Lightweight mobility scooter build
 

This project is about as alternative as I can think of, and it is a form of transportation, so I thought I'd post some pics of my latest project and my first attempt at an EV of any sort.
I had an idea last spring to build a lightweight, folding mobility scooter for my son, from a stand up scooter. Most mobility scooters are bulky and heavy, and even though they come apart for transport, they still take up a lot of luggage space. My design goal was to make it meet the size and weight requirements for standard luggage during air travel. I found out part way through the project that a mobility device is exempt, but I still wanted to come close. It also needed to be stable enough to ride safely. Surprisingly, I found the regulations for a mobility scooter are much less stringent than for a stand up scooter or an e-bike.
So, this is what I started with. http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-pu...or-scooter.jpg I picked this one up as well for spare parts. http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-pu...or-scooter.jpg
My original idea was just to add fold up stabilizers on the sides, It was supposed to be a simple project. When I started to work out how to do it though, I couldn't figure out how to build them to fold like I wanted, spring out of the way enough so the drive wheel wouldn't lose traction on uneven ground and still not give way if he was leaning the wrong way on a slope. I also found that the front of the primary scooter had been bent and straightened, but not very well. I didn't see it until after I had bought it, unfortunately (not the good deal I thought it was). I could have used it, but I hate building things that aren't right. There went simple out the window. Anyway, after exploring several different ideas, one that would have been better but I didn't have the tools to build it, I settled on a three wheeled, FWD design. Here I what I came up with. http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-pu...lmost-done.jpg http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-pu...-rear-view.jpg
It works pretty good, he and I both have been testing it out on vacation. I have found a few minor changes that need to be made, but the hard part is over.

Good job!

It looks very portable & nimble. With the adjustable seat and bars even a very young child could ride it.
Could be there is a market for it, Puddlegum Electric tricycles.

A mtb suspension seat post would be pretty slick on it.
Looks like a 500 watt motor on it ? if it is, wow !

Thanks for the support. I thought of a suspension post. It would be nice, but it doesn't allow it to collapse enough. The motor is 300 watt and it is maybe too much for it. I built a gear reduction drive to slow it down, so it has awesome torque, but it's hard not to spin the tire and it really is still too fast for a mobility scooter. I have a 250 watt motor as well which I may try instead, but it is a higher speed motor which may be worse.

That is a problem, the traction.

You could try a wider tread up front and put more weight on it. Place the batteries on the front upper frame, add a basket up front and keep supplies in it, and possibly raise the rear to tilt some weight onto the front tire.
Best of luck with your prototype

I've added a few build pics to my gallery if anyone is interested in the process. Here is one of it folded. The suitcase is there for reference. http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-pu...olded-side.jpg Scooter measures 33lx12wx18h when folded and 42lx25.75wx35.5h when set up. It weighs in at 56.4lb with a 15ah Ping pack.

I thought I had the market with HotRod wheelchairs and Handy scooters, but I guess not:
ELECTRIC "HOTROD" CUSTOM POWER CHAIR
Got the wheelie bars, stripes, checkered flag, fake tachometer- even a clock; but this one on Craigslist does REAL wheelies!

Gone "This posting has expired." Sorry 'bout that!