Made It To California

What a trip!!  I never want to do that trip again. Although you never know, after I've rested, and gotten back to, or close to, normal, you never know. I've got a friend that does it on the spur of the moment. Both my parents and my brother did it several times. Maybe it'd be different not driving a truck, hauling a trailer, in mid winter.
I thought it'd get warmer and the weather would be nice as I went south. But those who watch the weather channel, or those who live between New York State and say Dallas, know what a bear the weather was between Jan 7 and 14. I swear the winter was following me, showing me what to expect if I ever came back. It was cold, it was snowing, the roads were icy. Of course living in NYS for so long had equiped me for dealing with it, and truthfully by NYS standards it was almost laughable, an inch or two of snow, and some slick roads. BUT it wasn't funny to the people that lived there, they didn't have a clue how to drive in it, they weren't equipped to deal with it. I heard on the news that one county down there had one, yes one, snowplow, for the whole county.  Not to mention I was driving a truck, hauling a trailer. So I took my time, drove slower than neccesary sometimes, and stopped overnight until I was almost out of Texas. Of course it wasn't all due to the weather, I lost my taillights the first day out, which made it neccesary to stop at night too.
I left NY on 1/7 and finally got to Ranger Texas on the 12th, I left Ranger about 7am on the 13th, and had a bright idea. The trailer was due back at Uhaul on the 14th, I had about 1300 miles to go, and it was Thursday. I stopped at a Walmart, and a Tractor Supply, and bought two 6 volt flashlights, some red paint and the stuff to attach them to the rear of the trailer, voila' taillights....  I should say, the weather had turned around and was fantastic too, sunny, blue sky and dry roads. I was driving 65-70mph most of the way.  Thursday night, I also lost all turn signals and emergency flashers. So now I drove the rest of the way, no taillights, no turn signals, no emergency flashers, just two flashlights with lenses painted red for taillights. To make a long story short I drove 31 hours, arriving safely in Fullerton CA about 1:30pm Friday the 14th.
After doing a couple errands, I drove to the storage center I'd reserved long distance, and unloaded the trailer, it had so much crammed in that it nearly filled a 10x15 space. Then I got the trailer to Uhaul, and turned it in, on time...
Then I took the truck and drove around looking for a motel, I was exausted and in desperate need of a shower. It was dark, I had no taillights or turn signals, and although there'd been a motel or several at almost every exit from NY to Calif, suddenly I found none. Finally going south on Beach Blvd in Buena Park I spotted something called the Covered Wagon on a side street, so I went around the block. I passed a house with 3 or 4 police cars and was very aware of my lack of lights, but figured they were busy enough they wouldn't notice me. Finally I turned right and was driving down a street, seeing the Covered Wagon sign ahead, when who pulls up next to me? A Buena Park cop, I saw him look at the back of the truck in the mirror, then he pulled up and looked at me, I slowed down and turned in to what I thought was the Covered Wagon place, and the cop pulled off. I was actually in a Super 8 motel, but didn't realize it until the next day. I registered, took a shower, badly needed, and got much needed sleep.
The next day I rented a Camry from a car rental place across from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. When the guy came to pick me up to go back and do the paperwork, he asked why I was here.  I explained that I sold Rascal scooters to VA hospitals, and had come out to take over a territory. He mentioned that he had seen several scooters that a company down the street rented to tourists tip over in the crosswalk. I immediately started telling him about our new three wheeler and that so far it was impossible to tip. To make a long story short, he was the owner of the rental co. and told me he'd be interested in buying some scooters, to rent out. In addition he referred me to the owner of the other company, a medical supply company, currently buying and renting Prides.
I spent the rest of the week, looking for and buying a vehicle and an office. I looked at several vans and dozens of warehouse office combos, buying or renting none, either not right or too expensive. But finally on Friday, I bought an Escort to get me around until I need a van, the price and 25 mpg made it very attractive, and it was in excellent condition too. The same day I rented an office in Fullerton, no warehouse, just an office. But again it was priced right and will work until sales volume says I need a bigger space.  
So here I am now, on my 8th day in Calif. getting ready to empty the truck, and set up the office. Then I start making sales and moving Rascals, also I found out on Friday that Disneyland has and rents scooters, and I'm sure safety is important to them too.

