Which scooter to buy?

[penny28380]

I'm planning on buying a new scooter, does anyone have any recommendations on what is the best kind to buy? I don't know if I should get 3 wheels or 4. I am pooh sized (250) and I will have a lift to carry it on. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[peemagg]

I like, make that LOVE, my 3 wheeled Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus. It is rated to 300lbs, and I weigh close to your weight with no problems with this little scooter handling it and more. I have put my scooter through things it was never meant to and is holding up really well after two years of this. I am on the original battery and it has never ran out of juice on me (knock on wood). They also have the same scooter in the heavy duty version if you want, but it probably wouldn't be necessary. Check them out.

If you can find a place near you, go and give some scooters a try before deciding to see how they feel. I am lucky enough to have two medical supply companies close to me, so I went and checked out what each had and liked the fit of this one. At the time I got it, I had my foot in a boot, so the foot room was very important. I found that the 4 wheeled ones had less room than the 3 wheeled ones. The three wheeled ones are very sturdy. Some say they are tippy, but I have yet to find that to be true, and like I said, I have put it through things it was never meant to (i.e slopes, grass).

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you have a lift I would strongly suggest a standard (full-size) ECV. The key thing is battery size and life. The standard ECVs are designed for 350-400 as the upper weight limit and the batteries can do up to 25 miles. The smaller ones have correspondingly smaller batteries and can only get 10-12 miles per charge.

And a three-wheel is really much better than a four because of the ease of maneuvering.

 

[penny28380]

Thanks for your help.

 

[peemagg]

I didn't think about the lift, but you're right Cheshire about that being better than a smaller travel scooter since they have the lift.

I would also look for one (if I was getting a bigger scooter) with more ground clearance and bigger tires. This would allow for it to go more places (like where mine has been and shouldn't have) and be able to handle it a whole lot better.

 

[bidnow5]

If you plan to use it outside a lot I would get one with suspension on it mine don't and it can be rough outside. Those are more expensive but well worth the extra

 

[pbrim]

I like, make that LOVE, my 3 wheeled Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus.

I've been thinking of getting one of those myself. I don't need it most of the time, but renting for vacations is adding up. How is the battery life? I rented a transportable scooter (not a Pride) for one trip (not to Orlando) because I was driving my car alone and needed a scooter I could load on my own. This one said that the battery was only good for about 4 hours at a time, which just wouldn't do for Disney. I'm hoping the Pride has a better battery.

 

[peemagg]

I have never had a problem with the battery. I took it to Disney and never needed to worry about the battery. It is a matter of making sure that you keep the battery in good working order when not using it. You need to charge it every week to two weeks even when not using it. Doing this it keeps it conditioned and will allow it to last longer.

When in the parks, I made sure in shows and things where I would be sitting for a while, I would turn it off, and I ran it at slower speeds. Doing both of these helps to allow you to go longer and farther. I think the batteries for this scooter is supposed to last for 13 miles per charge.

 

[POOHsie]

I started out with a Pride Go-Go. It was good, but battery power really came up short at Epcot. The small size of this travel scooter was uncomfortable for my taller frame. The small wheels, thin seat and low-ness to the ground were also negatives, especially on grass. I had a 3-wheeler, and because it was low and light, I tipped it over twice. So after a few years, I got a new, better scooter.

I got a PaceSaver Plus III Jr. It is also a 3-wheeler. Made in Kansas, USA. It weighs about 50 lbs more than the Go-Go. It is longer, but not too long, and just a little wider, and still has a tight turning radius. I feel secure that it won't tip. It has a nice cushiony seat and 10-inch wheels. The batteries cannot begin to compare to the Go-Go. No concerns about running low on power, like sometimes on the Go-Go. It also has lights, which the Go-Go does not. It costs twice as much as the Go-Go, but it is more than twice the machine. If money is an issue for you, that is a consideration. If not, and you are looking for comfort and reliable power, you should think higher than a travel scooter. A bigger scooter, like my PaceSaver, would be nice for you, without being too big. Your lift should handle it with no problem.

I bought both units on the internet at www.spinlife.com. Very helpful folks who will answer all your questions. Free shipping to your home. They have a lot of scooters to look over. Here is a link to the PaceSaver unit I bought:
http://www.spinlife.com/PaceSaver-Plus-III-Jr.-3-Wheel-Scooter/spec.cfm?productID=86725

 

[peemagg]

I heard that the older Pride Go-Go's had those issues that Poohsie mentioned, but I have not found any of that to be the case with mine. It is now 2 years old and no problems with it. I think when they changed to the Go-Go Traveler Plus they put a better battery on it and the seat is not bad either. If you are going to be using it everyday, then the more comfort the better. I don't need mine everyday, so it is fine for me. I also am not that tall (5'4") so I have no problems with the length or size of it. Someone else might.

