Previously you had to put both feet on the ground and push the Travelscoot backwards. Because the 'scoot is lightweight this was not too much of an issue for some people, but having reverse is helpful for those less physically able.
As you can see the forward and reverse mechanism is located on the left side of the handlebar just above the red on/off button.
Although the Travelscoot Deluxe Junior mobility scooter is smaller than the Travelscoot being demonstrated here, the assembly is essentially the same as for the full-size deluxe model.
The video's very helpful especially the section where Tony from Travelscoot USA mentions the difference in the sides of the yoke, one being slimmer than the other.
Additionally, the seat yoke is smaller on the Travelscoot Junior and the battery stands up-right. Also the red caddy is slightly shorter.
From the few experiences I've had now, I have to say, though I'm delighted with my travelscoot, I can see it isn't for everyone. Below I list the reasons why.
You need to have reasonable mobility to ride a travelscoot. I have difficulty standing for more than a few minutes and trouble walking any distance. Other than that, though I'm no longer young, I am reasonably fit.
For a travelscoot to work for you, you need to be able to do the following:
1. Get on and off the travelscoot by lifting one leg across the main v-shaped frame of the scooter. I achieve this easily by placing one hand on the centre of the steering column, and the other on the top of the back rest, to help stay balanced. Alternatively (I haven't tried this though others have), you can remove the backrest and mount the scooter from the back.
2. Once seated, you have to be able to lift your feet onto the foot rests located on either side of the steering column. I have added the foot plate accessories to the foot rests on my scoot (see in image above) because of chronic discomfort with my left foot.
3. You need to be able to hold the handlebar grips and twist the throttle on the right grip in order to operate the travelscoot. There is an accessory available, a Crampbuster, which can be attached to the throttle to reduce hand fatigue. I bought one when I bought the travelscoot but haven't felt the need to use it yet.
4. You need to have enough strength in your hands to apply the brakes, and you need both hands to apply the brake locks as demonstrated in the video below.
5. It also helps to be able to lift the travelscoot if needs be. I don't have a car to lift the travelscoot into, but I do sometimes need to lift the scoot over a kerb. I get off the scoot, lift the front wheel over the kerb and onto the pavement first, then gripping the backrest, I lift the back of the scoot and put it on the pavement.
6. Most importantly, when riding the travelscoot you have to be able to lean-in towards a bend as you're cornering. Also, you must also be able to lean forward when going up slopes. These upper body movements are vital to keep the travelscoot from toppling sideways or tipping backwards. 3-wheeled mobility scooters are not as stable as those with four wheels but provided you're able to lean-in and forward, the travelscoot is pretty stable.
It seems to have helped that many years ago I had a bike and also drove a car. More recently I've had to negotiate pavements and pedestrians with a Sholley shopping trolley so I'm used to manouvering. The result is I quickly overcame the initial nervousness I had about riding the travelscoot and now feel completely at ease with it.
Buying my Travelscoot direct from Germany in July 2019 took about two hours to achieve online. You might be able to do it faster. I'm slow and I didn't know what the process would involve. Hopefully the information below will help speed-up the process if you decide to go this route.
This is the webpage (in English) to make your purchase:
escootershop.de. This is the EU central distribution point for the TravelScoot.
Scroll right down the page to see the travelscoot models available, the full range of accessories, and spare parts. Click on the items you want to buy to add them to the shopping cart. On the main product page be sure to select the model you want from the drop-down menu: the travelscoot deluxe or the travelscoot deluxe junior.
1. BEFORE YOU PRESS THE BUY BUTTON at the shopping cart, the first thing is to establish if you are entitled to buy a travelscoot VAT free. Basically, if you have a recognised chronic disability you can qualify. Full details can be found on the UK Government website.
When you order from escootershop.de in Germany there is a VAT form for UK buyers on their website with the escootershop company details already entered. Here's the link:
Scroll down the page. NOTE WELL the instructions below the form. Download the form, print it, fill in your details, sign it, photograph the form, then upload it to your computer. When you have placed your order (you'll need your order number) email the form to escootershop.de. The email address is on their VAT form.
2. So, you've placed your order and you'll be looking for the pay button on your screen. You may not see one depending on the total cost of your order. If it's above a certain amount (I'm unable to recall exactly what it is - approx £2500 maybe £2600) you can't pay by credit card or paypal. If you don't see a payment button, follow the on-screen instructions to set up an account with transferwise.com (recommended by escootershop.de) so you can transfer funds from your bank via transferwise to escootershop.
3. You will need to supply transferwise with a copy of an identity document. I used my passport. I photographed the internal page which included the photograph, then uploaded it to my computer.
4. All the information you need so you can make the transfer, you will see on-screen.
5. Go to your online bank and make the transfer. Within about 24 hours (can't remember exactly) transferwise will email you with acknowledgement that they have received your funds. 2-3 days later escootershop will notify you that they have received your payment from transferwise.
6. escootershop.de will then notify you that your travelscoot is being shipped via UPS. By signing up for an account at UPS you can track the progress of your delivery.
7. Happily accept delivery of your travelscoot Junior mobility scooter!
In summary, Have your VAT form (if entitled to VAT relief) ready and your identity document. This speeds up the process.
Use this coupon code to receive a free, small LED light set when you buy a travelscoot: 24175. (Disclaimer: If you use the coupon code, I get a small credit to my escootershop account to set against future purchases.)
The other makes of similarly priced mobility scooters that I looked at were:
1. The Di Blasi R30
2. The eFoldi
3. The Atto
all of which had 3 wheels, and
.
4. The TGA Minimo Plus 4 with 4 wheels
I chose the Travelscoot Junior above the others for several reasons:
1. It weighs the least.
2. There is excellent ground clearance which is important where I live since many of the pavements are uneven and the kerbs, even though lowered in places, are still too high.
3. The Travelscoot can climb a 15 degree incline.
4. The tires are solid which means no punctures to deal with.
5. It has a tight turning circle making it highly manoeuvrable which is desirable for shopping in a small supermarket and traveling along crowded pavements.
6. Despite being lightweight it is sturdy, reliable and rarely breaks down according to other users.
7. It is easy to maintain and service at home.
8. The handlebars, seat and seat back are all adjustable to suit the rider.
9. A wide range of accessories is available.
10. It is small enough (without folding) to fit into the available storage space.
Additionally the Travelscoot has lightweight, lithium batteries which are easy to remove and bring indoors for charging with the included battery charger and cable. Also, it's easy to attach two batteries, thereby extending the distance that can be traveled.
It must be said however, the travelscoot is not entirely ideal. I would have preferred a flat footplate to rest my feet instead of straight bar-like foot rests, but I did buy a pair of foot plate accessories to alleviate that problem. It would have been better if the motor had a lock instead, it was necessary to buy a separate lock. I would have liked the seat to have had suspension instead of having to buy a separate suspension seat post. Fortunately, the seat is well-padded and quite comfortable without using the extra seat post. I bought the extra wide front wheel accessory to improve grip but wonder why it isn't included as standard. Finally, I would have liked armrests!
Despite the above issues, I feel sure I made the right choice. I'm happy with my purchase.
It is possible to carry two batteries on the Travelscoot Junior as there is sufficient room on the supporting bracket as shown in the photo below:
I bought two Travelscoot batteries. The yellow one came with a single connecting cable which is why it is placed closest to the battery socket on the motor. The second, black battery was supplied with an extension cable. If I need to switch to the second battery, it's simple to swop the connectors. However, I don't know if receiving an extension cable is standard. See below:
