Due to COVID-19, journalist Ian Cook hasn’t been able to get out to test drive any new scooters or powered wheelchairs. So, in this feature, we have a round up of reviews of some of the most popular Motability Scheme models that Ian has previously tested. Thanks to Ideas in Action, in Stechford Birmingham, for helping these reviews take place.
Small scooter: Monarch Smarti, weekly rental £21.87
Weight – 24kg (3.7 stone)
Range – 10 miles
Max User Weight – 135 kg (21 stone)
The Smarti is a 4 mph small Class 2 folding mobility scooter. The ease of folding and unfolding the scooter using a remote control key fob means the Smarti is an ideal solution for those who might struggle with this task manually and I was very impressed by how compact it was when folded. I found it to be safe, comfortable and easy to operate
It has solid puncture-proof tyres and an unbelievably light total weight of just 24kg—in fact, the Smarti is the lightest scooter available on the Motability Scheme. This compact design makes it ideal for using it on other modes of transport, and it can easily be pulled along the ground like a suitcase. When it comes to the ride itself, the Smarti has a comfortable folding padded seat and a height-adjustable telescopic tiller. It’s called a Smarti and, personally, I think it would be a smart choice for many people.
Medium scooter: Electric Mobility Rascal 388 XL weekly rental £19.74
Weight – 85 kg
Range – 20 miles
Max User Weight – 136 kg (22 stone)
The Electric Mobility Rascal 388 XL mobility scooter is a 6mph Class 3 mobility scooter that can be used on the road. It is designed with a narrow, compact chassis for easy manoeuvring with its narrow 54 cm width. The 388 XL boasts a fully adjustable captain’s seat to ensure your comfort and large pneumatic tyres which also help.
I found the ride quality extremely good and the best Class 3 scooter I have ridden so far. This scooter is capable of serious road travel. However, if pavement use is required, there is a 4 mph switch on the controls allowing you to cap the top speed of your scooter to this lower limit.
Large scooter: Freerider Mayfair 8 Deluxe weekly rental £24.13
Weight – 90 kg (14.1 stone)
Range – 20 miles
Max User Weight – 136 kg (22 stone)
With a mobility scooter called “Mayfair”, you expect a classy ride. And that’s exactly what you get from the Freerider Mayfair 8 Deluxe.
The Mayfair is stately as well as classy and will travel at 8 mph on its four pneumatic air-filled tyres. Its 36 ah battery power should take you 20 miles. And, again, in keeping with its name, the captain’s seat is the last word in luxury. As well as standard features such as wing mirrors, indicators, and a wire shopping basket at the front, it has comfortable armrests and a headrest. I found the tiller easy to operate and responsive.
The mobility scooter’s compact size means that you could keep it in your own home and you’re unlikely to need a garden shed or garage. It’s not the biggest scooter around, but I found that its tiny turning circle made it highly manoeuvrable and quite zippy. I liked it a lot.
Powered wheelchair: Invacare TDX SP2 NB Modulite configured M50 weekly rental £57.94
Weight – 133 kg (20.9 stone)
Range – 16 miles
Max User Weight – 146 kg (23 stone)
The Invacare TDX SP2 NB Modulite is a 6 mph Class 3 powered wheelchair, perfect for those looking to lead an active life, both inside and outdoors. Mid-wheel drive allows great manoeuvrability and despite a narrow wheelbase, it offers great stability.
Six wheels and an automatic stability lock system make climbing and descent feel very safe. This powered wheelchair comes with a tension-adjustable backrest and standard seat. The full range of Invacare’s Modulite seating system can also be fitted, giving whatever level of support you need.
About the Scheme
The Motability Scheme enables you to exchange all or part of your qualifying mobility allowance for a mobility scooter, powered wheelchair or car. You can find out more about joining the Scheme here and you can use our search tool to browse the Scheme’s full range of scooters.
Related articles
Test drive: Lightweight scooters put to the test
Test drive: Powered wheelchairs put through paces
Test drive: Medium scooters put through their paces