Before you buy one try as many as you can from different companies and really think about how you are going to use it. It will make choosing a whole lot easier. My criteria was one that came apart easilly and didn't weigh a lot. I wanted one that was light enough that myself or my mother could lift. It also had to have enough room that I was comfortable to support the boot I was wearing at the time. With the 3-wheeled one I could stretch out the leg and rest the boot at the end of the platform comfortably.

 

[Momelie]

Let me put my two cents in on the three v. four wheeled issue! I think the three wheeled variety turns MUCH BETTER than the four wheeled! My little three wheeled Golden Buzzaround Lite can turn on a dime, which is critical for things like the lines in Disney, getting in and out of handicap bathroom stalls, avoiding people who don't look below eye level, etc. It turns on a dime, which is excellent!

HOWEVER... part of my maneuverability is in its light weight, and that light weight comes with a cost. Battery power!

When I got the scooter, a major part of my decision was that I needed to, if necessary, be able to put it together myself. This model was the only one that fit the criteria, as the heaviest part is only about 20 pounds, and I can easily grip it with my arthritic hands. The battery pack, though, is about 12 pounds, and locks in easily. It does have to be charged regularly, and it only lasts around 3-4 hours, I think. I have really never put it to the test completely, as I charge it whenever I stop for more than half an hour or so. Every time we stop for a meal, I plug in. Stop for a show, I plug in. Parade, I plug in. See a pattern emerging?

Its the smallest ECV out there, and absolutely the easiest to maneuver and get through crowds (especially when the crowds consists of skateboarding college students - y'all didn't think Disney was my biggest challenge did you? ) I'm really kind of like a moving chair, LOL! Especially since my basket fell off... but that's another story.

I wouldn't recommend this for anyone that does commando park hopping, or anybody tall or Pooh sized. I'm only 5'1", and if I were much taller the tiller might hit my knees, if that gives an indication of how small mine is. The weight will drag the speed and battery life down, as will any of the ECV's, I guess. But there is plenty of room in the front to stretch my leg out, even when wearing my knee brace, FWIW.

I'm looking at new models, though, since this one is about 5 years old. I've been through 2 batteries in that time, and now the post that holds the seat in place is about to jolt me to death. I'm still going to stick with Golden, I think, but go up to a bigger model, since I'm not going to be teaching full time anymore.

 

[icouldlivethere]

I have the exact same scooter as peemag, the 3 wheeled Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus. I actually purchased it based on her recommendation and just love it! The small size combined with the 3 wheels makes it so easy to maneuver. I'm very happy with my choice. Thanks peemag!!

I'm 5'8" tall and having the 3 wheeler gives me much more room for my longer legs.

 

[mickeyluvsjess]

We have always rented a scooter in Disney for our vacations for my DSis (31) We finally looked into purchasing and her insurance helped us get a power chair. (we went through the scooter store) She says she likes the turning and manuvering of the chair much better than the scooter. May I ask why you prefer the scooter?

 

[POOHsie]

I don't use my scooter in my house. I have a small house and inside I just use a wheelchair. I keep my scooter in the back of my van, where there is a lift, and use it whenever I leave the house.

I like a scooter better because I feel it works better with various outdoor environments. I feel the long triangle formed by the three main wheels makes it seem better balanced and feels less top-heavy. Also, there is a very handy basket up front. My scooter has a light up front for night travel. From my research in deciding what I wanted, the scooter was much lighter than a power chair, therefore the on-board battery had more longevity and didn't get eaten up just powering the heavy chair around. I also had a concern about the power chair joy stick on the armrest. It could easily be bumped into accidentally, sending the power chair somewhere and maybe hurting someone. I witnessed this when my late husband was in a nursing home.

These are some of my reasons. Everyone is different, and has different needs. I think for duty outside of the home, a scooter is the better, safer piece of equipment to use.

 

[toddlermickey]

I will be using a scooter for the first time in Disney. I have RA and have to wear knee braces on both legs. Will have knee replacements next year. Anyway I can walk for alittle while then will need to ride. We bought a lite weight scooter, sorry forgot the kind, last year when DH and Ankle surgery and I will be using that. When we went to disney in 2008 we rented one for him. Glad we will be taking our own this year. Have to see how the airlines are with it.
Hoping the battery stays charges. I will be pluging in every chance I get. Glad to know that disney will let you.

Sylvia in MN

 

[Bete]

it will be a Pride GO Go plus scooter. The recent models are much better than the older versions. Battery life is different and better, now. I keep looking to see if there's anything better out there for the size, weight, price, and dependability and so far it ranks the highest on our list. I've been going at this for about two years with looking at many different kinds.

We rented a GO GO from Apple Scooters on our last trip in Dec.2009 and we loved it. By the way, Apple Scooters charges $150/week and that includes insurance. That price is hard to beat. It was a great way to use one and see for ourself if we'd be satisfied with one. We had no issues with the battery. This travel scooter is about all we can handle with it's size and weight going into the back trunk of our car.

