ATTO and eFOLDi are both big names amongst high performance folding mobility scooters. Since a new mobility scooter, or an upgrade to an existing one, is a major investment, here is a comparison of two well-known models.
The eFOLDi Lite and the ATTO base model can both be considered the staple of their respective manufacturers. So, this piece will focus on them.
Unique Selling Points
eFOLDi’s USP is being light weight. Their mobility scooters are manufactured with that as their singular focus. Whilst ATTO scooters are designed with one eye fixed on ease of transport – coming apart into two suitcase-style wheeled parts – they have a unique modular design. The result of Movinglife’s design philosophy behind the ATTO scooters, is that, when it comes simply to weight, they are more variable. That means that additional functions can be “bolted on” as it were. This is one of the key differences between the two of them. So, it’s worth noting that the “Heaviest Part” weight on the below comparison table, covers the whole of the eFOLDi Lite without the battery, and one half of the base model when disassembled for transport.
To the right, you can see how the ATTO mobility scooter splits into two wheeled suitcase-style parts for storage and transport. The eFOLDi Lite folds into a single piece, on account of design differences.
Features and Figures Compared
Pretty fast, from the above comparison chart, you can see the outcome of the two design philosophies. Whilst the ATTO can be lifted into a car boot in one piece, the eFOLDi Lite lends itself much better to this. The trade-offs are comfort and versatility. Movinglife didn’t neglect weight considerations, since the ATTO range are intended to be highly adaptable, but they do make more allowances for it. Firstly, ATTO scooters, from the base model, through to the ATTO Sport, and the ATTO Sport Max, have a specially broadened rear wheelbase for more stability. This couples with good ground clearance to enhance ride smoothness.
Take a Seat
Seat cushioning can be enhanced on both the ATTO and eFOLDi models which we are looking at here. The eFOLDi’s detachable seat cushion is shown below
eFOLDi Cushion
Because the ATTO scooters are designed to prioritise versatility, there are multiple seat cushion options available for them. Armrests are available also to fit into the back of the ATTO seat. As you may have guessed by now, the ATTO line comes with a large array of options.
There’s an obvious contrast here between the eFOLDi Lite, which prioritises simplicity, and keeps optional extras to a minimum, and the ATTO, which Lifestyle & Mobility recommend considering a demonstration on before purchase. Why is it worth considering an assessment before buying an ATTO? Unlike the eFOLDi Lite or the eFOLDi Explorer, ATTO scooters can be a little overwhelming for first time buyers. The payoff is, of course, versatility.
Two, Three, Four Scooters in One?
Like cars, each mobility scooter will always specialise to some degree. The ATTO and eFOLDi are both specialised in that they are three wheel mobility scooters. That means that they are more manoeuvrable and lightweight than their four wheeled cousins.
Fundamentally, whilst eFOLDi scooters lean into high levels of specialisation: prioritising lightweight construction, ATTO go for versatility. Hence, they can be considered as several scooters in one.
So, there you have it: two different lines of three-wheel mobility scooters. One, the eFOLDi range, is specialised, the other, the ATTO range, is designed to be adaptable. Hopefully this piece has helped you decide which option is best for you.
Uncompromisingly Unique
As spring has turned to summer, two of Lifestyle & Mobility’s hottest-selling scooters have been from the profoundly distinctive eFOLDi range. We’ve had a lot of customer enthusiasm for both the eFOLDi Lite and eFOLDi Explorer. If you aren’t yet familiar with this manufacturer, their scooters come highly recommended for anyone wanting something a bit different.
Falling firmly into the category of statement scooters, eFOLDi’s three-wheel mobility scooters are defined by their ultra-lightweight construction. The eFOLDi Lite is particularly aptly named. Even with the battery, it weighs under 20kg. Well under 20kg in fact – 17, to be exact.
The eFOLDi Explorer is the big sibling to the Lite, although “big” is a relative term here. Again, this is a scooter weighing in at under 20kg even with the battery included (19kg in total) The Explorer is defined less by size than by speed. It is a fully road legal three-wheel scooter, capable of hitting 8mph.
So, So Stylish
As mentioned, both of eFOLDi’s lightweight mobility scooters have a very stylish look to them. The Explorer in particular evokes a vintage motorbike thanks to design flourishes such as the low-slung ride position. Don’t get the idea that it lacks in ground clearance though – even with the low centre of gravity, users will enjoy over 12cm (4 inches) of ground clearance, making this scooter well-suited to outdoor adventures.
Another key feature of both scooters is how brilliantly foldable they are. The eFOLDi Lite and the Explorer both fold up fully into an appealing luggage-styled format. This high level of folding functionality makes for a pair of very easily transportable three-wheeled scooters.
