Tag Archives: quingo

Public Transport

Taking Your Quingo on the Bus

In the first of a series of articles about accessible public transport, today the Quingo scooter team present our guide to buses.

Freedom and independence

We know our customers are delighted that their Quingo gives them the freedom to travel as they please, whether this means visiting friends or family, doing their daily shop or simply going out for some fresh air.

However, for longer journeys involving public transport, there are often a few more things to consider.

Travelling by bus with your Quingo 5 wheel scooter

The regulations regarding travelling by bus with a mobility scooter vary so it’s important to check with your bus company for full information.

According to the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA), a charity whose information is cited by the Department for Transport, if you and your scooter meet certain criteria you may be able to take it on low-floor buses. You can find more details on the requirements below:Quingo Scooters

What are the requirements?

  • Your scooter must be Class 2 type and meet certain size limits. Your bus company must also be running a scooter permit scheme, such as the one developed by the Confederation for Passenger Transport (CPT) or the one run by Transport for London (TfL).
  • Your bus company will need you to demonstrate that you are able to manoeuvre your scooter on and off the bus safely and that you can reverse into the wheelchair space. They should offer you training and can also advise which local routes you can travel on.
  • Bus companies who are signed up to the CPT scheme will issue credit-card sized permits which show that you are allowed to travel with your scooter. Make sure you have this to hand when ready to board the bus, so you can show it to the driver to highlight that you’re permitted to bring your Quingo on board.
  • If you’re not sure whether or not your local bus company has a permit scheme, you can check The Rica website which contains a handy list of bus companies who have signed up. If yours isn’t on the list try asking them about the CPT scheme as they may be happy to accept a permit that’s been given to you by a different operator.

Finding out more

These are the main points to consider if you’d like to take your Quingo on a bus. We’d advise that you contact your bus company to find out everything you need to know. It is also recommended that scooter users stay seated during transit. We‘d also encourage you not to dismiss bus travel with your scooter out of hand, it varies from region to region and company to company, but we encourage you to make the most of your travel experience on your Quingo 5 wheel scooter.

Quingo Scooters
We want to get you out and about on your Quingo

 

If you have any questions about your Quingo, please complete the enquiry form and one of our friendly and knowledgeable team will get back to you. Alternatively you can call our customer service line on 01582 430 900.

Maintenance

A guide for charging and getting the best performance out of your Quingo’s batteries

The Quingo team does all it can to ensure that our customers have the best possible scooter experience. Our goal is to help people regain their independence through greater mobility with all the advantages of our unique 5 wheel scooters.

Once you’ve purchased your Quingo, there are a number of simple things you can do to ensure that it remains in top condition.

Looking after your Quingo

Today, the Quingo team would like to highlight a few things about looking after your scooter’s batteries, protecting their lifespan and ensuring you get the most out of them.

Charging your Quingo batteries

Batteries are an expensive item to replace so it is a good idea to look after them and charge them regularly and follow the correct procedure. You should;

  • Place your Quingo in an area that is dry and well ventilated and make sure that there is a power point nearby.
  • Switch your vehicle off and remove the key when charging.
  • Turn off the mains switch. Never connect or disconnect the charger with the mains on.
  • Make sure that the pins are lined up when connecting the charger plug to the scooters charging socket. They should connect easily – don’t try and force them.
  • After charging: Switch off the mains and remove the battery connector when fully charged. Don’t leave the charger plugged in with the power off as this will discharge your battery.
    Quingo Scooters

Your batteries are the lifeblood of your vehicle but have no guaranteed life span. Factors that can affect performance are:

  • Weight of rider (a heavy rider reduces range)
  • Type of terrain the vehicle is used (hilly areas reduce range)
  • Outside temperature (low temperature reduces range)
  • Age of batteries (maximum range shorten as they age)
  • Correct charging (incorrect charging reduces battery life 50%)
  • Tyre pressures (low pressures reduces range and battery life)

With this is in mind, here are a few points to bear in mind for maximising the life of your batteries and getting the best range possible.