We don't go on enough vacations to justify buying one yet. My hubby won't use it at home too much. I'm thankful he's not fully dependent on one yet.

The problem with buying your own scooter and not using it all the time is that you need to still charge your battery regularly or it will die on you. This is true of any model or kind basically. Battery replacement is a high cost for a scooter. This is why we keep renting. I don't want the responsibility of doing the battery when it's not in use for months at a time in our instance.

Also, I think we want to hold out some on buying one; so, we don't get dependent on one; until, it's an absolute must for us.

Side note: We have a local merchant who will rent one for $150/ MONTH, but it's the older model GO GO. We did rent it for a day and tried it out at a museum locally. It was okay, but we only had it going for about 5 hours that day. It still was holding a charge. We are planning an extensive East Coast trip including Washington, D.C. and we are going to use it for 2-1/2 weeks. This is a special circumstance; we usually have my mom along and we don't have room for a scooter on a trip with us; so, we rent when we get to our destination. Other parts of the country don't rent out scooters in such an easy fashion like the Orlando area, either. We are satisfied enough to use it for this special trip. We are not young and we won't be doing 12 hour days touring by any means anywhere. I mention this because you may be able to do the same in your town and it could be cheaper than renting in Orlando.

The user has a great deal to do with how well the battery lasts, too. You need to remember to shut it off during a show, parade, or fireworks at Disney. If you are going to be idle, you need to shut the scooter off. Even in long ride queues like Toy Story Mania we will shut it off. Don't go like a demon, either. If you have it full blast all the time on speed that uses more juice. You don't have to go at a snails pace, either. You need to make sure you charge it every night, too. This gets it back to 100% each time you are using it; be on a full charge each day of use.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

We just purchased a Rascal 600B with seat lift for my DH. It looks like your typical scooter but has these balance wheels in the front. They look like little training wheels. The scooter goes everywhere - gravel, dirt, grass, etc. He even went up and over small curbs. It is designed to be tip proof. It even has a headlight which came in handy when we were in Williamsburg earlier in the month. To keep the historic feel there are no street lights. It was the 4th of July so they had fireworks. DH was the only one with a light and people were walking beside him because he was lighting the way.

We are pleased with it so far.
I attached the weblink if you're interested.
http://www.rascalscooters.com/index.cfm/mobility/products.detail/scooter/Rascal-Balance-600B/id/147
Good luck with your search.

 

[Bete]

We just purchased a Rascal 600B with seat lift for my DH. It looks like your typical scooter but has these balance wheels in the front. They look like little training wheels. The scooter goes everywhere - gravel, dirt, grass, etc. He even went up and over small curbs. It is designed to be tip proof. It even has a headlight which came in handy when we were in Williamsburg earlier in the month. To keep the historic feel there are no street lights. It was the 4th of July so they had fireworks. DH was the only one with a light and people were walking beside him because he was lighting the way.

We are pleased with it so far.
I attached the weblink if you're interested.
http://www.rascalscooters.com/index.cfm/mobility/products.detail/scooter/Rascal-Balance-600B/id/147
Good luck with your search.

this scooter has on like training wheels. Also, I like the fact that you can use it on all kind of terrains. It is a bigger scooter and I wouldn't consider it a travel scooter; although, I know you can take it apart. This scooter weighs almost double of what a GO GO scooter weighs. The original OP will have a lift; so, it may not make a difference for her to have a more heavy duty scooter. I still think about the fact that a scooter can go bad anywhere, anytime and on manual overdrive I don't want to be pushing a heavy scooter. I do agree the heavy scooters have more leg space, a better seat, and longer lasting batteries. They cost more, too. I think it just really depends how much you need to use one.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

this scooter has on like training wheels. Also, I like the fact that you can use it on all kind of terrains. It is a bigger scooter and I wouldn't consider it a travel scooter; although, I know you can take it apart. This scooter weighs almost double of what a GO GO scooter weighs. The original OP will have a lift; so, it may not make a difference for her to have a more heavy duty scooter. I still think about the fact that a scooter can go bad anywhere, anytime and on manual overdrive I don't want to be pushing a heavy scooter. I do agree the heavy scooters have more leg space, a better seat, and longer lasting batteries. They cost more, too. I think it just really depends how much you need to use one.

You are absolutely right that this isn't a lightweight scooter. It does have some weight to it. But after DH tipped his old one in WDW last year when some idiot stepped in front of him when he was going downhill, he really wanted the anti-tip part. That was the main selling feature.

Also, I don't know if anyone has an Abilities Expo near them but the scooter people (all brands) go there in force. They really try to push their different vehicles and have some serious show specials. That's where DH first saw the rascal. While we didn't buy it at the show they did honor the price for us over a month later. I believe that most dealers will do this for you.