In need of a mobility scooter but clueless as to what to look forโฆ
Hi everyone
The time has come for me to try and get some independence back so I have decided that I need to purchase a mobility scooter. The problem is that I donโt really know much about them, only that owning one would make it easier to get out an about by myself. I have SPMS and it has affected my right side, including right foot drop.
Are there any scooters that can be operated with one hand, foldable and light enough to go in the boot (for familyโs days out) that also have a lithium battery? (As I hear theyโre the best).
As this would be a trial and might not be the right solution for me, I donโt want to break the bank and stay in the under ยฃ500 price range.
Do such scooters exist? 2nd hand or notโฆ
Any help/advice is much appreciated :)
Comments
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Take a look at Mobility Giant. You get a 1 year guarantee and first month insurance free from Mark Bates.
I would however go to Surewise after that month, half the price of Mark Bates.
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Hi @Wish2001
Have you thought about a lightweight folding electric wheelchair? As from what you said about using a scooter one handed, it could be the better option. My sister actually bought one from Mobility Giant & was over the moon with both her chair & their customer service, so wholeheartedly agree with Chris75 & on Surewise too, as I'm with them, as is my sister now.
Some makes are better than others, so if you can get to a showroom to try some before buying, secondhand or from MG, then it's worth it. That goes for the scooters too, if you go that route.
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Jessie, it was probably you that told me about Surewise. You were right of course!
I have Quickie Q700M from Motability as well now. Wouldn't recommend the mid wheel for outside. Amazing in my small house though.
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You say "foldable" - how about one that dismantles (comes apart into 4 or 5 small bits) ?
Try
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It may well have been, they are very good & their price is right.
Good for you that you're mobile via Motability, that Quickie is a smasher, I think Ranaldo was getting one. My main chair is a mid wheel, a Quantum 4, I bought secondhand, not made now but is a sturdy manoeuvrable beast & (touching wood!) reliable. I use it in & out with no problem, now I have pneumatic tyres, it's a decent ride, I love it.
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Well, touching wood didn't work, as my Q4 decided to pack up on the way home today. ๐
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Im Ranald, lol, wish I was Ronaldo!
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I must say this quickie is pretty bumpy outdoors, well, on all the broken pavements near me. I wanted a rear drive, but they brought me a mid wheel and told me it was better.
I haven't been on any other chair, but imagine rear or front would be near as unmanageable as either of my scooters in the house. It comes into it's own in the house, this mid wheel.
Currently reclined right back, which I find very comfortable, but I would have liked it to include leg lift to straighten out my knees. I can actually change a light bulb in lift mode!
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Oh, no, sorry to hear that, what a disaster!
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Sorry about that! ๐ I'll bet, think of the chair you could have then. ๐
That's the trouble, the pathways are awful & ridiculously bumpy, I don't think we can blame the chairs. I've found pneumatics to be a little better.
Love the fact the ilevel works for you, helps to give even more independence. Shame the Quickie doesn't have leg lift, I think the Quantum Stretto has it. They all have slightly different things, there must be one that actually has everything, of course, it would be the cost of a new car though. It sounds like the comfort side of it is working for you, for which I'm really pleased. Strong enough to have Gus on your lap too! ๐
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The speed is weird too. Does 10kmph [6mph) and there are 5 speed settings.
I'm guessing increments of 2 kmph. The middle one would then be 6 kmph (3.7 mph). It still feels much slower than the 4mph half speed on my scooter. Who knows!
All I know is Gus doesn't like 8kmph (4.97 mph) or 10 kmph (6.2mph), unless in short bursts. It takes much longer to do his walks ( when you add all the slowing down for bumps that a class 3 scooter doesn't have to worry about).
I think you maybe be correct about not having pneumatic tyres being the difference.
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Thank you all for your comments and guidance! I did go on the mobility giant website, very helpful indeed! Caters for all needs and the prices are affordable.
I need a folding scooter as itโs easier to put back and drive it by myself, otherwise I would need someone to do it for me.
I also went to a mobility shop and tried a couple of foldable scooters but the prices put me off. As we already have a motability car, Iโd have to pay for the scooter myself, which is out of the question with these kind of prices.
The good thing is that I can definitely see myself driving one of those, going to the park, the zoo with my kids. Even doing some shopping!
Iโll keep looking for the right one, at the right price so thank you everyone for your input :)
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It is a disaster, as the left motor has gone. I now have to stump up ยฃ416 to get it back on the road, pretty gutting.
Strange you feel the speed is slower, but bumps & the feel isn't great at any speed. It's understandable that Gus would rather go at a more sedate pace, 6mph + okay if he sees a rabbit. ๐
Mine does 4mph & Hattie, my tweenie dachshund runs faster than it & always wants to run, so 6mph would suit her. ๐
I'm glad you checked out MG & a mobility shop, especially the latter as you can get some idea of what suits you & your needs. It does mean you can look for secondhand of those that are ok. Gumtree & Freeads have them come up regularly, so worth a look. BTW, as you have a Motability car, the next you get, you could ask if you could get a grant with them for a hoist, it is means tested though, only you know if that would be good, but thought I'd mention it.
Hopefully the right priced one will turn up for you soon, so you can enjoy some freedom.
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Gus does 9 mile walks. He needs a reason to run, ie a mouse, rabbit, deer, fox, badger, Highland cattle. Hiighlanders should be ashamed of themselves!
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That made me chuckle!
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