Travelscoot or Smartscoot

[MMCD]

I have read here about Travelscoot. I searched for Smartscoot but did not find too much information. Has anyone actually compared the two?

We are going to San Fran this summer. DH will not be able to walk all those inclines. I am looking at either the Travelscoot or the Smartscoot. We are going to WDW this December also. DH will need it here too. With his health declining, I am now thinking of purchasing one. It needs to be lightweight because I have a bad shoulder and can't carry heavy things. I am very interested in your opinions.

 

[cmwade77]

I don't have any answers for you, but I do see the Travelscoot has a weight capacity of 320 lbs. Not sure about smartscoot.

Looking for something with a 300lb+ scooter that can fit into a Prius C for my mom. Was looking at the GoGo Sport and still am to a certain degree, but this looks promising, so wondering what others think as well and wondering how stable it is.

It does appear that the Travelscoot is substantially lighter.

 

[RaySharpton]

I don't know anything about the two mobility scooters, Travelscoot and Smartscoot to help you, but maybe someone will come along that uses one and will help you out.

I have been without a car for years now, and I just recently bought an electric wheelchair that folds and meets my weight needs and when I fly or if I rent a car.

I will probably buy another car in the future, but I want to make sure that I pick a car that will be easy to load and unload so that I won't have to lower the second-row seats or to put in a trunk.

I performed a Google search and listed the info below if that helps:

www.travelscoot.com

They appear to have two types. The one above is called the

The TravelScoot Deluxe comes equipped with a 274 Watt-hour lithium-ion battery.

These are both available in a Junior version for smaller people, generally anyone from approximately 4' 6" (140 cm) to 5' 3" (160 cm) in height and of regular build. Since the only difference is a slight shortening of the aluminum tubing, there is no appreciable weight reduction. The scooter frame is made from high-strength 7075 Aluminum (Aircraft Grade).

RANGE
Depends on battery type, load, riding style and terrain. Lighter riders can expect longer distances, heavier riders, shorter distances.

BATTERY
charger and charging: 100 to 240 Volts
Li-ion: 1.6 Ah, 8 hours

TOP SPEED
3.75 mph (6 kph); max. allowed for non-licensed motor vehicles

Recommended load range is 145 kg (320 lbs)

MOTOR
200 Watts

Full-Size
Unfolded 37 x 23 x from 27 to 39 inches
Folded With Front Wheel 40 x 15 x 10 inches
Folded Without Front Wheel 33.5 x 15 x 10 inches

The second one is called:

TravelScoot Shopper

With our Shopper model, we have reduced the weight by an astounding 30%, to just over 26 lbs (12 kg). With the seat and battery removed, it weighs just 15.4 lbs (7 kg).

We made this possible by using smaller wheels 6" (150 mm) x 1.2" (30 mm) and a smaller, 100-watt hub motor. With a top speed of about 2.3 mph (3.7 kmh), it is suitable for crowded environments such as cruise ships, shopping centers, pedestrian zones, fairs, museums, and exhibitions. For safety reasons, these types of facilities require top speed to be limited to walking pace. The Shopper is also well-suited for persons who either can’t, shouldn’t or do not wish to drive faster. Nonetheless, riders can easily keep up with regular pedestrians.

Due to the narrower wheels, the rolling resistance is significantly lower. This, combined with the smaller motor, resulting in an incredible 35% increase in range per charge with the same batteries!

The maximum load is unchanged at 320 lbs (145 kg), owing to the virtually identical frame structure. Length and width are slightly less as a result of the smaller wheels. For this reason, the Shopper is intended for use on the solid, level ground and low thresholds. Heavier customers will not be able to ride on turf surfaces, but other than that, the Shopper will go wherever the regular TravelScoot can. While climb performance is limited and very much load-dependent due to the lower-power motor, the Shopper can still carry a rider weighing 220 lbs (100 kg) up a 6% wheelchair ramp.

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The other one called Smartscoot at

www.smartscoot.com

SmartScoot™ is a compact, foldable, lightweight mobility scooter. A compact, foldable scooter is for people who lead active lifestyles but who may need a hand getting around, from time to time. Power Scooters are easy to use and SmartScoot™ is easy to fold and, most importantly, easy to transport and store. Weighing only 40 pounds when fully assembled, SmartScoot™ can break down into smaller, lighter parts and will comfortably fit into almost any vehicle trunk, allowing you to take it anywhere. With up to 12 miles worth of battery range provided by the lithium-ion battery in a single charge, SmartScoot™ will never leave you in a bind.

