• Ross Hayes and his all weather Metro mobility scooter.
  • Wide doors make entry very easy from either side.

Ross has a mobility scooter for all weather!

As regular visitors to The Poynton Retirement Village in Takapuna, the Channel Magazine team love the variety of things going on at the place. Always something different – grandchildren days, guest speakers, movie premieres, bowls, croquet and great carvery nights in the dining room.

On a recent visit we made another interesting discovery. Ross Hayes, one of the local residents, driving an electric mobility scooter that has him covered for all weather. We were intrigued to also learn that Ross is selling these little vehicles to fellow retirees.

“Having had 40 years in the motor industry I am a bit of a trader, so when I saw these I thought they were great and New Zealanders should have them,” explained Ross when we quizzed him about the vehicle he calls the “Metro”.

“Older folk have been treated like second class citizens when it comes to mobility and I felt that these vehicles address that. They can now enjoy the freedom of their Scooter all year round, irrespective of the temperature or weather.”

Ross has done all the leg-work in terms of the Metro Scooters being approved (under the new guidelines) as a mobility device by NZTA. They can be used on the footpath without a drivers licence or registration. They have been designed and constructed for elderly or those with physical or neurological disabilities.

We were so taken by the vehicle that we talked Ross in to telling Channel Magazine readers a bit more about it. The photos we took clearly demonstrated the wide entry doors on both sides, with large opening side windows and all the comforts for the driver. There are easy-to-use controls, fold away side mirrors and remote central locking.

The Metro also includes a heater demister, wiper and windscreen washers, lights and indicators, four wheel coil suspension, independent shocks for comfort and alloy wheels with pneumatic tyres. The vehicle is 1590mm long, 710mm wide and 1600mm high. In addition to these standard features there are a range of optional extras available as well.

Safety is paramount so the Metro Scooter is regulated to 13kph for footpath use and there is also a low speed control for inside use.

And the range from a charge is pretty good as well – 45km.

If you are interested in finding out more then you can contact Ross Hayes and save by buying your Metro Scooter direct from the importer – that’s Ross! – for just $8350, with a colour choice of red, silver or blue.

Phone Ross on 021 728 941 or Email: ross@metromobility.co.nz to arrange an inspection and test-drive. You’ll love it!