shonya

Pam from SmartScoot came through for me several weeks ago and located a nearby SmartScoot owner. He was kind enough to let me see and test drive his scooter.

First, I have to say that I was very impressed with how solid it is. I've become accustomed to the cheap quality of most goods from China, but this scooter looks and feels like it is very well made with very good quality materials. In addition to this boding well for its long-term use, it's should hold up well if an airline won't let you take it in the passenger cabin. (One user recommends labeling the part that should be picked up to prevent loaders from breaking something.) That said, it folds down and comes apart easily, increasing the likelihood that you will be able to put it in the cabin's overhead bin or up front near the flight attendants.

Other things I liked about the scooter:

1. The seat is fairly substantial and more comfortable than a smaller seat.

2. The backrest is adjustable and comfortable. It removes easily for transport or if you don't need it. The scooter is lighter if you don't require the backrest.

3. The controls are straightforward and easy to use. It responds very quickly as soon as you depress the throttle.

4. The footrests are definitely more comfortable than pegs. In my case, that's very important because I have ankle pain. The footrests give me good, stable support at an angle that allows the joint to be in neutral position. Taking the scooter on excursions where I'd be riding for longer periods of time will make this feature very important.

5. I love going faster than 4 mph. While it does slower speeds for a cruise ship beautifully, I would use it at higher speeds whenever I could. It feels zippy when you drive it and it's fun.

6. It's light enough that I can easily put it in my car myself. It breaks down into several pieces if you need it to, but if you only fold down the handlebars with the seat on, it will still fit in most vehicles and is not too heavy.

I talked to the owner for his impressions. He's had the scooter 4-5 months and he is delighted with his purchase. He had nothing negative to say. He has friends that have the Travelscoot, and has seen their scooters. Though they are happy with their Travelscoots, he said that he feels the SmartScoot has numerous advantages (most I've mentioned above). None of his Travelscoot friends have seen his SmartScoot yet, so he hasn't heard their opinions. He said that the scooter has worked beautifully, so he hasn't had any need for repairs.

Pam has been very responsive throughout this process, and her obvious personal investment in the firm and the scooter makes me feel a lot better about being able to get service for the scooter, whether it's needed during warranty or after. This is a big factor for me after reading horror stories online from scooter buyers who are unable to get company support after buying their scooter.

I'm leaning towards purchase, but first need to decide on a second scooter for off-road use so I know how much I have to spend. If I do buy the SmartScoot, I'll come back to this thread and post again as an owner.

xxoocruiser: Do you have an agenda? I'm not advocating for SmartScoot, but I do feel that a company should be given a fair shake before condemning it without any experience or accurate knowledge. I don't think you have investigated this with an open mind, nor fully. As examples, I found ASP as the new owner less than 30 seconds after googling it (not reflected in your first post) and speed of the original Travelscoot was not 4.5 mph.

I appreciate hearing from the actual Travelscoot customers, for that is the primary competition and I'm delighted to learn what I can.

The SmartScoot representative is still trying to get a response from customers that live in my area, which I appreciate. I'll ask more questions about the history, too. I'd prefer to get factual answers, hear from actual users and see it in person before rejecting it outright. I'm hoping I get a chance to do that.

SmartScoot's Innovative Designs was bought out by a company called ASP Global last October. Here's a link: http://www.aspglobal.com/asp-global-acquires-smartscoot-maker/. ASP is a medical supply sourcing company.

I wrote ASP and received a response within 24 hours. Here's what I've learned so far:

1. The scooter is made in China. I was told that there has been a 20 year relationship with the Chinese manufacturer.

2. If the scooter requires warranty repair, the company helps find an e-bike shop in the customer's area to service it.

3. ASP doesn't have plans to make significant changes to the product, ie, reducing the top speed of 7 mph. While that speed isn't necessary for cruising, I plan to use the scooter in many locations and want the faster speed available. It is one of the reasons I have decided against Travelscoot.

4. They have a database of owners and the ASP rep offered to try and help me find someone in my area that could show it to me. I have asked her to proceed with that.

5. They have a 7 day return period. I didn't ask about a restocking fee, so I'm not sure about that.

I will say that I think both the Travelscoot and SmartScoot are overpriced when you compare them to much more substantial scooters that cost the same or less. It seems many people are willing to pay that much for the light weight and portability, but I'm guessing the profit margins on these scooters is high. Unfortunate for those of us living on modest disability or retirement incomes. I may end up with a heavier travel scooter because of this, especially since I need a second scooter for very different applications.

What attracts me to the SmartScoot over the Travelscoot are:

1. Front wheel drive.

2. Faster top speed of 7 mph.

3. More comfortable seat and seat back.

4. Design of the scooter makes it easier than Travelscoot to get on and off, since there is only one bar coming through the middle of the bottom rather than a triangle to step to the side of.

5. Foot rests appear to be more substantial and thus, probably more comfortable.

6. Rear axle adjustability for different surfaces.

I'm still hoping someone on the CC forums will have purchased it and can tell us what they think. If I'm able to see one in person and speak to the owner, I will post again.

I'm researching travel scooters and am wondering if anyone has had experience with the SmartScoot? Amazon has 5 reviews. Other than that, I can't find much from users online. I'm looking for something I can use on an upcoming cruise.

I've read a lot about the Travelscoot, it's closest competitor. They reduced the speed in their "updated" version and it sounds like there might be a few other problems with it. SmartScoot does seem to have a few better features, but I'd feel more comfortable buying it hearing from users on this forum.

I would love it if anyone who has one, or has rented one, would weigh in.

Thanks!