Blogging About Mobility Scooters. The Facts. The Scooters. The Scene.

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

Heartway Vita Continued...

S12 Vita

Apart from their shared heritage and modernist styling the HEARTWAY Vita and HEARTWAY Royale 4 are quite different beasts (yes I know I was comparing them in the last post!). The Royale 4 is a true heavyweight mobility scooter weighing over 100lbs more (batteries included) than the Vita . The Royale is also six inches longer and an inch and a half wider than its smaller cousin. Perhaps it is a little surprising that the HEARTWAY Vita actually claims a higher maximum rider weight of 400lbs to the Royale's 350lbs, but it is less surprising that the Vita with its slim line form requires a lot less juice coming stock with 2 x 50 Ah batteries whereas the Royale requires 2 x 80 Ah. The Vita also has a less powerful motor - 700 watts versus 1,300 watts in the Royale - but this doesn't seem to affect the pick up on the machine as it felt very lively during our quick test.

PF7 Monarch Royal

Ride comfort in both machines is provided by fully active suspension, all wheel on the Royale and front wheels and single post on the HEARTWAY Vita. Both have oversized pneumatic tyres front and rear, although again the Royale as befits it's greater size adds an inch or so on both front and rear tyres.

I think I am going to have to change my initial assessment on the HEARTWAY Vita: I still love it, but I'm not sure it is the Royale killer I assumed at first look. The difference finally is about power. If you are looking for a mobility scooter to power up steep gradients on or off road you may find that the Royale is still the best scooter for you, but if you are looking for something that can do a bit of everything and is above all fun then I think you should seriously consider the HEARTWAY Vita.

The all new Vita from HEARTWAY is the most advanced and stylish scooter in the world. It has full suspension featuring double wishbone suspension at the front, and a mono shock absorber at the rear utilizing revolutionary technology from the motor cycle industry. A robust rear wheel drive system propelled by a powerful motor will provide the smoothest and most comfortable ride that you will find.
An intuitive liquid crystal display instrument console clearly shows accurate real time information of everything you need including speed, time and temperature. A handy trip computer shows how far you have travelled and a battery condition indicator shows the amount of charge remaining so you will never be caught short. The whole instrument panel is conveniently back lit so it is easily read in low light.
Speed control levers on either side of the console are designed to give forward and reverse control from either side, the top speed can be easily controlled with a handy hi / low switch limiting the scooter to either 4mph for pavement use or 8 mph for use on the road.

Its modern LED lighting system provides super bright lights, with less power consumption, longer life and are maintenance free - proving that Vita really is a glimpse of the future of mobility scooters.

Vita's unparalleled good looks and sleek modern clean lines put it far ahead of the competition. Available in a choice of vibrant metallic orange or ice white it is sure to bring many admiring glances and much more freedom and pleasure to your life

Vita has been designed to take of practically everything for you at the touch of a button. Its onboard control computer gives you smooth pull-aways and automatic braking. Everything has been thought of, there is even an emergency brake that stops the scooter and cuts the motor in case of emergency. (UK only)

Fully adjustable comfortable seat, with adjustable backrest, headrest and armrests, all round alloy wheels and 80mm (3.1”) ground clearance, allow Vita to negotiate even the trickiest of terrain with ease.

 User weight – up to 28 stone

 Maximum speed up to 8 mph

 Adjustable tiller

 Polished alloy wheels

 Pneumatic tyres

 Front basket and rear storage pocket

 Anti-tip wheels

 Heavy duty 50 Amp batteries - for a range of approximately 20 miles

 Ergonomic control levers

 Emergency braking system

 Cup holders

 Super bright head lights, indicators and hazard warning lights

 Energy saving mode

 Fully adjustable seat

"Vita’s sleek modern clean lines and innovative suspension give it unparalleled good looks, and the ride comfort and quality you would expect from HEARTWAY"