Hi-tech personal transport systems appeal to all

Hi-tech personal transport systems that appeal to all members of the family

We’ve all seen them whisking their way along our footpaths. Indeed, many of us use one daily.

With a barely audible whisper, wheeled wonders are giving new life and purpose to thousands of New Zealanders who daily use a mobility scooter, the product of an American man’s inventive mind who in 1968 built one to help a family member diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

But even Allan R. Thieme from Bridgeport, Michigan, could not have imagined the worldwide popularity and technological development that today sees mobility scooters with dual seating, independent suspension on either three or four wheels, disc brakes, automatic speed reduction for safe cornering, blinking mirrors serving as indicator lights and automatically dimming headlights when the scooter is stopped to save headlight power. Instrumentation has also reached new levels with backlit digital displays showing speedometer, odometer, a clock, a temperature reader which can warn of ice formation, and a high-low speed switch.

And this state-of-the-art development reached Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru this week with the arrival of a new machine featuring unique new styling, comfort and sophistication that Central South Island retailer Bruce Borrell says is attracting able-bodied people as well as the disabled into the marketplace.

New generation mobility scooters are finding a place on golf courses, parks and recreation areas for everyone, not just the disabled, with their motorcycle-styled large wheels of up to 16 inches in diameter and armchair-padded luxury while zipping around at speeds of up to 15 kph.

“The latest model is truly a crossover concept,” Mr Borrell said.

He said the latest Heartway Monarch Royale Series, with either three or four wheels, featured a powerful 1300-watt drive motor giving effortless acceleration to top speed, supported by two massive 80Ah batteries giving a range of up to a very useful 50 kilometres.

“That gets people out for a full day of travels, not just to the supermarket and back. With a range like that, people can go to watch their families playing sport on a sunny day, have a tikki-tour down to botanical gardens, pop in on friends across town and then call in for that bottle of milk at the supermarket on the way home.

“They truly are grunty and are absolute fun to ride.”

Looking more like a three-wheeled motorcycle “trike” and with styling reminiscent of a luxury car with digital displays to match, Mr Borrell said the new machines dispensed with much of the mobility scooter look and embraced a concept to complement lifestyle, versatility and go-anywhere comfort for all sections of the community.

“And no longer are they selfish machines. Optional side-by-side seating means users can take their partners for a jaunt and enjoy the outdoors too,” Mr Borrell said.

Other features included a sunshade, a lockable rear carry box, a rear seat bag, and a golf bag carrier.

“They are golf-course-friendly and their big soft tyres do not leave damaging tracks.”

He said users did not need a driver's licence to operate them nor were they required to have a warrant of fitness or registration.

Mr Borrell can arrange a home demonstration by calling Mobility Scooters Central South Island, 0800 002 884 or (03) 684 8423.

ENDS