Lee Murray

Yes... You Can Buy a Scooter From Me - Wherever You Are

I'm not sure if I've ever said this, I thought I had, but maybe I wasn't clear. You can email me or comment to let me know you need a scooter or powerchair, a lift, or anything else we sell. Yes, as I said in the previous post I am moving to the west coast, and yes, I'm taking a brief hiatus from selling to the VA's but based on a conversation I had a day or two ago, I am going to continue working with Rascal and selling to VA's in the LA area.
But that aside, in the past, I have sold a scooter to a friend of my mother when I was living in NYS and he was in Buena Park, Calif. He called and said he needed one, I asked him if he could go online to http://www.rascalscooters.com/ ? He said he couldn't, so I mailed him a brochure, called in a couple days and he bought a 600T three wheel scooter by credit card.
The VA div. asked a rep in Calif. to deliver the scooter and do the training. My mothers friend was so pleased that a couple years later he bought a second scooter, a 600F four wheeler for his girl friend, at the time he was in his 80's she was 76. Unfortunately he bought the second one from an inhome rep not from me. He appologized later, when I asked why, they called him from Rascal to follow up, I guess he mentioned wanting another one and they sent a rep out the next day.
My point being that I can and have sold equipment by telephone. If I can do it for my mothers friend, I can do it for you. If you need something, and can go online, or not, contact me and I can help you, even while I'm moving. Although I may not be checking my email or this blog every day, I will contact you ASAP. So whether or not you're a veteran, (if you are contact the VA first, before even thinking about buying yourself), I can and will help you get your own Rascal. We accept Cash, major credit cards, insurance, and offer financing.

Lee Murray

Lifts - How You Take Your Scooter or Powerchair With You - Intro

A question that comes up all the time and is easy to answer. Of course it depends on what you drive, whether it's a small car or big one, a van or pickup, maybe even a motorhome or converted bus.
Believe it or not I have worked with the VA to get scooters to Vets who were driving those, two motorhomes, and one bus that the vet had done himself. He said he had about $300k in it, and I'd have to say if not a palace on wheels, it was close. As good or better than that of any rock/country stars or Amway upline no matter how many Diamonds they have...you people in Amway will understand. For those not in Amway, uplines, Direct Distributors and above, put another way the ones making money, love those huge converted buses to travel around in, to conventions and visiting their downlines...just like Country and Rock music stars.  Looking at the other side, when still selling in home, I had an appointment with a guy in Rome, I think. He had three young kids, bought a scooter a Rascal 245 three wheeler as I remember. What was his car? A Ford Festiva. It's the smallest car I ever got a scooter in. Is there a smaller car out there, if there is not by much. But I did get it in. The front, and rear sections in the trunk, the seat, batteries, handlebar and front basket in the back seat. He and the wife had to decide if they were taking the scooter or their kids.  Too small for a Rack and Roll lift, the trunk already full, so lifts were out of the picture. So, what did he do?  He went to Cole Muffler and got a class I hitch installed, then bought a small trailer with a lid, like you'd use with a lawn tractor or snowmobile, and would just drive the scooter in, drop the lid, keeping it clean, and take everybody and the scooter. In addition it worked great if he was staying home because the wife could leave the trailer and there was nothing hanging off the car.
Anyway, lets get to lifts. There are several different types. Inside lifts are the Trunk Lift, the Equalizer 2 & 3, and Tailgater Lifts, and the Tracker Lift. Outside lifts are the Outside Trunk Lift, and the Rack and Roll Lift class II and III. I'm going to do each lift as a post to keep this from going on forever.

Lee Murray

Need is relative

Yesterday I delivered a scooter to a veteran down in Binghamton, NY. He was like most who get a scooter, able to get around. Many who met him would ask why should he get a scooter? The facts of his pain and inability to go very far are not obvious. True he's not as bad as some I've worked with who may be in either powerchairs or scooters, and absolutely can't get around without them. But that doesn't mean his quality of life hasn't been lowered by his physical problems. The  purpose of a scooter in particular is to improve your quality of life, making it possible to live as you want to. In many ways he reminded me of a guy I met when I first started selling Rascal. I did an in-home appointment with a man and his wife near Cooperstown, for a scooter for the man. If you walked in and met him he looked perfectly normal. You wouldn't see the back problems, and the emphsema. As we talked he said that while he loved his wife, and appreciated everything she did every day to help him, he resented the fact that he was no longer in control of his own life.  That he could no longer do even the simple things that he'd done without thinking every day of his life. 
There's nothing simpler for most people than getting their mail. He told me that for him to go to get their mail was a twenty to thirty minute trip in good weather. No, he wasn't driving to the post office in Cooperstown. He was just walking to the mailbox at the end of the driveway, about 100 feet from his door.  He said that to do it, he carried a small stool with him. He'd walk a few feet, sit on the stool to get his breath back, then walk a few feet more, over and over, out and back. 
When he and his wife watched me take the scooter out of the trunk of my car and assemble it, you could see the doubt in both of their faces they were in their 70's after all. I went over assmbly and disassembly with them and they working together were able to do it easily, putting it in and taking it out of their car. This was when cars still had big trunks. I could carry two scooters in the trunk of my Olds 98.
But driving the scooter was what convinced him. He drove the scooter for the first time, and he went right to the mailbox, and back, in about 30 seconds.  You should have seen the look on this guys face, I'll never forget it, he was normal, once again able to do one of those the things he'd done so easily all his life.  That's the purpose of getting the scooter, or a powerchair for those who need them, to regain as much control as possible.