SmartScoot™ incorporates comfort into its design with an adjustable, comfortable seat and steering column that can accommodate almost any body type and a 300 lb. weight capacity. Adjustable rear wheel width also adds an extra touch of stability to your ride. Unlike full-size power chairs, SmartScoot™ can fit in planes and on cruise ships.

Weight 63 lbs
Dimensions 38 x 25 x 17 in

 

[lanejudy]

I believe @mamabunny has a Travelscoot. She can give a good review of that brand.

Enjoy your vacations!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, managing has one of those. I know here has been redesigned and accessories but she's going to be the best source of information.

Did the OP try using the search feature here? I know mamabuuny has provided very detailed descriptions in the past.

 

[mamabunny]

Hey! Hi! Sorry for the delay. @kaytieeldr RL got me again! LOL

Let's see... What does everyone want to know about Angus*, my lovable little Travelscoot?

First of all, I personally have known people who are 400+ pounds who can, and do ride them daily. The battery does take a hit, but the hub motor that Travelscoot uses is quite strong.

Although I have never had the joy of traveling to SanFran with Angus, I have done multiple days, all day long at WDW. I am a self-described 3L (Large Lovely Lady) and I have no problems with my Travelscoot, other than people stopping me regularly to ask what it is, and where I got it, and other similar questions. (I now just carry a stack of Travelscoot business cards; it's easier!)

It really does only weigh 35 pounds (without me, but with one battery) and in the spirit of full disclosure, I don't use the seat back (it pops off easily, and by sitting up straight I help keep my core strong, and that way I can easily get on and off like a tricycle! LOL) so I drop the handlebars, and pop it right in the back of my Kia Soul. Set the brakes, and away I go, on another adventure! In fact, in the picture below, you can see that his handlebars are down in the "travel" position, and his seat back is off; this picture was taken just before I put him in the back of my car to go run errands last year.

The entire scooter folds and breaks down to fit into a travel bag that is about the size of a golf bag. Not even kidding. When folded into their bags, we can easily put two of them in the back of my Kia Soul and still have plenty of room for luggage on top. (Disclaimer: I have one of my rear seats folded down, as we are a family of three, and don't need the fourth seat.)

I picked this model after hours and hours of research - I wanted something sturdy and it had to hold up to a FULL "Disney Day" which could easily be Rope Drop to EMH. I have an extra battery, and it's easy to "double stack" (although I rarely use the second battery, I have it with me just the same) It had to be easy to use, and have a low center of gravity, so I didn't have to worry about tumping over. I wanted some kind of storage, and the ability to customize it if I wanted to. (and I did! LED undercarriage lighting, cup holders, headlight, tail light...!) I wanted the ability to reverse (although you can also just "Fred Flinstone" it for short distances) and most importantly, I didn't want it to look like a "regular" scooter. I wanted it to be unique, and kinda cool looking.

My hubby is a mechanic for a major airline, so he knows from "aircraft grade aluminum" - he works with the real stuff every day. He was prepared to be skeptical, but is now one of the biggest fans of these little scooters. There is literally almost no maintenance; the solid tires are puncture proof, and all you have to do is fully charge the battery overnight!

I typically run into at least one other Travelscoot owner every trip at WDW - they are super easy to travel with, because everyone from Gate Agents and ground crews at the airport, to bus drivers at WDW love them; they are so lightweight and easy to deal with. The entire scooter is basically one big tie-down point for the WDW drivers; they can hook the tie-downs on almost anywhere, and they love these little guys!

LMK if you have any questions - you can PM or post here!




*Angus is named after Princess Merida's faithful companion in BRAVE - because like her beautiful horse Angus, my Angus always brings me home safe and sound from our adventures in the world!

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you, mamabunny for the great insight. I like the idea of taking the second battery just in case even though you may not have to use it. It looks small enough to carry in the red bag.

And you can't beat the weight of 35-lbs and the way it folds into the small bag to put in the vehicle and to travel with.

