Mobility Info - UK
Rough Terrain Scooters
It is tempting to think that the countryside is out of bounds for many people with reduced mobility. However, those who rely on a scooter to get around at home or in their immediate neighbourhood can now look further afield thanks to an increasing selection of scooters specifically developed for use on rough terrain. These are obviously of particular interest to those who live in the countryside, but will benefit anyone who enjoys walks with friends, trips to the beach, rounds of golf or visits to the farm.
Rough terrain scooters tend to be bulkier than other scooters, with larger, chunkier wheels to cope with rough ground. Their size also reflects the need to accommodate bigger and longer-lasting batteries, as the unevenness of rough terrain is relatively power sapping. Other crucial advantages over regular scooters include higher base plates for greater ground clearance, as well as improved suspension and comfortable seats befitting machines that will no doubt be used over longer distances. Some even have dual motors.
In general, the extra bulk of rough terrain scooters means they are unsuitable for use around the house, so ideally they should be seen as an addition to rather than a replacement for the regular everyday use scooter.
Examples of rough terrain scooters include Rascal 889 from Electric Mobility, Emerald from Sunrise Medical, the Pride Ranger, the Fieldmaster 224, the Tramper from Beamer and the Comet from Invacare.
The Fieldmaster 224 is a rear-wheel-drive powerchair combining comfort and manoeuvrability. Its safety features include large tyres on light, strong alloy wheels, a roll cage built into the seat and a brake on every motor. It offers great control on gradients; when going downhill, the user has the facility to tilt the seat backwards to remain level and when going uphill, the seat can slide forwards so the chair cannot tip backwards. Visit www.fieldmaster224.co.uk or phone 01902 798633.
The Invacare Comet is a scooter also ideally suited to uneven ground with its large wheels and powerful motor. It incorporates an adjustable suspension system on the front and rear of the chassis and an electronic speed reduction feature when turning to ensure stability. See www.invacare.co.uk or ring 01656 647327.
The Tramper all-terrain buggy from Beamer (www.tramper.co.uk) is designed to cover rough ground, mud, sand and grass, making it ideal for going to the beach, fishing, dog walking and a whole host of country pursuits. The large ground clearance and tailored suspension, along with large rear wheels, easily allow it to travel over snow and to ford shallow streams. The Tramper’s quiet operation, backed up by high capacity gel batteries, means there’s no danger of disturbing the calm of the great outdoors.
The Tramper features a capacious lockable storage box and also has the facility to be accessorized with a tipping cargo trailer or transporter trailer. It can be converted to joystick control and a rotating seat can be installed, which might be useful for watching sports or wildlife. Other accessories include a stick/crutch holder and a waterproof cover. The Tramper is classified as a Class 3 scooter.
