Mobility scooters (or shop riders) are big business in the UK, with close to a quarter of a million of the island nation’s elderly and disabled population using them to get around. In response to a previous untapped market segment, Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has introduced the world’s smallest caravan that can be towed by a mobility scooter.
In what’s perhaps more marketing ploy than real product, ETA’s QTvan is a 2 metre by 0.75 metre (6.6 feet by 2.5 feet) caravan incorporating a full-size single bed, an onboard battery supply, a 19-inch (48 cm) television, radio / alarm clock, kettle and drinks cabinet. It costs £5,500 (US$9,077 / €6,234) and is offered with such extras as roof-mounted solar panels, air horn, satellite dish, central heating and bespoke paint.
What ETA appears to be saying is that if you are an elderly or disabled person with a mobility scooter and are worried about running out of juice or being caught in the rain, buy one of these things. It sure beats camping out for the best spot to see the Royal Wedding procession, right?
Personally, I’m not convinced it’s a real product ETA intends to sell. It is, however, a very clever way for ETA to pimp its £49.99 (US$82.50 / €56.66) a month mobility scooter breakdown and insurance coverage to the British public. And I appreciate the effort the insurer has gone to in making the QTvan, which is a very good – if frankly ridiculous – mobility scooter towable caravan.
Be sure to check out the videos and photo gallery and leave a comment below.
By Tristan Hankins
PHOTO GALLERY
_______________________________________________________________________ VIDEO