Does Mobility Mate do Layby’s?
Yes we do. Please fill out the contact page or email your details to sales@mobilitymate.co.nz and we will contact you to arrange a layby.
What’s included in the scooter carrier package?
- A scooter carrier
- An anti-wobble bracket
- A locking hitch pin and keys
- A castor wheel and bolts
- A light board with tension hinges and bolts
- Four tie downs to secure your scooter to the carrier for transportation
- A set of instructions
Do I need to assemble the carrier?
Yes, but it is relatively easy to assemble and should only take about 45 minutes. There are simple to follow instructions provided to assist you.
How many people will I need to attach my mobility scooter carrier?
Generally it takes two people to attach the carrier to the tow bar but one fit person can do it.
Will The Scooter Carrier fit all types of vehicles?
No, the carrier is not suitable for smaller vehicles. To check whether your vehicle is suitable ask you local tow bar installer if it can have a “Hayman Reese 50mm Hitch” fitted. If it can, then your vehicle will be suitable.
The reason for this is due to weight. Mobility scooters weigh around 110kg and the mobility scooter carrier weighs 48kg. The vehicle needs to be able to handle a down weight capacity of around 150kg.
Do I need a certain type of towbar to attach the carrier to a vehicle?
Yes you do. You will require a Hayman Reese style 50mm hitch receiver with a square hole and a 16mm hole for the hitch pin. Most SUV’s already have one, however, if you have a traditional ball and tongue type tow bar, contact your local tow bar installation centre to convert your existing tow bar to the required type.
Does the carrier need to be registered?
No. Because there aren’t any wheels touching the ground the carrier does not need a separate registration.
Does the carrier need special lights and a supplementary number plate on the back of the vehicle?
Yes it does. The package contains an NZTA lightboard. When the carrier is folded up against the rear of the vehicle, the vehicles lights and number plate will be clearly visible.
The lightboard has a space for the attachment of a supplementary number plate and the details are included on the installation instructions.
Will my mobility scooter carrier scrape on the ground?
Generally the answer is no, however on occasions due to speed, driving over a gutter or navigating a steep driveway the carrier may make contact with the ground.
To help in these situations we recommend the Hitch Height Adapter to raise the height of the scooter carrier. See our products page for details of this.
Can the carrier be left on the vehicle?
Yes it can. The carrier can be stored in a vertical position on the vehicle and will only slightly extend past the tow bar.
Does the carrier come with a warranty?
Yes. We’ll provide you with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty on the framework of your carrier.
How is the carrier delivered?
We freight all carriers throughout New Zealand free of charge to customers. Standard delivery time is 5 days.
Do you ship internationally?
No, we currently only deliver in New Zealand. The transport regulations differ internationally and the carriers we supply have been adapted to meet New Zealand transport regulations.
Does the carrier affect the way my vehicle drives?
No. A mobility scooter carrier attached to the rear of a vehicle is similar to having three people sitting in the back seat.
It can also depend on the condition of the suspension of the vehicle. A check with a suspension specialist prior to fitting may be required.
Is the carrier covered by insurance?
When attached to a vehicle the carrier is classed as an accessory so you may need to include it in the sum insured under a vehicle policy.
The scooter is classed as a portable item and is likely already covered under existing insurance, although may not be covered when being transported.
In all cases we recommend you discuss with your insurance company prior to transporting your scooter to ensure both the scooter and carrier are covered.
To ensure best protection for your scooter when being transported on the carrier:
- Use only the tie downs provided
- Ensure suspension of the vehicle is checked by a professional and is in good condition
- Ensure the Hayman Reese style hitch towbar is correctly installed
Mobility Mate accepts no liability for any failures of the carrier due to vehicle faults, third party towbar installations or use of non-specified tie-downs.
Does the carrier meet NZTA regulations?
Yes it does. The carrier is attached to the vehicle therefore does not need to display warning devices. The lights fitted to the lightboard of the carrier are sufficient and there is no need to attach flags or other warning devices to the carrier.
The NZTA regulations specify that as long as the lights and number plate are clearly visible, and the distance from the rear axle of the vehicle to the back of the carrier does not exceed four meters, then it complies with the regulations.