other owners, and to their family members.

And then I purchased my first (used) model.

I don't find it to be uncomfortable at all - I have spent all day at the parks - truly rope-drop to close - for up to 10 days at a time, every day, on my TravelScoot. As I stated above, I don't typically use the seat back; I prefer the ease of getting on and off without it, and it makes me more aware of my posture. The seat base itself does have a slight contour to it, and I actually prefer my "older", more broken-in seat base for extended travel; the new foam is just a bit too firm for me! As far as the footrests go, if you don't like the pegs, you can order an (optional) set of metal foot plates that work just fine. I have a pair installed on both of my TravelScoots, although I have traveled extensively without them, and had no problems with the stock pegs. Our daughter is petite, at 5'2" - I am taller at 5'10", and we can easily adjust the seat height so that our feet fall naturally onto the footrests with no problems.

The inventor/designer made it so that it fits into a golf-bag sized travel case when it is disassembled. It uses those bicycle-style thumb latches, and once you have practiced a bit, it probably doesn't even take a full minute to take all the pieces off the frame to go in the bag.

I always hesitate to mention this, because I'm pretty sure it voids the warranty, but I have heard of folks who took the seat back to an auto-body upholstery shop, and they have it modified. I think they use the existing frame, and then just put a larger cushioned back onto the frame. I also talked to one user who took her seat base in, and had the foam cut down, and then topped with a gel cushion, and a custom fabric seat cover made. She was quite happy with the result. As I said before, I'm fairly certain that those kinds of modifications would void the warranty.

Without going into detail, suffice it to say that I am certainly heavier than your hubby, and I can go all day on one of the heavy-duty batteries if I turn it off when stationary, etc. I take my second battery along so I don't have to worry, but we rarely use it.

My max speed on my TravelScoot is closer to 4.7 MPH (which is fast enough that my family hollers at me to slow down) and because I have a modification, I can - and actually do - easily reach 6 MPH, which leaves anyone traveling with me on foot behind rather quickly, unless they decide to jog alongside. I have to consciously monitor my speed because it's easy to get carried away!

The only other "major" modification I have made (and it's one that is popular with a lot of the owners) is to put a CrampBuster on the throttle - that way you don't have to "grip and twist" the throttle all the time, and it makes the throttle into a "paddle" that you can push on with your thumb, or even the heel of your hand. I think the last one I bought (on Amazon) was around $12. (Yep, I'm the last of the big spenders! LOL)

If you live anywhere near Oklahoma, drop by for a cup of coffee, and your hubby can take one of mine for a test drive!

 

[Bete]

Mamabunny thank you for your reply. I love the hints about the modifications and I understand about the warranty.

 

[AGoofykindagirl]

My 2 cents: I would see about the charges for renting for a few days to see if you like it before investing a great deal of money in buying one. It would give you an opportunity to see how easy it is to put in a trunk, maneuver in a crowd (mall), etc. If you don't like one model, then you can rent another until you find the one you like best. Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[Eeyore5]

My mom is looking at buying a scooter. The travelscoot looks really interesting. How does it handle off road? She is looking for something she can use at the county fair. She needs to go on grass and dirt roads.

 

[mamabunny]

My mom is looking at buying a scooter. The travelscoot looks really interesting. How does it handle off road? She is looking for something she can use at the county fair. She needs to go on grass and dirt roads.

I had never driven it on the grass until last year when we were getting our picture taken by a Photopass Photog who suggested we move over under a tree outside Pioneer Hall. (We arrived for the 4 pm show early, and I think he was bored LOL, but he took some great pictures of Babybunny and I that day!)

Anyway... the ground was not soft at all; it was firm and dry, but the Travelscoot did OK. It was kind of bumpy, and I tried to make sure I didn't run over any big obvious clumps of grass, but I was surprised - I have to admit, I never thought that I could go "off-roading" like that!

I have found that firm, packed dirt works ok as well. Gravel or sand of any kind, not so much. Soft ground is pretty much out of the question - although that's true for almost any wheeled mobility device so...

The back tires have a pretty decent tread on them to begin with, and that's where the power is - the Travelscoot "pushes" it's way forward, so it's kind of like an older rear-wheel drive car that way.

I'm kind of spoiled; our county fair is at the same fairgrounds where they hold the state fair, so everything is nice and paved and smooth, like WDW.