HOW TO BUY OR SELL A USED TRAVELSCOOT
The TravelScoot has been around since 2004 and, as you can imagine, there are thousands of them in circulation. However, because of the superior build quality and exceptional materials, our customers hold on to their scooters for a long time so you don't see them for sale very often. When they do become available, we get many questions regarding our different models, sizes, and so forth. This page was designed to help you determine if a used TravelScoot is right for you and should answer most questions if you are looking to buy or sell a used TravelScoot.
Model Type
There are currently three main models or frame-types of the TravelScoot in circulation: the Deluxe/Shopper (HD), Deluxe Belt-drive, and the latest models, the Escape/Cruiser (ULW). The Deluxe and Shopper models come in full-size and junior sizes. Older models of the TravelScoot, from 2004 thru 2013, came in a belt configuration. By the middle of 2013, all TravelScoots were equipped with a hub motor configuration, which removed the belt and incorporated an "internal" motor located inside the rear-left wheel. Whether it's older or newer, the Deluxe weighs essentially the same.
Serial Number
On each TravelScoot produced after 2013, the embossed serial number can be found above the front wheel just above the logo. The number will begin with the year that the frame was manufactured, e.g., 2014... If produced before 2013, it will be a random number.
Tip: If you are buying a scooter, write down the serial number to present to your home, rental, or vehicle insurance company in case of an accident or theft occurs.
Deluxe Belt-drive (Classic)
Deluxe (HD)
Drivetrain -
The Belt-drive version of the TravelScoot is easy to spot. It has a brown belt (very old models came with a black belt) over the left-rear wheel and a black motor located in front of the wheel. The motor also houses the controller.
The main difference from the TravelScoot models from 2013 and before is the major upgrade from a belt drivetrain to a hub drivetrain. The motor in all models after 2013 is situated inside the left wheel or hub of the scooter. There is a black box in front of the wheel, but it is the controller and not the motor.
Brakes -
The belt-drive version is equipped with brake pads instead of the much-improved brake bands on the newer models. The brake levers are all silver as opposed to the black and silver-colored levers on the newer models (below).
Wheels -
Because the belt is attached to the rear wheel via "teeth", the wheels and tires are different from the current version of the Deluxe. Both the hub-version and belt-drive models came with a front wheel that measures 200 x 50 in size. This front wheel is smaller than the 2018 and later front-wheel which comes with the hub-drive (HD) Deluxe TravelScoot which measures 200 x 75. However, the new wide front wheel fits on both the hub and belt-drive models.
Controls -
The belt-drive version of the TravelScoot does not have reverse. Instead, it consists of an on/off switch and throttle with a printed circuit board (pcb) on the right-hand side of the handlebars. Riders must use their feet to push themselves backwards on the belt-drive version. The 2013 and later models have an on/off button with forward and reverse switch on the left side while the throttle assembly on the right (See below).
Battery -
The battery is perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for a used TravelScoot. Our scooters are designed to last generations but the oldest functional batteries we've seen have lasted up to 13 years, with the average lifespan being around seven years. Batteries have a limited life. Keep in mind that if you buy a belt-drive scooter that has the original battery, it's at least ten years old. There is a good chance that you will have to replace it. If so, please check out our batteries page for pricing. If the battery you are trying to buy or sell is black, gold, or silver (283.5 wh), then your battery is at least 8 years old. You would be wise to learn how to test the battery to determine its health before buying it. For a history of past batteries and what they look like, click here.
For Buyers
Determine the model: It is important to learn which model you are looking at. Using the above information, you should be able to determine which model the seller has available.
Inquire about the battery:The most important question is, how old is the battery. If you have to buy a new battery, that will add an additional $755 to the cost of the scooter. If the battery is older than 7 years, it may need to be replaced, especially if the scooter hasn't been used in a year or more. In that case, the battery may not work at all.
Request to see the scooter: We highly recommend seeing the scooter in-person before buying it. Whether you meet up at a physical location or virtually using Facetime or Zoom, you should see it up-close to inspect it for damage and verify that it works.
Shipping: One important factor is whether or not the buyer or seller will pay for shipping of the TravelScoot. The box size that we recommend for the Deluxe models is 36x12x12. The Escape box size is 30x22x12. If a battery is included in the sale, Lithium-ion battery labels must be attached to the box. Ask your local UPS representative for more information regarding battery labels. Shipping prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years. Average prices for shipping a scooter is as high as $200 or more. To lower the cost of shipping, it is always best for the seller to pack the scooter themselves using an old blanket or their own packing material. UPS will charge an arm and a leg for packing the scooter.
For Sellers
Determining Price: Pricing is always difficult to determine because there are many factors that contribute to the value of a mobility scooter. We've seen scooters that are ten years old that have been very well maintained and scooter less than a year that have been treated very poorly. Some belt-drive models have sold for up to $1,800. Deluxe hub-drive models hold their vaulue very well as our scooters are exceptionally well designed, made using the best materials and welding methods in the industry. Some individuals are willing to pay a premium for the folding design of the older Deluxes, especially sports car enthusiasts who need the most compact scooter design on the market. We've seen Deluxe models sell for $2,600 for such reasons.
Battery: A major factor is the age of the battery. If you have a gold, silver, or black battery, the scooter value will not be as high as the battery may need to be replaced. We generally do not recommend buying a new battery before selling it because the 2-year warranty is not transferrable.
Shipping:One important factor is whether or not the buyer or seller will pay for shipping of the TravelScoot. The box size that we recommend for the Deluxe models is 36x12x12. The Escape box size is 30x22x12. If a battery is included in the sale, Lithium-ion battery labels must be attached to the box. Ask your local UPS representative for more information regarding battery labels. Shipping prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years. Average prices for shipping a scooter is as high as $200 or more. To lower the cost of shipping, it is always best for the seller to pack the scooter themselves using an old blanket or their own packing material. UPS will charge an arm and a leg for packing the scooter for you. Also, a great tip to save on shipping is to pay for the label online instead of at a retail UPS store. There is usually a monthly discount code online (Google it) that you can apply to the label that can save you around 15-20%. You will have to have the dimensions and weight of the package before creating the label.
Where to buy or sell?
A great place to look, whether buying or selling a TravelScoot, is one of the TravelScoot communities on Facebook. There are two main pages; TravelScoot Owner's Club and Elizabeth's TravelScoot. We generally refer likely buyers to these groups as they are the go-to for everything TravelScoot that is not directly affiliated with TravelScoot. If you are not a Facebook person, we suggest listing your scooter on Offer Up or Craigslist. We caution everyone to be extremely careful when dealing with strangers. There are a lot of scammers online so we highly recommend not letting anyone know where you live or giving out any personal information.
We hope that our guide has been helpful to you. For additional questions, feel free to contact us.