It looks very strong and well welded like my wheelchair.

Is the motor built into the rear left wheel?

Is there only one motor?

Are those the original foot plates or did your husband make those? I like flat foot plates because they look more comfortable than a round bar type.
One

What are the two round metal things located on the tiller near the footplate?

What are the two red round things on the left side of the handlebar of the tiller?

Are the two squeeze handles for braking?

What do you use to go forward?

Can you adjust the speed?

Hey! Hi! Sorry for the delay. @kaytieeldr RL got me again! LOL

Let's see... What does everyone want to know about Angus*, my lovable little Travelscoot?

First of all, I personally have known people who are 400+ pounds who can, and do ride them daily. The battery does take a hit, but the hub motor that Travelscoot uses is quite strong.

Although I have never had the joy of traveling to SanFran with Angus, I have done multiple days, all day long at WDW. I am a self-described 3L (Large Lovely Lady) and I have no problems with my Travelscoot, other than people stopping me regularly to ask what it is, and where I got it, and other similar questions. (I now just carry a stack of Travelscoot business cards; it's easier!)

It really does only weigh 35 pounds (without me, but with one battery) and in the spirit of full disclosure, I don't use the seat back (it pops off easily, and by sitting up straight I help keep my core strong, and that way I can easily get on and off like a tricycle! LOL) so I drop the handlebars, and pop it right in the back of my Kia Soul. Set the brakes, and away I go, on another adventure! In fact, in the picture below, you can see that his handlebars are down in the "travel" position, and his seat back is off; this picture was taken just before I put him in the back of my car to go run errands last year.

The entire scooter folds and breaks down to fit into a travel bag that is about the size of a golf bag. Not even kidding. When folded into their bags, we can easily put two of them in the back of my Kia Soul and still have plenty of room for luggage on top. (Disclaimer: I have one of my rear seats folded down, as we are a family of three, and don't need the fourth seat.)

I picked this model after hours and hours of research - I wanted something sturdy and it had to hold up to a FULL "Disney Day" which could easily be Rope Drop to EMH. I have an extra battery, and it's easy to "double stack" (although I rarely use the second battery, I have it with me just the same) It had to be easy to use, and have a low center of gravity, so I didn't have to worry about tumping over. I wanted some kind of storage, and the ability to customize it if I wanted to. (and I did! LED undercarriage lighting, cup holders, headlight, tail light...!) I wanted the ability to reverse (although you can also just "Fred Flinstone" it for short distances) and most importantly, I didn't want it to look like a "regular" scooter. I wanted it to be unique, and kinda cool looking.

My hubby is a mechanic for a major airline, so he knows from "aircraft grade aluminum" - he works with the real stuff every day. He was prepared to be skeptical, but is now one of the biggest fans of these little scooters. There is literally almost no maintenance; the solid tires are puncture proof, and all you have to do is fully charge the battery overnight!

I typically run into at least one other Travelscoot owner every trip at WDW - they are super easy to travel with, because everyone from Gate Agents and ground crews at the airport, to bus drivers at WDW love them; they are so lightweight and easy to deal with. The entire scooter is basically one big tie-down point for the WDW drivers; they can hook the tie-downs on almost anywhere, and they love these little guys!

LMK if you have any questions - you can PM or post here!

View attachment 392406


*Angus is named after Princess Merida's faithful companion in BRAVE - because like her beautiful horse Angus, my Angus always brings me home safe and sound from our adventures in the world!

 

[mamabunny]

Thank you, mamabunny for the great insight. I like the idea of taking the second battery just incase even though you may not have to use it. It looks small enought to carry in the red bag.

And you can't beat the weight of 35-lbs and the way it folds into the small bag to put in the vehicle and to travel with.

Actually, I just stack the second battery on top of the main battery (the main battery is actually a "structural" element, in that it keeps the trailing arms that hold the back axles spaced apart at the right distance to pop the seat into the fixtures) and use some longer Velcro OneWrap straps to hold it all together. If it rains (and it will, because, Florida) I put a shower cap over the handlebars to cover the electronics, and another one over the battery(s) to help protect them. And I go on down the road!

I used to lug the battery bag that the manufacturer sells around with me, but I found I don't need it, so why drag it along? LOL Plus, it gives me more room to hold more shopping bags!

