#199194 - 06/16/11 01:13 PM
Need advice on choosing new scooter
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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I need to replace my old three wheeled scooter, and I'm looking for advice as to the best brand and model to get.
I intend to use it for both indoor and outdoor use. The outdoor use would be to go shopping and taking it on bike trails and on buses. It would have to be able to handle some grass and some slightly rough terrain (I have a great monster four wheeled scooter - a Bruno - that I use for more rough outdoor terrain).
My scooter needs are:
--reliability
--fairly long range on one battery charge
--maneuverable enough to go on buses and other public transportation
--able to handle some grass and some slightly rough terrain
--suitable for indoor and outdoor use
--isn't hampered by cold weather or rain
--lights so I can drive it at night.
I have done some research and the choices seem overwhelming. I would appreciate any advice or recommendations about what scooter to buy, and also where, on-line, to buy it. (Or on what scooter NOT to buy.)
I would also welcome advice on any sites/links/forums where I could gather more information on what scooter would work best for me.
I love my big Bruno and it has been very reliable, but they don't seem to have a good three wheeled model. My current three wheeled model, a second hand Buzz, has been a continual problem.
So far, the MeritS131 Pinoeer3 and the Shoprider Sunrunner look good. Does anyone know anything about these scooters?
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#199202 - 06/16/11 01:34 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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I am a continual scooter user. I went through the same selection procees you are going through. I gave up and now have 5 scooters (used to be 7). A major issue is your weight and the level of stability (balance, etc.) you have. As an absolute minimum I'd go with 2 scooters, one beast for out of doors and a "travel" type for malls, travel and around the house. Consider demos and used if you or someone close to you knows mechanical stuff. I find many scooters are gently ridden and have lots of life left in them.
I do my own scooter repairs, but if I didn't I'd spend some time and find a good dealer you can trust. They are invaluable in finding, repairing and recommending good product for your needs, body type, local terrain and battery range. There are some excellant deals on Craig's list or Kijiji (Canada) if you are good at spotting value.
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#199213 - 06/16/11 05:03 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: Greg]
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shakey56
Member
Registered: 03/31/04
Posts: 1889
Loc: where the wild roadrunners roa...
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Only geezers and faggots use POS scooters! Kisses to Gregie!
_________________________
Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.
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#199215 - 06/16/11 07:35 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: shakey56]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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Only geezers and faggots use POS scooters!
and those who can walk some days and stand up when we pee, sure feels great to stand up and walk, really, really GREAT, the standing up to pee thing is just a bonus
oh and standing in the shower ain't bad either
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#199217 - 06/17/11 01:03 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: Greg]
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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Greg: 5 to 7 scooter--Oh my. I'll be stretching it just to afford a second one. Scooter repairs are beyond me. If it can't be fixed by duct tape, I can't fix it.
Are any of your scooters Merit or Shoprider brands? Of the 3 wheeled scooters you've had, which brand is the most reliable?
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#199219 - 06/17/11 01:31 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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Shoprider is popular in my area but I haven't had one myself because of dealer issues and the price wasn't right. But people speak well of them.
I do have a Fortress 2000 which is my winter work horse (good in up to 4" of snow, breaking through snowbanks and temperatures down to -20). I like it because it is chain drive (no transaxle), control unit sealed against moisture and has proven highly reliable. But it is light in the front end. I had to add 15 lbs of weight in the front basket to stop it doing head over heel wheelies on curb cuts.
I have a Pride Mobility Sonic (house scooter), medium reliability, a Pride Mobility Go Go Elite (left in vehicle and going out scooter), I have had 4 Go Gos, more reliable now than they used to be. I also have a Pride Mobility Sonic (yard and trips to hardware store), medium reliability,
I also have an ultra light "Traveller" which folds real small and is great for trains, planes, taxis and airport vans.
I have had Invacare and no-name, both quit but were real cheap and worked out for "abuse use" (florida sand beaches and construction).
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#199220 - 06/17/11 01:51 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: Greg]
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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The Fortress 2000 looks good, esp., the part about going through the snow and cold, but the turning radius seems too high for any real indoor use, and it may make it impossible to use on mass transportation, like a bus.
Do you know the turning radius needed to use a bus. I don't drive, so the scooter will be my transportation.
The Fortress 2000 has a turning radius of 47 +3/4"
The Fortress 1700 has a turning radius of 42"
The Merits Pioneer 3 has a turning radius of 31"
The Shoprider Sunrunner 3 has a turning radius of 37"
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#199221 - 06/17/11 02:31 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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Now that I think about it I think mine is the 1700. The turning radius is poor for indoors for sure. But, at least on mine there are rubber covered bolts that limit how tight you can turn (prevents top speed flips if you turn too sharp). On mine I was able to take out those bolts and get a much tighter turning radius. Also mine has a frame that can be shortened for better indoor use. If you are heavier than 180 lbs though shortening the frame makes is a cramped fit.
Regarding the bus, I'd check with your municipality for size restrictions. In Toronto I have used my Revo and Sonic and both worked well.
