Hi Mike Yes even my auto-folder at 27Kg with battery, 25Kg without, is still a weight to lift to boot height though I can do it but not safely and it can cause a lot of damaged to the car having to drag it and man handle it into the car not to mention the damaged to the scooter itself. I’ve over come that by using an Elev8 that has a, just about manageable 11Kg weight. Although the auto folding scooters have big advantages when it comes to car boot space there’s nothing like the good old five pieces type pavement scooters as there much better at off tarmac terrain plus they have the swivel captains seat that make it a whole lot easier getting on and off the scooter, something I overlooked before getting a folding one but as they say “nothing is perfect”. Another thing I overlooked too was the padding of the seats on the folding scooters and although the model I’ve got is supposed to be the best in it’s class for bum comfort it still not a match for my old Pride Apex Rapid with all around suspension that I still have. My auto folding scooter, Drive Devilbiss Elite, has all round suspension and the lack of suspension is one reason I was put off buying one for years and now with all the mini cars being pushed on us they’ve become essential not being easy for myself to dismantle my five piece job. Back to the weight problem, I’ve seen ads on TV for a folding scooter that weighs about 14Kg from memory but doesn’t look easy to fold and unfold for a one handed person like me plus it has a very heavy price.
Funny you should say that I used to have a drive folding Scooter I bought myself and found it a bit jarring over bumps I sold it and now have a Drive Elite That at least has rear suspension that my older one did not have and also the tyres are more rubbery than the old solid plastic so really happy now. Their is a type of lift that is scissor lifting that can lift 27kgs in uk it is about I think £600 but you have to man handle it around and not sure how it loads into car. There was also the Hercules lift but again a bit much to move around. The Autochair Elap v40 is much better but unless you get it before your motability order which would cost you about £217 including fitting and if you need it after order or into your ease then it would cost you about £888 or under with VAT off mine was £777 fitted.