My Travelscoot needs replacing
Time to change mobility scooter
My Travelscoot, known affectionately as The Trike, needs replacing with a more stable mobility scooter. This is the end of an era. Me and the Travelscoot have been close friends for 15 years. Together we have visited America, Australia, Europe and many parts of Britain. I have ridden it most days and lots of people know me only because of the Travelscoot. Like everything in life with MS there comes a time to adapt. This time has come to replace the trusty Travelscoot.
New version of the Travelscoot
The Escape is the new model and I bought it last July. I soon discovered it is not as wide as previous models. The reduced width makes it usable on cruise ships. The rear wheels are about 10 cm closer together but there are no other significant changes. As I have discovered this new incarnation is much more likely to topple over especially if the pavement is uneven. Since moving to Faversham I have found myself dumped onto the ground more than once despite not doing anything stupid. There have always been strong men nearby who have picked me up and put me back on the scooter. Now the time has come when I must think of my dignity as well as self preservation.
Travelscoot needs replacing
There is a huge range of mobility scooters to chose from as replacements. I have a few essential criteria which has significantly narrowed the field. Any 4 wheeled scooter is eliminated because the 360 degree turning circle for them is over 2 metres. That is not feasible with the narrow pavements and small shops in Faversham. It must also fold up, fit into the boot of a car and finally it needs to be airline friendly.
Alternatives for the TravelScoot
I have spent many, many hours searching for a suitable replacement through Google. Someone suggested a wheelchair. It has big wheels, comfortable seat and it is very manoeuvrable. A person I trust said that they must only be used on a flat level surface. If they hit a stone or kerb there is a likely the scooter will stop but I will keep going and end up as a heap on the floor. Another possible idea is rejected
What else have I learned
This sounds like an old cliché but in this case you only get what you pay for. Any scooter which costs less than £2,000 new does not have a strong enough motor for my needs. To get to the shops I go under the railway at Faversham station and the slope is quite steep. One scooter I tried could not manage the slopes, it has been rejected even though I liked everything else about it.
Atto classic or eFoldi Lite
I have now found 2 possible replacement mobility scooters, both 3 wheelers and a compromise is inevitable. I am going for either the Atto classic or the eFOLDI lite. There are pros and cons for each one and I am testing both of them. The airline compliant battery on both is very good and the costs are almost the same. The eFOLDI is lighter but it is definitely not so easy to get on and off or find a good position for my feet when in use. It is very similar to the Travelscoot so it is designed for people less disabled than me. The Atto is a heavier scooter but feels sturdier and it gets my vote. I feel much happier now the decision has been made to replace my trusty Travelscoot.
Once I had made up my mind to replace my Travelscoot it was all much easier and quicker than expected. I have bought an Atto classic. Now the next job is sell the Escape and De Luxe Travelscoot and other associated bits and pieces on eBay.
April 2025
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Hidden disabilities of my MS
Hello Christine,
I copied your reply onto the website ‘cos I think it is relevant. I used to own a belt driven Travelscoot, bought it in 2010. The Travelscoot is very manoeuvrable. I also find the pedals as foot rests very difficult and the seat is not comfortable if sitting on it for more than a couple of hours.
I am aware that the Atto is not so good at turning. The falls caused as a result of the narrowness of the Escape could so easily cause a broken a bone or a traffic accident.
Watch this space for future mobility scooter blogs
Hi Patrick
I have been reading your latest blog with interest. I have an original TravelScoot (with a belt) which I purchased from Hardy in US in 2009. It was wonderful and fit easily in our hatchback, but as my chronic knee pain got worse with age I found the angle to hold my knee on the foot pedals was too painful. In 2021 I bought an Atto Sport, which fits in our hatch back when split in two and we can lift it between us. I have the seat cushion for comfort and am very pleased with it. One drawback I find is the extra room it takes to manoeuvre inside shops etc and hospital appts, so I kept my TravelScoot and have used it for a quick hospital visit.
Hope everything goes well with your new scooter
Regards Christine Price
Patrick, thank you for this survey. We’re also enquiring for the future for a replacement.
Our’s should be good for indoors and outdoors. We went to Naidex and saw the Omeo in action. This seems to fulfil everything, indoors, outdoors, off road and travel by flight. The only problem is the cost. My argument is that if it will do everything and all we need is a hoist into the boot, then fine! All we need is to save, save , save!
Hello Chris,
I’ve just looked at the Omeo, looks like a fun scooter. Replacing the Travelscoot was not easy. Eventually settled on the Atto Classic. I am really going to miss the ability to coast and move it with my feet when in a shop. I bought an ‘open box’ model with cushion, bag to hook onto the front and arm rests and all with a 20% discount
Hello Isla,
End of an era, Patrick. You’re the reason that I got my Deluxe back in 2017, and like you with yours it has been all over the world with me. Let us know how you get on with the new wheels 🙂
Hello Isla,
The Deluxe is so good and I really enjoyed riding it. The replacement arrives next week, no more coasting down steep slopes or turning on a sixpence.
Talk soon,
Patrick