| History of Mobility Scooters |
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Please Help me find the Oldest Mobility Scooter in New Zealand I am Tony McCarthy from Mobility Scooters Otago 211 King Edward St South Dunedin. I have been selling mobility scooters for 12 years. I have always had an interest in these early Invalids carriages and mobility scooters. So where did the name “Mobility Scooter” come from? Who made the first mobility scooter and in what year (that was called and advertised a mobility scooter) I am also trying to piece together the history and add to my collection some of these early mobility scooters also to collate the names of the first mobility scooter dealers in NZ and the brands that they sold. Old names like NZ made Benefis, Trusty, RME Liberty and Fisher & Paykel Liberty scooters, Ikon, Pandect, Scorpion. UK models Batricar, Bec, Regent. Canadian fortress Scientific scooter Especially any information on the USA made Amigo POV (Powered Operated Vehicle) made by Allan Thieme in his garage in 1968 The first POV that went into production and sold in the USA. I have made contact with Al he has been most helpful with information and a fantastic person. (please see note below) Any help with original brochures, pictures or just a phone call of what model you still have I would appreciate. If any one has a mobility scooter older than 1995 for sale please contact me. I am also interested in any information on Invalids carriages in NZ. (Older, large type of mobility scooter made to travel on the road) If you can help me with any information at all (or if i have made a mistake) please phone me on Shop Phone 03-4552875 or 0800-566-800 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it I am a member of the Invalids carriage register in the UK. The first "mobility Scooter" manfactured and sold in New Zealand. 1979 Benefis Traveller - 12 volt Click on any picture to enlarge
Manufactured by Benefis Travel Aids Ltd Christchurch New Zealand Patent Pending
Trusty Mini 12 volt Benefis / RME Ltd New Zealand Serial 927    
Trusty 12 volt Click on any picture to enlarge Benefis Travel Aids Ltd New Zealand - Australia Serial 761    
Benefis Super Trusty 12 volt Benefis / RME Ltd New Zealand Serial 1183
3 Trusty models The Mini --- Super Trusty ----- Trusty How many models were made?
Time Line (I think this is correct)
Braune Batric 3 wheeler - 12 volt Made in the UK -An early 1970s - Export model
Batrichair 1983 Made in the UK Batricar Imported by Eastmond Motors in Christchurch NZ. Does anyone have any information on these importers? I can only find a PO Box address!
Scorpion Battery Chair - 12 volt Another New Zealand made machine. Made by Brian Heape in Whangarei. Brian made approximately 28 machines and most were all slightly different. The base design was copied from the other New Zealand made "Benefis Trusty". The first models was 12 volt and the last model was 24 volt. Some of the 12 volts models had two batteries. One for the travel out and when that was getting down you changed over to the other battery and that got you back home. Brian was a very talented man and also made the Scorpion Car.
BATTERY CHAIR manufactured by SCORPION MANUFACTURING Sales and Service Telephone (089)487923 Whangarei New Zealand
BEC Supa Scoota In 1983 Sunrise medical (Chandler) purchased 5 medical equipment Companies over a 3 month period. Joerns, Trans - Aid, A - Bec Mobility, Bec Mobility from the UK and Guardian products.
BEC Supascoota BEC Mobility Ltd 0384-263191
Amigo -- USA - 1967 A "POV" ( Powered Operated Vehicle) manufactured by Al Thieme. I have made contact with Al Thieme, he has been fantastic to communicate with and has been extremely friendly and helpful. I have appreciated his time. Al sent me this note about the Amigo Mobility History.
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