 

[RaySharpton]

Is that the second battery in the photo?

My batteries were also built in the wheelchairs structure on either side that can slide out.

I used to use a shower cap on my old 3-wheel Pride REVO mobility scooter to cover the electronics on the tiller. It fit and held on perfectly. That didn't work on my second Pride Victory 10-LX Sport mobility scooter.

I found this nice armrest bag to fit on my wheelchair. It's easy to take on and off with velcro. I also bought this elastic mesh with hooks to fit on the back of my wheelchair seat. It holds anything. The walker is a little too big, but I can stretch it over.

Actually, I just stack the second battery on top of the main battery (the main battery is actually a "structural" element, in that it keeps the trailing arms that hold the back axles spaced apart at the right distance to pop the seat into the fixtures) and use some longer Velcro OneWrap straps to hold it all together. If it rains (and it will, because, Florida) I put a shower cap over the handlebars to cover the electronics, and another one over the battery(s) to help protect them. And I go on down the road!

I used to lug the battery bag that the manufacturer sells around with me, but I found I don't need it, so why drag it along? LOL Plus, it gives me more room to hold more shopping bags!

 

[MMCD]

Ray,

What is your scooter? What armrest thingy are you talking about. I did not see a link for a picture.

I called Travelscoot to see if anyone in DFW has one for us to see. He told me that Smartscoot was well designed but the frame spacing between the handles and seat are closer together. the differences of Rear or front brakes between the two are minimal differences/performances.

mamabunny, i read all your posts here and hope to pm if I don't here more from travelscoot.

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray,

What is your scooter? What armrest thingy are you talking about. I did not see a link for a picture.

I called Travelscoot to see if anyone in DFW has one for us to see. He told me that Smartscoot was well designed but the frame spacing between the handles and seat are closer together. the differences of Rear or front brakes between the two are minimal differences/performances.

mamabunny, i read all your posts here and hope to pm if I don't here more from travelscoot.

Hi, MMCD. I don't own the mobilty scooter mentioned, I was just interested in it and trying to give others some photos and information

I actually have a new wheelchair now called a Fold and Go Wheelchair, heavy duty type. The other two scooters that I owned was a Pride REVO, and a newer Pride Victory 10-LX Sport. I only use the wheelchair now.

I found the armrest online and I use it on my wheelchair, too. I don't know if they make them anymore but it it was made by Large Deluxe Armrest Bag J250 for Mobility Scooters and Power Wheelchairs by Pride Mobility

 

[MMCD]

Mamabunny, I think I pm'ed you last night. If not, pls pm me.

 

[mamabunny]

Is that the second battery in the photo?

My batteries were also built in the wheelchairs structure on either side that can slide out.

I used to use a shower cap on my old 3-wheel Pride REVO mobility scooter to cover the electronics on the tiller. It fit and held on perfectly. That didn't work on my second Pride Victory 10-LX Sport mobility scooter.

I found this nice armrest bag to fit on my wheelchair. It's easy to take on and off with velcro. I also bought this elastic mesh with hooks to fit on the back of my wheelchair seat. It holds anything. The walker is a little too big, but I can stretch it over.

Oops! That's actually the spacer that my hubby 3D printed - I place it in the battery area when I fly, so that the integrity of the frame can't be compromised while it is in the hold of the aircraft.

Sorry for the confusion!

 

[Midwestmarykay]

I'm late to this convo, but i just bought a used travelscoot. It has the SLA battery and i want to convert to Li-On but i refuse to pay the price the manufacturer charges ($800). Does anyone know how to get a battery that will work with the motor? I can buy the connection cable from travelscoot for $12.

 

[mamabunny]

I'm late to this convo, but i just bought a used travelscoot. It has the SLA battery and i want to convert to Li-On but i refuse to pay the price the manufacturer charges ($800). Does anyone know how to get a battery that will work with the motor? I can buy the connection cable from travelscoot for $12.

So far, no one that I know personally in the Travelscoot community has found any other source for the Li-on battery, other than Travelscoot. Trust me, my husband has spent countless hours searching the internet.