  • Carry only essential items with you on your scooter, the less load on the motor and batteries the further you can travel.
  • Where possible stick to flat, hard surfaces and avoid any unnecessary hills and kerbs.
  • Using your scooter in the winter will impact on its range, bear this in mind before you set out on longer journeys.
  • Consider replacing your batteries when you notice they no longer perform as you would wish. For some this may be after 12 months of regular use, for others it maybe several years.
  • Regularly check that your tyre pressure is set correctly according to your scooters handbook.

In addition:

  • Charge your Quingo overnight (at least 8-12 hours- depending on model) the day before you wish to use it.
  • If you are using it daily, put the vehicle back on charge even if you have only travelled a short distance.
  • When unused you should still recharge your batteries at least every 2-3 weeks to keep them in good condition.
  • Don’t partially charge the batteries – let the charger complete its cycle (as a guide this would be overnight or at least 8-12 hours –depending on model).
    Quingo Scooters
  • If you don’t intend to use your vehicle for longer periods of time (i.e. 3 months or more), you should charge the batteries fully, then remove the batteries from the vehicle and store them in a dry area. Never remove them unless they are fully charged. When you return them to the vehicle, top them up before use.
  • Don’t charge your Quingo in the open since it may rain and the battery charger is not waterproof.

You can find out more about your particular Quingo’s charging procedure in the handbook that was supplied with it, or we have written guides on how to correctly charge your Quingo Air, Compact or Powerbase and how to correctly charge your Quingo Flyte, Plus, Classic and Vitess 2.

If you have any additional questions you can call Customer Services on 01582 430 900.

News

Quingo proud to sponsor award at the Silver Travel Awards

The Quingo team are proud to announce that we will be sponsoring the Best Limited Mobility/Accessible Travel Provider category at the first annual Silver Travel Awards ceremony.

The Silver Travel Awards

The event will be launched by Silver Travel Advisor, a website run by travel industry professionals which targets the mature travel market.

Quingo Scooters

The website is a free resource where members can contribute to impartial news, travel advice and tips, all written exclusively by and for mature travellers.

Jennie Bond, the BBC’s former Royal Correspondent will host the event which takes place on 4th June 2015 at London’s Natural History Museum.

A ‘best of the best’ award will be judged by a panel of mature celebrities and senior figures from the travel industry, who will consider the best entries in each of the categories before selecting an overall winner.

How do I vote?

Voting for the Awards opened in January and will close on 31st March. To place a vote you can visit the Silver Travel Advisor website and click ‘Vote Now’.

Voters will be asked to fill in an online form and can vote in one, several or all categories. Votes will be counted in April resulting in a shortlist for each category. The winner for each award will be chosen at the event on 4th June.

Some of the companies voted for so far in the Quingo-sponsored category include Wings on Wheels, Qantas Airlines, Gatwick Airport, Warners and CMV.

Quingo is proud to sponsor the award which helps to encourage those with limited mobility to travel more widely.

Quingo Scooters

Been on any interesting trips recently?

We always love to hear stories from you about any trips you’ve been on with your Quingo, whether in the UK or abroad.

If you would like to get in touch with your pictures and comments please send them to [email protected]  and we will post them on our blog.

Accessories

What cold weather accessories are available for my Quingo?

Does the prospect of lower temperatures or getting caught in a sudden winter shower put you off getting out and about?

Today, the Quingo team would like to highlight some useful accessory options that might help you cope with these colder, wetter days and make your experience even better.

Finding out more about the options available

We appreciate that no two peoples’ needs are the same, so our accessories have been specially designed to meet a diverse range of needs.

These accessory options will help you get through the winter months and make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Heated Handlebar Grips

Heated handlebar grips are a welcome addition to those who suffer from poor blood circulation, arthritis or to those who simply don’t like the cold. Expertly fitted by qualified Quingo engineers, this extremely useful accessory for Vitess and Toura models fits over your existing handlebars, just in front of the accelerator and reverse lever and are connected to the 12 volt plug, similar to a cigarette lighter on the inside of the tiller.

Quingo Scooters

The installation includes a temperature dial so you can set how hot you would like your handlebars to get or can be turned off completely during the summer months.

Heated handlebar grips are available for the Vitess and Toura and cost £150 when ordered with the scooter or £150 plus a £59.12 call out fee if you would like them retrospectively fitted. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

Quingo High capacity – water resistant – Front Shopping Box

The water resistant Front Shopping Box provides a convenient way of keeping your valuables protected from the rain. The box attaches onto the front of your scooters chassis, unlike many other scooters meaning that the steering weight remains unaffected.

