Most of our reviews come from Mike and me. This one comes from a customer: my dad. He tried several of our portable scooters before he chose the Motion Healthcare Alumina Pro, and he picked it for the leg room. Getting his opinion was like getting blood out of a stone, but here's what he said, with my mum chipping in.
The short version
"It's all right." From my dad, that's high praise. He finds it easy to drive and the controls easy to use. His wish list is more about being seen than anything wrong with the scooter.
| Price | £2,395 |
| Type | Portable boot scooter, Class 2, 4 mph |
| Carries | Up to 21 stone (133 kg) |
| Heaviest piece | 9.9 kg |
| Range | Up to 30 miles |
| Ground clearance | 5 cm |
| Warranty | 5 years on parts, 3 years on the battery |
What Dad likes
- Easy to drive. "Fine," he says, and the hand controls are easy to use. It has dual controls, so you can drive with whichever hand is stronger.
- The leg room. It's why he chose it. It gives you the leg room of a three-wheeler with the stability of four wheels. Compared with his old Pride Elite Traveller Sport, he says it "could do with a bit more, but it's okay. Depends how tall you are."
- The ride. It has full suspension front and rear, which smooths out uneven pavements.
What Dad would change
- More ways to be seen. He'd like mirrors and more lights. The Alumina Pro has an LED front light, but no mirrors. My mum suggested the sort of high-visibility strips people wear, fixed to the scooter. A hi-vis vest or flag is a cheap way to be seen on darker afternoons.
- Big kerbs. It's a pavement scooter with 5 cm of ground clearance, so it doesn't like big kerbs. Use dropped kerbs where you can.
A note on brakes
Dad said it could do with brakes, though he knows it stops when you let go of the controls. My mum finds that unnerving. She'd want a brake to press, like on a bike, and worries that if she wanted to stop she'd grip harder and forget to let go.
She's not the only one. Almost every mobility scooter works this way: let go and the brakes come on by themselves. If that worries you, try a scooter before you buy and practise stopping somewhere quiet. It soon becomes second nature.
Taking it apart
Dad hasn't taken his apart yet. When he does, no piece weighs more than 9.9 kg, which is one of the lightest lifts in any portable scooter we sell. It splits by hand with no tools.
Who it suits
The Alumina Pro suits you if you want a scooter for the car with a light lift, long days out, and more leg room than most portables. It isn't for grass, gravel or steep hills, and its big battery isn't suitable for flying. Compare it with our other favourites in the best portable scooters.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Alumina Pro cost?
£2,395 at Active Mobility.
How heavy is it to lift?
It weighs 33.85 kg in total, but it comes apart so the heaviest piece is 9.9 kg.
How far does it go?
Up to 30 miles on a charge. Real range depends on your weight, hills and the weather.
Does it have brakes?
Yes. Like almost every scooter, the brakes come on by themselves when you let go of the controls.
Can I try one?
Yes. Call first on 01789 339 738 so we can check one is in, or book a free home assessment within 75 miles of Stratford-upon-Avon.