Super Suitability
Both the eFOLDi Lite and Explorer models can usually be taken onto public transport such as buses and trains when folded up, since they fit easily into even small spaces. The lithium batteries on this pair of scooters are also airsafe. So, you get the dual advantages of being able to take your folding scooter on the plane with you when travelling abroad, and the higher performance of lithium batteries. The batteries on these scooters will fully charge in five hours or less, keeping you ready to go!
These might be lightweight mobility scooters, but that doesn’t mean that these fantastic foldables don’t have good weight capacity. Both the Lite and Explorer models can carry over 18 stone in weight. The Explorer has a maximum weight capacity of 19 stone.
Available Now
If you like the sound of these UK designed mobility scooters, both of them are available to buy now from our website, with fast delivery and mechanical fault warranties coming as part of the package (more details available on request)
Find out more about the Lite and Explorer by following this link.
A Great eFOLDi Accessory
Make the most of your lightweight folding mobility products with the eFOLDi Hi-Vis Reflective Yellow Bag. Whether you’re using it with the efoldi powerchair or either of their folding scooters, this is a great little add-on.
Made of rugged nylon material with adjustable straps, this mobility vehicle backpack can also accommodate up to 2 stick holders (1 per side) The construction is every bit as lightweight as you’d expect of an efoldi product. This bag weighs just 425 grams.
Let There be Light
The eFOLDi Powerchair is the lightest, most compact power wheelchair in its class. Weighing just 14kg (15kg with batteries) it comes in lighter than some manual wheelchairs! Fully airline compliant, it also has an easy to use manual set-up and fold operation. With both user and attendant control, the eFOLDi Powerchair is the perfect travel companion.
The eFOLDi Powerchair is made from the highest quality materials. You’ll get an aluminium frame, brushless motors and 2 x 5AH advanced Lithium-ion batteries giving an impressive 12 mile range, with a 21 stone maximum user weight.
The eFOLDi Powerchair is perfect for the user who likes to get out and about and enjoy life to the full. With folded dimensions of 58 x 34 x 92 cm / 22 x 13 x 36 inches, storage and transport are a piece of cake.
Supplied complete with batteries and charger.
If you are wanting to buy a folding powerchair then you are in good company. This type of powered wheelchair is available in an increasingly diverse range of options. Lifestyle & Mobility pride ourselves not only on offering an impressive and growing selection of these “travel powerchairs” but on our many years of expertise. This expertise has proved invaluable in helping customers make informed decisions, so, today, let’s apply it to folding powerchairs.
How Lightweight Can You Get?
Many prospective buyers are looking for lightweight folding mobility products. Some folding powerchairs undoubtedly fall into this category. Lifestyle & Mobility would point especially to the ever-popular Q50 R Carbon (14.5kg with batteries removed) the eFOLDi powerchair (14kg with batteries removed) or, if lightweight is absolutely vital, the new Scooterpac Atom (just 12.1kg with cushions, batteries and anti-tip wheels removed)
Is Lighter Always Better?
The answer to this question depends entirely on what you intend to use your new folding powerchair for. Whilst almost all powered mobility vehicles can be used outdoors, and lightweight folding powerchairs are no exception, not all mobility vehicles can be used offroad. If you want a powerchair which you can use on surfaces other than smooth pavements and indoor surfaces, the super-lightweight models are not for you.
The Scooterpac Atom
It is also important to remember that, whilst powerchair material technology has come a long way, it is worth remembering that “lightweight” is still a relative term. The most lightweight folding powerchair available to buy in the UK – the Scooterpac Atom – still weighs almost 2 stone fully stripped down. Accordingly, Lifestyle & Mobility cannot stress enough considering whether this is a product which you can easily get in and out of car boots etc. So long as you have someone to help you with folding and lifting the chair if needed, then all should be well – but do think on this.
What About Auto-Folding Powerchairs?
On the topic of help with the folding and unfolding of powerchairs, automatic folding powerchairs are an option of interest to some. The trade-off here is between total weight and ease of actually folding the product up. The automatic folding mechanisms mean that these chairs do weigh significantly more than their manual folding equivalents. For example, the Quickie Q50 R Folding Powerchair, pictured to the right, weighs 32kg with the battery removed, more than double what the manual folding version weighs. Thus, it is most definitely not a lightweight powerchair. However, some users appreciate the automatic folding.
Are There Prescriptive Folding Powerchairs?
The customisation options for folding powerchairs are more limited than for other sorts of powerchairs. This is partly because the emphasis with these chairs is on ease of folding and transportation. Since add-ons risk interfering with these operations, they are less commonly available. So, for the user wanting a highly customised powerchair, the folding option may not be the way to go.
To sum up, as with all mobility products, there are trade-offs to be made. In this case, the trade-offs don’t just include the choice between folding and non-folding powerchairs, but the trade-offs between different makes and models within the selection of folding powerchairs themselves.
Luckily for you, Lifestyle & Mobility are here to answer your questions about folding powerchairs. Email us on sales@lifestyleandmobility.co.uk or phone 02081 597070