The cover features easy to open and close Velcro straps, so you can reach for items quickly. The box is constructed with a sturdy metal frame surrounded by a water resistant cover.

The dimensions of the high capacity front shopping box are close to double that of the standard basket and are as follows:

Quingo Scooters

The high capacity, water resistant front shopping box is available on selected models for £45. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

All Weather Removable Canopy

There are two types of All Weather Removable Canopy – those for the Quingo Classic and Quingo Plus, plus a newer stylish model to complement the design of the Quingo Vitess and Quingo Toura.

Quingo Scooters
The Quingo All Weather Removable Canopy available for the Quingo Classic and Quingo Plus

 

The canopy is see-through in critical areas and will protect you and your scooter from the effects of adverse weather. The canopy features roll up doors to offer full protection from wind and rain when you need it and excellent air flow when you don’t.

Quingo Scooters
The new stylish All Weather Removable Canopy to complement the design of the Quingo Vitess and Quingo Toura

 

The canopy consists of a sturdy metal frame that is attached to the chassis of your scooter, a large hard windscreen and the water resistant cover which conceals your Quingo from the elements on all sides.

The large door openings zip easily up and down with zip extending arms for those who can’t bend so far. This enables you to get in and out of your scooter easily and safely. You don’t need to worry about fitting this yourself – one of our skilled Quingo engineers will do that for you. All weather canopies are available on selected models from just £295. Please call Customer Services on 01582 430 900 for more details.

We want to hear from you

The friendly Quingo team are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have, whether you’re a Quingo owner or simply want to find out more. You can call our national advice line on 0808 100 65 70, Monday – Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm.

If you have any ideas for more accessories that you would like to see manufactured for your Quingo Scooter then we would love to hear from you.

Quingo Classic

Enhance your Quingo Classic experience with additional accessories

In the first of a series of new blog posts, the Quingo team talk about some of the accessories available for each of the Quingo range. In this post, we’d like to help you learn a little more about some of the options available for the Quingo Classic.

Quingo Scooters
The Quingo Classic

At Quingo we recognise that no two peoples’ needs are the same. That’s why we have a selection of accessories for our mobility scooters that our customers can choose from.

These accessories are designed to enhance your Quingo experience in a number of ways.

Personalising your Quingo Classic to suit your needs

 

There are several accessories available that are specific to each of our models. The following items are available on the Quingo Classic:

  • HI Visability Rear Shopping Bag and Crutch Holder – If you have a
    crutch or crutchesand use your scooter to go shopping or on longer day trips this could be an ideal accessory. Crutches can be safely stowed in the side pockets and the bag itself offers extra storage space and helps ensure you’ll be seen from behind at all times.

    Quingo Scooters
    HI Visability Rear Shopping Bag and Crutch Holder
  • Front Lockable Storage Box – This provides a great way to keep your valuables safe at all times and will help give you peace of mind when you’re out and about.
  • All Weather Removable Canopy – Protecting yourself and your scooter in rain and snow has never been easier, it protects you from the elements in winter yet can be removed in the summer months.

    Quingo Scooters
    All Weather Removable Canopy
  • Rear View Mirrors – a good safety measure to keep an eye on what’s coming up behind you, the Quingo Classic although a pavement scooter can have two rear view mirrors fitted if required.
  • Rear Mounted Oxygen Cylinder Carrying Bag – If you need to carry an oxygen cylinder when you’re out, this is the ideal add-on for you.
  • Puncture Resistant Treatment to all Pneumatic Tyres – A practical and effective way of protecting yourself from the hassle of punctures. This special fluid instantly seals punctures up to 3mm in size.
  • Quintell™ Smartbumper – Shock Resistant Front Bumper – This feature not only protects your scooters bodywork but also helps dissipate shocks if you have any minor scrapes.

    Quingo Scooters
    Quintell™ Smartbumper – Shock Resistant Front Bumper

 

Choosing the right accessory for you

Our commitment to our customers’ satisfaction is paramount to what we do, which is why we love to listen to your thoughts on our products. If you have an idea for an accessory that we don’t yet produce we’d love to hear from you.