If you're an outdoors person at heart like Claire Bassett, you need a mobility scooter that can cope with the elements and let you enjoy the surrounding nature to the full. The TGA Breeze X is the perfect scooter for the job.
"All the things that I've always done have always been outside," says Claire. "This scooter enables me to get out, walk the dog... So, it's really a lifeline to be able to still do that." When a neurological condition, which affects the mobility in Claire's legs, started to affect her eyesight last year, getting an all-weather/all-terrain mobility scooter became a necessity.
The TGA Breeze X was Claire's first and only choice for a multi-purpose scooter. "I needed an option that would get me out of the house," explains Claire. "So I thought I'd look up the scooters that are on the Motability Scheme and decided on a substantial 'off-road' one, rather than just a small going-around-town scooter, so that I could get outside rather than be stuck inside with no car and no means of getting out." Claire is really pleased with the customer service at TGA. "Communication with them is excellent," she says. "They have called me a couple of times since [delivery] to just check that everything's going okay."
Coping with the terrain
Comfort, practicality, sturdy suspension and high-grip tyres are the foundations of this amazing bit of kit, which has helped Claire continue to roam areas of stunning natural beauty. One of her favourites is Borough Hill in Daventry, where she put it through its paces for Lifestyle magazine. Its mix of gravel paths, grass fields, muddy tracks and uneven terrain were the perfect test of the Breeze X's capabilities.
"I do like a challenge!" says Claire. "Something where I can see how far I can push it and myself." Helping Claire along her way is the Breeze X's fully active and adjustable suspension, superior ground clearance, treaded tyres and comfortable seat.
"It's actually very comfortable considering the amount of bumping around that it is doing," explains Claire. "It does lean a bit, but we are on the side of a hill. The control is brilliant. It only kind of skidded a little once or twice along here and it's easy going forwards and backwards and not too fast." A simple lever on the steering tiller operates the throttle, and a toggle switch enables Claire to swap between low-speed (4mph) and high-speed (8mph). Such is the response to coming off throttle, the brake lever is seldom needed. "As soon as you take your hand off [the throttle] it stops," says Claire.
Impressive practicality
The Breeze X has a large footwell and comfortable seat which, Claire says, "you can adjust quite easily". There's an impressive amount of storage, too, thanks to a secure luggage box on the back and a cubbyhole attached to the steering tiller.
"It's excellent," Claire says of the rear luggage compartment. "You can put a whole shopping bag in there, and down in [the front storage and footwell] too." Practicality extends to the all-weather canopy Claire opted for on her scooter, protecting her from the elements and whatever the weather may hold.
Claire can go anywhere, anytime, especially since she opted for the long-range 2x 12v 75ah battery option, good for up to 34 miles between charges. "I certainly haven't needed to get a taxi since I've not been able to drive," says Claire. And even with the practical canopy addition, Claire's "happy with the look" of the Breeze X. "I really like the colour, and I think the scooter looks nice and smart." Claire says the Breeze X manages really well with off-road and muddy conditions, and she also uses it for everything else, such as going to the doctor, shopping and to meet people. "I think it's good because it's just small enough to nip into town and do these things," says Claire.
Great all-rounder
Because of its all-round capabilities, the Breeze X comes highly recommended by Claire. "There are lots of other different scooters for general back and forth to town," she says. "But I think you get the most out of this, particularly if you like an outdoor life."
Claire also hails the positive impact the Breeze X has had on her wellbeing. "I don't like being indoors, and the idea of not being able to drive somewhere was quite upsetting really," she says. "So actually getting this... it's certainly helped an awful lot. And it's helped my independence a lot more."
If you want to find out more about the TGA Breeze X, you can do so on the Motability Scheme website.
Photos: Simon Murrell
