CompoSimmonite
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- Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent
Yesterday I took my Class 3 (the biggest size / DVLA registered / taxed !) electric mobility scooter across the moorland which is just a few hundred years from where I live. I haven't been able to venture there for ages due to the ground being too wet for the scooter.
Anyway yesterday I remembered some of the scooters faults despite being a mild off road type (big wheels, decent ground clearance, suspension etc). Basically (a) diff means easy to loose traction (b) suspension too hard so you feel every pebble (c) high seating position means a little unstable on some paths where one wheel is in well worn path area but other has to ride higher on grass (d) any area that isn't almost competley dry is virtually off limits.
My mental task today is therefore to theoretically "design" a suitable off road mobility scooter
There are rules that I'd have to abide by to stay within law but nothing daunting. Max width and weight limit, lights, horn, hazards, handbrake, mirror & max speed.
Power will be electric but have ability to connect a small generator as "range extender".
First off is what do people think could be the best way of having contact with the ground ? Twin drive motors could eliminate need for diff. AFAIS it'd be either wheels or tracks. Powered barrow could provide small tracks. Balloon tyres, either 4 or 6 could be just as good as tracks. Steering front wheels or drag steer ? All wheels, whether 4 or 6, powered or would that be overkill ?
Any ideas, views, opinions, comments etc ?
Paul h
Anyway yesterday I remembered some of the scooters faults despite being a mild off road type (big wheels, decent ground clearance, suspension etc). Basically (a) diff means easy to loose traction (b) suspension too hard so you feel every pebble (c) high seating position means a little unstable on some paths where one wheel is in well worn path area but other has to ride higher on grass (d) any area that isn't almost competley dry is virtually off limits.
My mental task today is therefore to theoretically "design" a suitable off road mobility scooter
There are rules that I'd have to abide by to stay within law but nothing daunting. Max width and weight limit, lights, horn, hazards, handbrake, mirror & max speed.
Power will be electric but have ability to connect a small generator as "range extender".
First off is what do people think could be the best way of having contact with the ground ? Twin drive motors could eliminate need for diff. AFAIS it'd be either wheels or tracks. Powered barrow could provide small tracks. Balloon tyres, either 4 or 6 could be just as good as tracks. Steering front wheels or drag steer ? All wheels, whether 4 or 6, powered or would that be overkill ?
Any ideas, views, opinions, comments etc ?
Paul h