The Sunruuner 3 looks good but it is bigger than I use when travelling and not sure if it might be a tight fit on a city bus.
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#199230 - 06/18/11 10:50 AM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: Greg]
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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Greg,
Thanks for the help.
Do you know the turning radius of your Revo and Sonic?
I'll check with the bus people about the size restrictions. I actually haven't yet used a bus with a scooter. I live in the country-- no public transportation, and so I am pretty much housebound-- no stores within miles and miles. But I will be relocating soon to some place that has stores I can take my scooter to and that has a bus system.
Do you need to maneuver the scooter once you are on the bus, or does the scooter just have to fit onto the lift?
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#199232 - 06/18/11 04:26 PM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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Sonic 34"
Revo 38"
Once in the bus you have to do a three point turn to get turned around and then get off to the side. They have tie downs but I never bothered.
Subways have small (some very small) elevators to get you down to platform level but after that subway travel in a breeze.
While turning radius is important I have found width to be equally important, you can just go more places, especially in older buildings. If you have some balance (because narrow wheelbase is tippier) the less above 22" width you are the better.
And if you are adventurous and don't like being limited to drive in/out and have some strength balance, consider how easy the scooter disassembly is and try and keep the heaviest piece when disassembled under 35 lbs.
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#199239 - 06/21/11 11:01 AM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: Greg]
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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Greg,
Thanks for the great information.
The Merit I was looking at does not come apart, so I think that one is out.
The Shoprider Sunrunner is still looking good. I comes apart. The heaviest piece is a little heavy, 41lbs., but that's probably OK since I can't drive and would need help getting into any vehicle anyway.
The turning radius for the Shoprider Sunrunner is 37". I noticed that use use a Revo with a 38" turning radius. How is that for indoor use and for buses? Have you ever taken Amtrak with a scooter?
Also, I was wondering about using a scooter in bad weather. I'm not afraid of a little rain or snow, but will my scooter survive? In the user manual for the Shoprider Sunrunner, it says you shouldn't use it in the rain. Is this true of all scooters, just that one, or are they being overly cautious. I do use my monster Bruno in the snow and rain occasionally and I've had no problem with it.
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#199240 - 06/21/11 11:05 AM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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just me
Junior Member
Registered: 03/02/11
Posts: 15
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Greg,
I forgot, I also wanted to ask if overall scooter length is a concern, esp., on buses.
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#199247 - 06/22/11 07:58 AM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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Greg
Member
Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 10000
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The Merit I was looking at does not come apart, so I think that one is out.
Also, I was wondering about using a scooter in bad weather. I'm not afraid of a little rain or snow, but will my scooter survive? In the user manual for the Shoprider Sunrunner, it says you shouldn't use it in the rain. Is this true of all scooters, just that one, or are they being overly cautious. I do use my monster Bruno in the snow and rain occasionally and I've had no problem with it.
I googled Merit Pioneer and all models come apart, to come think of it I have yet to come across a scooter that doesn't disassemble.
Scooters are generally water resistant, not waterproof, I use a baggie over the tiller electronics and avoid puddles greater than 2 inches deep and have yet in 15 years had a rain breakdown. I have had to dry out electronics when sprayed head with hose accidently while washing my car. Snow/ice/salt are a much greater problem due to accelerated corrosin and component connection.
Scooter length is not a concern, I'd concentrate on turning radius for getting into to tight places. If you have some AB ability and you are going for a lighter three wheeler, even turning radius can be "helped" along by a little lift and drag of the front wheel.
when I gave up trying to pretend I was still AB and joined the scooter club I got lots of good advice, help and tips here:
http://ownersclub.pridemobility.com/forums
you might want to check it out, I still post there but I doubt you'd recognize me LMAO
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#203184 - 10/10/12 11:22 AM
Re: Need advice on choosing new scooter
[Re: just me]
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1JerseyJet
Junior Member
Registered: 05/22/12
Posts: 4
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[font:Verdana]Thanks for putting this information on the discussion forums. It is just what I've been looking for but been unsuccessful so far. This info is great. Definitely gives me a place to start, as it will basicaly be my first scooter.
AIso, is there a place where I can find users info on converting manual to electric wheelchairs? What wheel chair chair would you buy and what reliable after=market conversion kit is easiet to instill? I hear they are much cheaper than buying an electric wheel chair from a distriutor. Where would I look to find this stuff? I know it's out there, I just have to be on the right website to get those questions answered.
By the way, my fingers are no longer working the way they used to, as my advancing Brown Sequard Syndrome, among many other neurological dieases, are cramping my style. My spelling has alway been a nmightmare since i can't remember the correct spelling. So I ask you to give me a little slack in that area. Learning disabilities, Bi-polar, depression, dislexia, regular depression and big time anxiety was my normal way of life before I added neurolical ailments to my list. If that info can't be found on this discussion board, is ther one that it might be discussed?
I have 2002 Camry. I'm told that my car's rear end will not support a lift and a scooter. Could you give me a few used car choices to replace it?
Thanks for the help.
1JerseyJet
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