Lee Murray

What's the biggest danger of ANY three wheel scooter? Tipping Over...

Enter the 600/700Balance scooter.  Many people are afraid of three wheel scooters because they feel tippy. A Rascal is less so because at 25 inches wide it's wider than many, for instance the Golden Companion is narrower and I personally know of several people who've tipped them over, one guy was still in the cast from breaking his arm. Rascals always came with tip wheels on both sides of their three wheels to help prevent tipping.  I actually talked many people out of a four wheel in favor of a three wheel by standing on one side of the platform and jumping up and down, at the time I weighed over 200 pounds, and rarely could  get the tip wheel to touch the ground. That sold a lot of three wheelers. But, still, if you tried hard enough you could tip even it. This was a concern to Rascal, and the owner, who holds several patents, so he decided to see if he could improve the design, and he did.  They widened the platform slightly, made the tip wheels larger and moved them out to the front corners. They are also magnetically centered.  Now when the scooter turns or tips the front mounted tip wheels touch down and effectively change it to a four wheel scooter. I was given an opportunity to try it out while it was in development and was challenged to tip it if I could, I tried, driving through the building as fast as I could and turning sharp, spinning in circles. I couldn't tip it.  I was told by one of the managers that they had put one of the new B fronts on a rear section that would do 10mph and almost took out some file cabinets but could not make it tip over. 
Last spring it was released as the 600B or Balance. I took one around to the VA hospitals, to everybody that tried it I said, "I have 20.00 that says you can't tip it."  Many of them were good sized, and really tried, but I never had to pay the 20.00.  The owner of Rascal has told us that he believes this design will obsolete the four wheel scooter, by giving the manueverability of a three wheel, and the stability and safety of a four wheel. Now we also have a smaller unit originally called the 300B, now the called the700B, it's 4 inches shorter and even more manueverable.  Here is an overview of the 600B put out by Rascal:

The Rascal Balance 3-Wheel Mobility Scooter

“Ride with Confidence”

The Rascal Company has led the industry in technological breakthroughs in personal electric vehicle technology for 35 years. Michael Flowers founded The Rascal Company with his late father, Francis, and is co-inventor of the original Rascal 3-wheeler. He is also the inventor of the

two vehicle-in-one Rascal ConvertAbleÒ and the powerfolding Rascal AutoGo.  The new Rascal Balance 3-wheeler features magnetic self-centering, stabilizer wheels.

Remarking on his latest invention, Flowers says: “4-wheeled scooters are stable, but are not

maneuverable and are uncomfortable for larger riders. 3-wheelers can tip sideways in sharp

turns, which is disconcerting and sometimes dangerous. The Rascal Balance is different. It's

comfortable and stable, plus it’s easy to maneuver in tight spots like stores and riding in crowds.

The Rascal Balance makes you feel better and safer!”

The magnetic stabilizer™ is a major technological breakthrough. It is currently offered on 2 new

models in 2 different sizes – 300 B, mid-size, 43” long and 600 B, full-size, 46” long.

The stabilizer technology automatically deploys when the Rascal Balance turns at any reasonable

speed. As the front wheel turns, the outside stabilizer wheel touches down on the riding surface.

The centrifugal force immediately releases the magnetic field holding the stabilizer fork and

wheel in place. At this point, the 3-wheeler becomes a 4-wheeler.

As the Rascal Balance turns, the stabilizer wheel follows the identical path of the steerable wheel.

When the front wheel is turned in a straight direction, the stabilizer wheel automatically returns to

its normal position above the riding surface and the magnets lock the fork and wheel back in

place.

These maneuverable Rascal 3-wheelers also feature a superior frame-forward™ design. This

frame design provides maximum comfort in lower body posture. There is a much larger foot and

leg accommodation range when compared to most other 3-wheelers and especially their 4-

wheeler counterparts. They provide all of the benefits of current Rascal 300 and 600 3-and-4

wheelers combined:

• Safety

• Comfort

• Ease-of-use

• Maneuverability

• Style

No other 3-wheeler provides all of these important benefits in one package! There’s a new

Rascal Balance model that will provide outstanding comfort whether the Rascal rider is 4’6” or 6’6”.