I personally own 2 Travelscoots right now - my "original" belt drive model (aka Max) and my hub motor model (Angus). Between them, I have 3 Li-on batteries and both types of connection cables so I can use "original" style connector batteries with the new style and vice-versa.

If you find a replacement that won't kill the motor, I would love to hear about it.

 

[mamabunny]

Ray, next time I forget to reply to you, just *HOLLER* at me LOL. I am *so* sorry - I didn't mean to ignore your questions!

First of all - exciting news for Angus - he got a fancy new "saddle"! I found a boat seat (hubs took the seat back off, which I prefer) and it is *so* comfy! You can also see the left side better, which helps Ray with some of his questions

Is the motor built into the rear left wheel?

Yes, I believe it's a hub motor of some kind... LOL (try not to get lost in all that technical jargon there!) I don't have the specs for it at hand, however.

Is there only one motor?

Yes - one motor, on the left. That's why I can literally spin on a dime, hard to the *right* but if I try to turn that hard to the left... the motor is NOT happy! So, I have learned to just plan for right turn maneuvers if I need to make a u-turn, or spin around. You will notice that just forward of the left rear wheel, there is a small black control box, and that's where the battery cable plugs in. (In the picture above, I am using an older style battery from my first Travelscoot, with a connector cable that allows it to connect to the new style connection). That also shows an actual battery in place, rather than the spacer in the photo in the previous post.

Are those the original foot plates or did your husband make those? I like flat foot plates because they look more comfortable than a round bar type.

Those are an official accessory that Travelscoot sells, but my hubby took them out to the garage, and rounded off the corners, because we were worried about someone bumping into a sharp, squared off corner. I like them a lot, because they rotate around the axis formed by the original foot peg; so I can change the position of my feet/ankles, and I can even extend my leg for a bit if I need to, and its supported by the footplate.

What are the two round metal things located on the tiller near the footplate?

Those are kind of weird, aren't they? LOL I keep trying to (personally) find a use for them, but haven't yet! The inventor actually put those there for people who use arm crutches.

​

The idea is that you put the crutches (with the hand hold) down through the center of the TravelScoot, across the top of the red fabric triangle. The hand-hold of each crutch goes into one of the little round cups, and the length of the crutches trails back, across the battery (and depending on how tall the crutches are) behind the TravelScoot. It's hard to describe, but I can't find the picture that used to be on their website showing that feature in action!

What are the two red round things on the left side of the handlebar of the tiller?

The smaller red round thing is the power switch; it's just an on/off button. The larger red round thing is a bike bell! No crazy electric horns for us TravelScoot users - we get a Deluxe Red Bicycle Bell!

Are the two squeeze handles for braking?

Yes. They are basically bike brakes, and are adjustable (to a degree). So far, they have stopped me on some pretty impressive slopes. They each connect to a rear wheel, and there is a "C" shaped brake that tightens around a disk on the inner side of each rear wheel.

What do you use to go forward?

There is a small switch on the left side that controls forward and reverse. I rarely use reverse - I got used to not having it with my older version, and so I just "Fred Flinstone" it whenever I need to go backwards just a bit.

Can you adjust the speed?

Technically, you can actually change the gearing on the older models (I know, because I have that "upgrade" LOL) to run pretty fast - certainly faster than is allowed at Disney, or is even practical in most public places. Last I heard, TravelScoot USA had run out of the "upgrade" and was not planning on getting any more in.

As far as the throttle goes, there is a rheostat-like action to it; so no "turtle" or "rabbit" indicators, but I can control the speed to anything I desire quite easily. It's made more precise (and with much less fatigue) by using the Crampbuster that you see on the right side.

Sorry again for missing your questions, Ray!

 

[shtcn]

for what I've seen, the Handyscoot looks similar to the Smartscoot you mentioned above...is new in Australia but I reckon is been in the US for a while...just got mine 3 weeks ago...folds quite neatly, only about 12k to lift into the boot...no worries for me, big boy you know, but pretty mighty, upto 158kg carry I hear...im only 132 though...flew to Brisbane last week, used jetstar, no issues, the battery is 288W li-ion...so I had to give it to the attendant... no dramas really, a couple of dangerous goods forms to be filled out...that was it...
planning to go to LA over chrissie, let's see how the guys at United behave with my Handyscoot...see you guys soon