Hopes for scooter in Aust.

Press, 8 September 1989, Page 4

Hopes for scooter in Aust.

By CULLEN SMITH A Christchurch design engineer hopes to break into the Australian market with his new electric scooter for the disabled and elderly. Mr Ray Whiting was to ship his first production model across the Tasman today after an earlier prototype created interest there. While Mr Whiting acknowledges the scooter concept is not new, he says he has spent nearly three years refining the basics and adding features. “Extensive market research was carried out in both Australia and New Zealand to find out what was required in this type of product/’ Mr Whiting said. Many older model scooters were found to be large . and cumbersome and unsuited to a modern lifestyle. “It was obvious that for users to feel involved in family' and community activities, less active people require a machine that is both lightweight and readily adjustable,” he said. Designed for use indoors and out, the Pandect Scooter’s chassis is made of alloy and the body moulded in fibreglass. One innovation Mr Whiting is proud of is mounting the seat on a gas stay which gives the user a softer air suspension ride and allows for simple height adjustment . The scooter comes apart into easily manageable components for transport. It will be marketed by a joint company formed to promote Mr Whiting’s designs, Christchurch companies Robt. McLean, Ltd, and Quirke Ejqjort, Ltd, and will be aimed Jfainly at the

market. The Pandect Scooter is expected to retail for about $4OOO.

Mr Whiting said that apart; from the electric motor and batteries — from West Ger-

many — the scooter has been built locally with the support of suppliers and sub-compactors.