Stick or Fold? 5 Mobility Scooter Elements to Consider Before Taking a Trip
It’s time for that well-deserved break! You’re likely to be negotiating different environments like airports, seaports or train stations and need to be on time. That’s all just part of the experience but let’s pause for a second and consider whether your trusty scooter has the versatility and flexibility to make all that travelling really stress-free.
Whilst your regular scooter can probably handle your everyday needs with ease, a holiday or trip can present a different set of challenges. Portability, weight, size, range and manoeuvrability can make a real difference to a truly enjoyable plane flight, cruise or train ride.
A folding mobility scooter is the answer for many. Having won British Invention of the Year and received endorsements from Richard Branson’s VOOM Awards, we at eFOLDi have listened to our customers’ feedback and compiled a shortlist of the main aspects which could make the difference between a trip packed with wonderful experiences and one riddled with inconvenience. You’ll want to avoid the headache of lugging a weighty scooter around, being unable to stow it easily, having difficulties manoeuvring in narrow spaces or be burdened by over-frequent battery charging.
For us mobility is the story of freedom, friendship and fun!
5 Key Things to Look for when Buying a Folding Mobility Scooter
1. Portability
A folding mobility scooter will convert into a smaller size ready to carry and pull, ideal for restricted spaces. You’ll have more flexibility when looking for a secure stowing spot. Most regular scooters just don’t provide these options.
2. Weight
A folding mobility scooter needs to be light. You don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy-duty, cumbersome scooter on your travels. Folding, pulling and stowing need to be easy. So, the lighter the scooter the better! But make sure this isn’t at the expense of build-quality and durability.
3. Size
A compact scooter is also key to easy handling, folding and stowing. Some travel scooters are meant to be dismantled rather than folded. This can be an advantage if you don’t have the means to pull or carry the entire scooter or if a stowing place is not readily available. However, a folding version might be your best option if it’s light and user-friendly enough for you to fold practically, easily and speedily.
4. Range
Make sure the riding range and battery charging times are comparable if not better than your regular scooter. On holiday, of course you’ll want to relax but sometimes you’ll need to be conscious of time. You won’t want to be charging up when you should be moving on. The best folding scooters are a match for regular scooters on range.
5. Manoeuvrability
It’s not only Planes, Trains and Automobiles! Think about airport, seaport and train station queues, gangways and corridors. Remember tight elevators, hotel doorways and stairs. The list goes on. You’ll want to be ready to take on most environments and eventualities. An ability to turn in a tight space can be the difference between inconvenience and keeping on moving. Comfort is of course a priority especially if you’re likely to encounter all sorts of terrains on your travels. A good folding mobility scooter needs to include the right balance of suspension, ground clearance and wheel size. Look for pneumatic tyres for a more comfortable experience.
Bringing it All Together
Hopefully we’ve given you a headstart on what to focus on. Naturally you’ll want to judge each scooter on its own merits to find something which best fits your needs. We’ve designed the eFOLDi MK1.5 to incorporate a balance of the key elements without compromise.
Please see below for a summary specification.
eFOLDi MK1.5 Folding Mobility Scooter – the World’s Lightest Folding Mobility Scooter!
Portability – folds into the size of a small suitcase – no dismantling required
Weight – entire scooter weighs 17 KG
Size – as a Scooter: 121 x 56 x 83cm; as a Case: 85 x 56 x 37cm;
Range – 22km / 14 miles
Maneuverability – one full turn comprised within 110 cm / 43 inch radius – front wheel size 12 inches – rear wheel size 10 inches
Our team at eFOLDi is all about understanding and serving your mobility needs. If you need any further information please call us on 0800 999 8123 or contact us at [email protected]
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ADVERTORIAL – FAHIM MOHAMMED
