In this Lifestyle Magazine* article, scooter testers Jacqueline and John Andrews compare the popular TGA Breeze S3 against an exciting Motability Scheme newcomer, the Pride Mini Crosser X1.
Jacqueline and John both have restricted mobility but they want to continue getting out and about, enjoying the countryside. So they want a scooter that can handle the narrow highways and byways, and the loose and uneven surfaces of deepest rural Lincolnshire.
Fortunately, the Motability Scheme has several options for go-anywhere scooters, including the award-winning TGA Breeze S3 and the Pride Mini Crosser X1.
Ex-squadron leader John was our test pilot for the Breeze S3 and was keen to test if the three-wheel format was stable, by heading off down a nearby country lane. The Breeze’s motorbike style telescopic front suspension, rear springs and 17-inch wheels, made light work of difficult terrain. Slightly larger than the Mini Crosser X1, it still has a tight turning circle; crucial for turning round on narrow paths.
John says: “The Breeze is a very solid machine and I easily got on and off thanks to the adjustable seat and tiller. Getting a decent piloting position was very easy thanks to the generous leg room, and the flat floor together with the hand grips slightly inclined towards me, made everything easy to access. I could definitely cover a decent distance.”
Did you know?
When you lease a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, you get a worry-free package including insurance, breakdown cover, service and routine repairs, and batteries and tyres.
Keeping pace with John on the test route was Jacqueline in the Mini Crosser X1. The four-wheeled X1 has clever rear suspension and a turning circle of 165cm.
Jacqueline found the scooter stable while still being easy to manoeuvre, and easy to use, with its adjustable speed dial giving extra control. Despite its stylish looks, and cool orange paintwork, the X1 is very tough, and easily coped with our test route. Usefully, the electric motor acts also as a brake when going downhill.
Jacqueline also gave high marks for the fact that the X1 could be adapted to her needs with adjustable seat height, depth, and width settings. The height of the steering column can be adjusted too, as can the headrest, armrests, and handlebars. The innovative swivel seat also allows easy access and exit to the scooter.
The light-sensitive control panel is packed with features from a mileage tracker down to anti-theft alarm.
The bright LED indicator and headlights can also be altered to suit the driver’s needs. The front basket can carry up to 8kg, while the optional rear basket carries up to 15kg.
Jacqueline says: “I really enjoyed using the Mini Crosser. For me, it’s a perfect size and very well built. It’s very user friendly and easy to use.”
If you are looking for a scooter that will go a bit further than a shopping centre, then both these scooters will serve you well. Both have a top speed of 8 mph and can travel more than 20 miles on a single charge. They are road legal, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.
The X1’s build quality is second to none, it is a compact size and packed with features. However, if you need a slightly bigger scooter, the S3 is worth looking at, as it is practical and its clever suspension copes easily with all terrains.
One last thing to note, if you plan to load either scooter into a car, you will need a hoist as both are too heavy to lift manually.
*This article first appeared in Lifestyle Magazine.
Lifestyle Magazine
Discover the latest Motability Scheme news with Lifestyle, the quarterly customer magazine. This is available to all Scheme customers and delivered free of charge. You can read the latest issue online or sign up to get Lifestyle in the post.*
*Only available for Motability Scheme customers free of charge.
Related articles
What to expect if your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair needs a repair
Tips to store your powered wheelchair and scooter outdoors
Guide to driving your mobility scooter
Picture credits: Simon Fernandez (photos)
