The eFOLDi mobility scooter and Quingo Ultra & Flyte Compared

Today we compare the popular eFOLDi mobility scooter with our two portable models, the Ultra and the Flyte.

Though we can appreciate the concepts behind the eFOLDi mobility scooter, such as the use of materials technology to reduce weight, something we have taken advantage of ourselves with the new Ultra and its use of aluminium for the chassis, we believe our design philosophy is better suited to those who have reduced mobility and suffer pain from their conditions.

3-wheel mobility scooters are far less sure-footed, are prone to tipping and, though the eFOLDi’s low centre of gravity does give it better stability than a lot of other three-wheel scooters, it still suffers the same basic drawback common with this configuration, reduced stability.

Our scooters feature our unique Quintell™ five-wheel stability system meaning they offer far greater steadiness and kerb handling at up to a 45° angle, something no other scooter can boast.

I’m as happy as a lark with my scooter! I love it; I feel safe on it and it’s very stable. – Mr Lyons

Neither of the eFOLDi mobility scooter models offers an anti-beach or anti-tip device whereas Quingo mobility scooters feature our patented KerbMaster™ automatic, powered system making using your mobility scooter much safer.

Both models of the eFOLDi mobility scooter feature very rudimentary seats, which are fine for short journeys but are quite likely to become uncomfortable over long distances. The seats are not adjustable and offer very little padding and this is further exacerbated by your knees being forced to be higher than your hips which is likely to put a strain on your lower back. There is also a considerable gap between the seat base and the backrest that many will find uncomfortable, particularly the less tall among us, and then there is the large, unpadded rail at the top of the seat which we are sure will cause many considerable discomfort on anything other than the shortest of excursions.

The seats on all Quingos are fully adjustable and well-padded offering superior comfort, lumbar support and great ergonomic posture.

I love it! The seat is very comfortable and I like the seating position and posture very much. – Mrs Haynes

The footwell of the eFOLDi Lite doesn’t take advantage of the three-wheel configuration to allow greater room for your feet and legs, with a cramped seating position that many will find quite awkward. Our five-wheel Quingos feature our feet forward, fully adjustable floating footplates which, coupled with the seats not only offer up to 80% more foot room than traditional four wheel scooters, but additionally give your legs optimal positioning, reducing stress on your ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

I call it my bike! The footplates are far better for me as my legs are extended and I don’t get so much pain through my knees. – Ms Reffell

The handlebars of the eFOLDi mobility scooter models are also very small and close together so, the larger passenger or someone with upper body issues may find them uncomfortable. Additionally, the very small size offers less leverage which means you will need more strength to turn the wheel and are more likely to be unable to control any wobble should it occur.

The footpegs of the eFOLDi MK1.5 are on the front forks and move side to side when you turn, this could be both uncomfortable for many with issues with their legs and may also lead to your feet coming off the pegs while travelling which could potentially lead to an injury. Being mounted just above the front axle also means every shock will be sent to your feet ankles and legs. We also feel that this could in some circumstances contribute to a possible loss of control over the steering of the vehicle, particularly if you have poor hand strength and, the weight of your legs on the steering, will make it quite considerably heavier. We could also see a scenario where your left foot pushes the throttle control into the wheel.

Further to the comfort issues we can see, in the eFOLDi MK1.5, the very high and quite wide central chassis backbone will make it difficult, or even impossible, for many disabled users to get on to and off of the scooter.

Another thing you may wish to consider is the fact that the eFOLDi mobility scooter offers you no basket or any provision for carrying items. This will mean you will have to carry the items on the handlebars, which will not only be tiring, but it will also make the steering heavy and, if say a bag you are carrying is heavy, it may even make you lose control of the scooter if the bag swings around. The other concern is that a heavy bag in this position will make the centre of gravity much higher making the propensity of the three-wheel scooters to tip over much more likely.

In contrast, the Ultra and Flyte feature chassis-mounted front baskets which ensure your steering remain light and responsive and the Flyte features an additional under-seat basket. With all these baskets being low they have no negative impact on the stability, comfort or agility of your scooter.

Next, you should consider the maximum weight capacity of your mobility scooter.

The eFOLDi mobility scooter has a carrying capacity of 120kg for both models.

The Quingo Ultra allows for up to 133kg and the Flyte can handle up to 159kg.

Then there is the range of available scooters.

The eFOLDi Lite has a 10 mile range and the eFOLDi MK1.5 gives you 14 miles.

The Quingo Ultra can be configured either with all four batteries to travel up to 18 miles or, with the flexibility to charge two batteries at a time in the off vehicle charging box, and using the other two batteries to drive the scooter with a reduced 10 mile range.

The Flyte can grant you up to 23 miles and, with the optional range extender pack, your ability to travel is extended to up to an impressive 34 miles.

All the scooters through your range are not limited to the battery as they can all be transported in your car. However, in most cases, this involves lifting the scooter into the vehicle and for many people, this may be too much for their abilities.

This is where the Flyte truly shines with its ability to self-unload and load, in under sixty seconds, into almost any hatchback, estate car or SUV you may own. This is achieved with no heavy lifting on your part and at the touch of one of two buttons!

Should you require repairs to, or service for, your eFOLDi mobility scooter they are strictly returned to base so, your scooter may be gone for a while, you will have to wait for the scooter to be collected and then, once again, for the scooter to be returned to you and, if it is not a warranty repair, the cost of a courier is likely to be high to send the scooter back and then to get it returned to you.

Alternatively, with Quingo, we come to you for repairs and servicing so your scooter will not leave you and the only time you will need to be there is for the visit from one of our highly qualified engineers.

Either eFOLDi mobility scooter is probably best suited to those with fairly minor mobility issues and with conditions that do not directly affect the use of your limbs such as COPD, though they do not appear to offer any way to carry an oxygen cylinder apart from between your legs or on your lap, which will lead to discomfort or even worse dropping an expensive piece of medical equipment off the scooter.

With Quingo we offer a variety of accessories that are designed to make using your mobility scooter easier and safer such as our Rear Mounted Oxygen Cylinder Carrying Bag.

Though we recommend you try other scooters we also think you will be very likely to far prefer the usability, comfort, safety and practicality that only a Quingo and the worldwide patented  Quintell™ Technologies features can offer you.