Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the HandyScoot or SmartScoot is the right travel mobility scooter for me?
A travel mobility scooter is an excellent tool for getting around, especially for people who have difficulty walking extended distances. However, driving a mobility scooter requires a combination of healthy traits and abilities: good vision, strength, coordination, balance and concentration.
A mobility scooter is not a toy. It is an electrically powered motor vehicle, and failure to follow safe operating procedures and safety warnings at all times could result in serious personal injury or death. Our website and supportive materials outline the safety issues and potential hazards of driving the scooters. To safely operate the HandyScoot or SmartScoot, you must be able to:
Medicare will only cover a scooter if you cannot move around inside your home with a wheelchair. If it is covered, they will only provide a portion of the cost and a unit that is not portable. Private insurance may cover a portion of the cost of our scooters. Please check with your insurance company directly. We do not deal directly with insurance companies. You would have to make the purchase and get reimbursed by your provider. Check out our blog to learn more about how Medicare and insurance works with mobility scooters.
Any battery that contains less than 25 grams of equivalent lithium content (ELC) and is under 300 watts is currently allowed for airline travel. Both the HandyScoot and SmartScoot batteries have an ELC of 24 grams and 288 watts. It is advisable to check with your airline before you travel. Here’s more information from popular airlines:
Additional information is on the Travel Page.
No. We recommend you ride the scooter up to the plane door instead of checking it as luggage which subjects it to greater damage. Once you arrive at the plane door, they will ask you to remove the battery and carry it on board. They then hand carry the scooter down to the cargo section of the plane. You should always contact your airline in advance of your trip and tell them you will be bringing a scooter.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours for a complete charge. This may increase as the battery ages. The initial charge will take longer (up to 5 hours).
The HandyScoot has a battery range of up to 15 miles on a single charge. The SmartScoot will travel up to 12 miles on a single charge. The range may be affected by passenger’s weight, inclines, air temperature and battery age.
The battery will last up to 500 recharges. It will need to be charged when the battery level falls to or below 50% as indicated on the control panel (1-2 solid red dots). Depending on usage this might occur as much as once a week (or more) however keep in mind that unnecessary recharging will reduce the life of the battery.
Yes, the scooters are designed to ride inside and outside on paved surfaces in accordance with the Users Instruction Manual and its Safety Instructions. Note, one of the unique features of the HandyScoot and SmartScoot is the rear adjustable axle. The widest width (29″) enhances stability on uneven terrains outdoors.
For safety reasons, do not use theHandyScoot nor the SmartScoot in such conditions.
Both the HandyScoot and SmartScoot have a 26″ turning radius, one of the best in the industry!
Yes. You can leave the battery on the scooter to charge, or, remove it.
No license is required to operate a scooter in the United States. Always check and obey all local laws regarding electric mobility scooters, especially in other countries.
Both scooters weigh approximately 40 pounds when fully assembled. They can be disassembled into three parts, with the heaviest part weighing around 27 pounds. For detailed dimensions, please refer to the specifications page.
The only user maintenance is to charge the battery and keep the machine clean with a damp, soft cloth. In addition, the steering locking system and front wheel assembly may loosen with use. Check all hardware frequently and tighten.
Both scooters meet and exceed the ADA wheelchair ramp requirement of a 6° slope. It is recommended that the rider leans forward when riding up inclines.
The HandyScoot can handle up to 350 lbs. The SmartScoot can handle up to 250 lbs.
All travel mobility scooters with more than two wheels are permitted wherever walking is the only alternative. This includes public buildings such as airports, museums, trade shows, shopping malls, department stores as well as outdoor facilities like theme parks, county fairs, walkways, etc.
Our scooters are able to accommodate a wide range of heights due to the adjustability of the seat and handlebar. So, if you are 4’11” or 6’6″, the HandyScoot and SmartScoot could work for you.
The HandyScoot and SmartScoot are US designed and engineered. The scooters and accessories are manufactured in China.
For security and safety reasons, the scooters do require a signature for delivery. Tracking is provided on your paid invoice which gets emailed to you the day after the scooter ships.
Our travel mobility scooters attract a lot of attention! We appreciate referrals. For more details, check out our Refer A Friend page.
Yes! Please contact customer service at (855) 726-6866 x 1 for details. The brake and the control panel will look basically the same. The throttle will appear upside down.
Many prefer to purchase an extra battery but it is based on personal preference. The battery recharges quickly so in most cases, an extra battery is not needed. If you do purchase a spare battery, you will need to rotate using them as you will have to recharge each battery at least once every 3-6 months. You may want to consider purchasing an extra charger as these frequently get left behind.
Any DME (durable medical equipment dealer like a scooter shop) bicycle or ebike shop with a service department will be able to assist. Click here for more information on mobility scooter serviced.
Storage temperature range: -4° F (-20°C) to 104°F (40°C)
Charging temperature range: 32°F (0ºC) to 104ºF (40ºC)
Operating temperature range: -4ºF (-20ºC) to 122ºF (50ºC)
