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Scoota-Trailer - Tesh & Sons, Inc.
Recently, Michael Koontz of Tesh & Sons, Inc. paid our technology team a visit to show us the Scoota-Trailer, a small trailer designed to haul a scooter or power wheelchair. This trailer is designed for people who own small cars which are not capable of supporting a tailgate wheelchair lift. Many of these folks either have to find the money to buy a car with more robust suspension, or are not able to transport their mobility aids with them at all. While this is not a new product, this is the first time I have physically seen one.
The device shown to us was the top of the line, with all the options, including gas shock lifters on the tailgate, optional spare tire, spray on bed liner and cover.
As presented to our team, the trailer was very simple and easy to use. It requires very little force to open the top. In fact, I only had to lift the top about a foot before the gas springs took over and lifted it up the rest of the way. The tailgate ramp with optional gas springs is the same wayit took a little force to get it started, but after raising it about a foot the gas springs took over and closed it. The tailgate ramp and top can be padlocked together to secure the trailer if that is a concern.
The trailer itself was well balanced, and easy to move around on a paved level surface.
MSRP for the demo unit we saw was $3855, which is not much more than a powered tailgate lift. Considering a small car owner wouldn't have to purchase a larger vehicle, it may be worth their money.
The down side to this device is that it is not practical in urban areas, where parking is limited. In a suburbs and rural areas, a user should be able to park in areas that they don't need to back up. This may mean compromising by parking further away from a store or the front door to the office, but if they are using a power mobility aid it may be easier. I would strongly urge my consumers to carefully consider where they plan on frequently driving, i.e. no parking decks. This device also requires some physical abilities to use. The user would either need to have some ambulatory skills, enough to walk from the trailer to the car, or would need to be with someone who could.
All in all, this is a very simple design, and can help folks who have small cars and need to transport a heavy power wheelchair or scooter. I'd like to thank Mr. Koontz for taking the time to show us this device.
