Mike, our Customer Services Director, has used a mobility scooter for years. He recently bought a ScooterPac Ignite with his own money and has put 58 miles on it in its first two weeks. Here is what he thinks, good and bad, in his own words.
The short version
"It's the best scooter I've ever had. I've owned four TGA Breezes, and they're well built, but the Ignite is so much better. I'm a big kid at heart, and I love the wind in my (not much) hair."
| Price | £3,495 |
| Class | Class 3, road legal, 8 mph |
| Range | Up to 40 miles in theory, about 30 for larger users |
| Batteries | 100 Ah |
| Motor | 1400 W |
| Best for | Storage in a garage, mixed ground, taller riders |
| Mike's verdict | Brilliant for the price |
Mike's scooter story
Mike has used a mobility scooter for more than 20 years, so he has tried a few. His first was second-hand and lasted about a year. Then he bought a new Sterling Diamond, partly because he liked the look of it. It lasted about 3 years, but the suspension wasn't good enough for him and he felt every bump.
That taught him the lesson he still passes on to customers: don't choose a scooter on looks or price alone. Build quality and suspension matter more, and a well-built scooter that's serviced every year lasts far longer. His next scooter, a TGA Breeze, lasted him 10 years, and he went on to own four Breezes in all. Over that time he'd probably have gone through three or four cheaper scooters.
So when he says the Ignite is the best scooter he's ever had, it's coming from someone who knows.
Where Mike has taken it
"In two weeks I've done fields, pavements, town, gravel paths and hills. It coped better than I expected. I walk the dogs round Newbold Common in Leamington Spa and across the fields. On one overnight charge I can go from Sydenham to Warwick and back, into town for the shopping, and still walk the dogs twice a day."
What Mike loves
- Power. "The 1400 W motor has lots of power. Hills don't bother it."
- Suspension. "It's fully active suspension, so the ride is comfortable even on rough ground."
- The heated seat. "The seat is supportive and has a heated section you can switch on and off. For me that's been a game changer." Heat can also help if you have arthritis in your back.
- Wide wheels. "They don't bog down in mud, and it's still easy to steer on pavements."
- Simple controls. "Everything is where you'd expect it. You don't need a manual to drive it."
- Room for taller people. "I'm 6 ft 2 and I'm only on the middle seat setting. There are about 4 more inches of height to go. On most scooters someone my height would be on the maximum. That's very unusual at this size and price."
- Sitting higher. "You get a better view of the road, and people can see you more clearly."
- Secure storage. "There's a lockable front box, and you can add a slightly wider seat and a lockable back box. I've got both, so I know things I leave in them are safe."
- The looks. "It's eye-catching. The Breeze looks boring next to it."
What Mike would change
- No front mudguards. "On gravel at speed it kicks up dirt. The Ignite Grande has mudguards all round, but it's 33 inches wide against the Ignite's 27, and that's too wide for my doorway. I wish you could buy front mudguards separately."
- The battery fuse. "The standard Ignite has a thermal battery fuse. If it blows, it has to be replaced, which is no fun in the middle of nowhere. I had a reset button fitted instead, and I think it should be standard." A blown fuse is mainly a risk for heavier users on steep hills. Carry a spare fuse, or ask us about a reset button.
- The heated seat cable. "The cable is long, so the seat can swivel without snagging, but it hangs loose. Zip-tie it to the seat post. The instructions should tell you that." The seat also needs to come off the post when you look after the batteries.
Range in real life
The Ignite has 100 Ah batteries and a theoretical range of 40 miles. Mike's advice: "It depends on the weather and who's riding. A larger user will realistically get about 30 miles, and the heated seat uses battery too." Wider tyres also use a little more battery than narrow ones, but they grip and sink less on wet, muddy ground.
Which Ignite?
- Ignite (£3,495). Mike's choice. A good fit for most doorways and garages.
- Ignite Grande (£4,295). The big version, with mudguards all round. Check your doorway and storage first.
- Ignite Sport (£3,695). Built for speed, with 75 Ah batteries. It comes in electric blue, which the standard Ignite doesn't.
Who it suits
The Ignite is great if you have a garage or similar storage with a socket, want one scooter for town and country, or are on the tall side. It's a Class 3 scooter, so it's too big for a car boot and needs a free DVLA registration. If you need something that comes apart for the car, look at the Pride Baja Bandit instead.
Mike's advice before you buy
"Before you spend a lot of money on a scooter and features you think you need, come and talk to us. We'll put your needs in perspective and advise you on what's right for you, not just what you think might suit you."
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ScooterPac Ignite cost?
The standard Ignite is £3,495 at Active Mobility. The Ignite Sport is £3,695 and the Ignite Grande is £4,295. Engineer delivery and set-up at home is included.
How far does the Ignite go on a charge?
Up to 40 miles in theory from its 100 Ah batteries. In real life, a larger user should expect about 30 miles, and less in cold weather or with the heated seat on.
Is the Ignite good for tall people?
Yes. Mike is 6 ft 2 and still has about 4 inches of seat height to spare.
Can I try an Ignite?
Yes. Call first on 01789 339 738 so we can make sure one is ready for you, or book a free home assessment if you're within 75 miles of Stratford-upon-Avon.
