My first Mini Crosser M2 was a great ride, when it worked, sadly it broke down, probably because of a faulty head, three times in as many months, so using an inheritance from my dear old mum I had a Tramper TWS hand built for me by Beamer.
Trampers, normally four-wheeled ones, are the off-road mobility scooter of choice of the National Trust, who own well over 100 of them, and growing, and the less well-known Countryside Mobility. Countryside Mobility is a charity supplying Trampers to many other tourist attractions across the SW of England for next to no cost for hirers. Going to one or more venues with Trampers to borrow for a couple of hours is a great way to find out whether they are suitable for you, before you have a big outlay. However check whether their Trampers are the latest model, ie with suspension. Disabled Ramblers, who organise well supported rambles, some of them very tough, around the UK, also choose Trampers for their off-road abilities and longevity. Some of the original Trampers, now 30+ year's-old, are still going strong, albeit with repairs, what other make can say that? Yes they are expensive, mine cost around £7,500, but they can last for decades, and still hold a good price when sold secondhand. I sold mine after 2.5 years for £5,000.
So why did I ever sell my Tramper TWS? It was comfortable (I'd stripped a Mini Crosser seat from an old machine and Beamer fitted it for me), and it had good suspension (unlike the 2023 and older four-wheeled Trampers), and was built to my needs with extended handlebars, etc. Well the main reason was irrational, and sentimental, I might yet come to regret it. However..
I have a degenerative spinal condition, and when I had the Tramper TWS built for me I had lithium batteries fitted which could theoretically take me 60 miles, but certainly could do 50 miles. It could also climb very steep hills and forge through deep wet mud. I rode it like a madman at times, 8mph may not seem like a lot but with the throttle kept full on through some woods it can be. I loved it, and so did my dog, Fivo, who would ride the footplate. But then my back worsened and rather than manage 35 miles I am only able to do a maximum of 14, and those on less challenging ground. So my TWS with lithium batteries was suddenly much more than I needed, when one of the three lithium batteries failed, albeit under warranty, I decided it was time to say goodbye to it. So I sold it for £5000, and via an abortive trial with a TGA Breeze S4, bought a very low mileage Mini Crosser M2 again, for just £1800, find out why, reckoning that 3 years should be plenty-enough time for Medema, who make it, to resolve the head issue. I hope that I'm right.
The Best Way To Find Out Whether A Tramper Would Suit? Click here.
