"TravelScoot on airlines: The FAA regulations about Lithium batteries are for stand alone batteries or in conjuction with general equipment. For batteries in mobility devices they have relaxed rules, see http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/media/MaterialsCarriedByPassengersAndCrew.pdf According to that the airline only want to know whether the battery is spillable or non-spillable. Even spillable batteries are permitted but they will be stored in special boxes and kept upright.
All TravelScoot batteries are non-spillable are marked as such."
I have a TravelScoot Junior with 2 of the smaller LiO batteries. I am 5'2" and weight 160 pounds. That is before I started eating the Chocolate Cheesecake I am eating on now (grin).
I have ALS so I will only be able to use it as long as I can use my legs, but I just love it. I use it for work and shopping and can easily get it into and out of my van.
I have two airline trips coming up and I am looking forward to these travel scoot adventures. I saw a TravelScoot on a cruise out of Houston last March and that was how I heard about them. They are wonderful.
We actually went to the mall yesterday and today. We covered the whole mall both days holding hands while I scooted and he walked. Dave was so impressed at how much stuff the scoot could carry. He kept worrying that I would be overloaded and I kept adding stuff to the hook and the triangle basket.
We encountered a few curious people which prompted Dave to ask how we ever get to have an adventure with people constantly asking questions. We met an old couple who were looking curiously at the scoot. I struck up a conversation and before I knew it Dave was giving all the details to the husband. He was so cute.
We also encountered a group of rude people. We were waiting for the elevator at one point and as I was beginning to enter the elevator a group of young people went rushing in front of me. "Dave the Babe" warned that they had better squeeze against the wall and watch their feet because I had been there first and was coming aboard. When someone complained that it was too crowded after I entered the elevator, Dave told him that maybe next time he should be a little courteous.
Have I told you lately that Dave is my hero?
Elizabeth:
You are doing a wonderful job on your Travel Scoot mailings! The photos are excellent, and the information is vital. I want a Travel Scoot, and I don't even have trouble walking!
Just so you will know, the larger lithium-ion battery is less likely to overheat simply because its capacity is so much greater. It has to do with "energy density". If you are traveling with a heavier load, or uphill, or on a carpet or wooden bridge, as in your example, the current demanded from the motor is greater--which leads to more heat in the motor (causing it to trip out now and then--even in so-called heavy-duty scooters with 450 lb weight limits.) The same increased current that heats up the motor also heats up the battery. The smaller the battery, the greater the temperature rise for the same current flow. With lead-acid batteries, the effect is negligible, but lithium-ion batteries, even though they store so much more energy per pound of battery weight, are more temperature sensitive. Heat is the Achillies heel of lithium batteries.
It is analogous to a horse pulling a plow. A mule pulling the same plow through difficult soil at the same rate of speed will heat up faster, and refuse to continue. A draft horse or oxen (or team) pulling the same plow, doesn't get phased.
OK, another example: Driving a model-A Ford up Mt. Washington vs. driving a Lincoln up the same incline. The model-A will boil off all its anti-freeze and refuse to continue.
:-)
Bill Fabrey (electrical engineer--retired)
PS - Confession: Despite my advancing years, I have not PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED driving a horse pulling a plow, or driving a Model A. I have, however, driven a Lincoln up Mt. Washington. Yes, it overheated, but within tolerable limits. Even though the luggage plus the passengers exceeded its rated capacity. (Knowing me, you will not be surprised to learn that the passengers were of the generously-proportioned variety. LOL).
My first shopping trip using the Wal-Mart buggy was a success except for one thing - I was having so much fun I totally forgot most of the things that I came in for! It's so wonderful to be able to zip around instead of walking like a hurt toddler.
Then I remembered I wanted to check out Bed, Bath and Beyond. There's a real test of maneuverability capabilities. The aisles there are very close together. They didn't have the silicone baking sheet I wanted, so I popped over to the Target next door. Yes, I grabbed a buggy. I think I'm getting the hang of it. And no, I still didn't remember what all I forgot at Wal-Mart, but they did have the baking sheet.
Oh well, guess I'll just have to go back out again this afternoon. That's one way to get practice.
I'm also getting practice at holding an umbrella at that same time - it's still rainy here in Atlanta. I'll know that I've really got it down when I'm brave enough to carry a cup of coffee in my left hand. (My first accessory was a cup holder and travel mug.)
Have a wonderful day,
Krystal
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