FAQs for the Rascal Balance

1. What is the Rascal Balance?

It’s a highly maneuverable, stable, comfortable and easy to use 3-wheeled mobility vehicle for personal use. The Rascal Balance is The Rascal Company’s solution to having to choose between safety (4- wheelers) and comfort (3-wheelers). Both of the Rascal Balance 3-Wheelers incorporate Frame-Forward™ Design and Self-Centering Magnetic Stabilizer™ Technology.

2. What makes The Rascal Balance different from its predecessor, the Rascal 600T?

The 600T has long been known as the industry leading 3-wheeler for style, comfort, handling, durability, weight bearing capacity and stability. With the Rascal Balance, The Rascal Company has made the best even better with the addition of our unique Frame-Forward Design and Self-Centering Magnetic Stabilizer Wheels.

3. What is Frame-Forward Design?

Frame-Forward Design improves your seated posture because it provides added foot room and comfort for a wide range of customers. It allows leg extension and improves vehicular weight distribution.

4. Why is Posture so Important?

Similar to automobile seating, the comfort of a scooter seat is a direct result of hip, knee and ankle position. Also known as body posture, most people base their buying decision primarily on seating comfort. Anatomical studies indicate the angles at the joints of the hip, knee and ankle should be greater than 90° to maintain a comfortable, seated body posture. Although a couple of degrees may not seem to make a big difference, it may be what causes a person to feel comfortable or become prematurely fatigued or deal with induced pain from poor seated position.  The Rascal Balance superior postural positioning provides users with a minimum of 90° joint angles at the hip, knee, and ankle. This is a direct result of how the ergonomic adjustable seat, the adjustable dash and adjustable handlebar, and the roomy Frame-Forward designs interact with each other to perfectly fit riders of various weights and sizes!

Lee Murray

Selling Scooters

I just want to mention that I sell mostly, but NOT only, to the VA hospitals. I also sell to those who need a scooter or something else, but are not Veterans. In these cases sometimes Medicare or Medicaid may pay, all or part of the cost. But usually the buyer pays, sometimes with private insurance, more often in cash, or by check, or credit card.  There may also be financing available.
Many people are concerned about what they perceive as high cost. I'm the first to admit Rascal's, and all other scooters for that matter, are not cheap.  But what of value is? I always say that whatever it is, if you don't need it, whether it's a dollar or ten thousand, it costs too much. But, if you need it, really need it, that's different.
Rascal Insurance Services can be a great deal of help. If you think that your insurance would pay for your scooter, give me a call and I will come out, if you're in upstate NY and do the evaluation. If elsewhere I will get in touch with Rascal and arrange for another rep to help you.  I've copied the Insurance Services Faqs from the Rascal website below, I did put in my phone number.

Rascal Insurance Services

Since 1974, Rascal has been helping make people's lives better by providing a complete line of Power Chairs, scooters, accessories, and transport systems. Our expert staff has over 20 years of insurance claims processing experience and will help you every step of the way. We'll work with your physician, handle the  paperwork, and deliver to your home if you qualify.

For information or to schedule an evaluation, email me at lmurray@citlink.net

CANADA RESIDENTS: see the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Coverage and Payment criteria for mobility products.

Frequently Answered Questions

We've put together a list of the most commonly asked questions from our customers. Please feel free to email me with any additional questions.

1. What portion of the cost does Medicare* pay?

If you qualify, Medicare may cover up to 80% of the allowable cost, and your supplemental insurance may pay the remaining 20%. In most cases, our customers pay little to nothing* for their powerchairs or scooters.

2. What kind of doctors can qualify me for a powerchair or scooter?

Any doctor that is familiar with your medical condition can complete the paperwork for power mobility, with the exception of a Podiatrist, Psychiatrist, or a Chiropractor.

3. Will my doctor select a powerchair or scooter?

Your doctor will work with our Rascal Insurance Services Team to determine the model that is most appropriate for your medical needs.

4. How do I get an evaluation?

A knowledgeable Mobility Consultant will work with you and assess your needs. In most cases, prior to delivery of your vehicle your mobility consultant will conduct an environmental and safety inspection and complete a pre-qualification application that includes information about your health history and life style. Simply call to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

*Medicare or private insurance may cover the entire purchase price of a power mobility vehicle. Little or no out-of-pocket expense is based on Medicare paying 80% and secondary insurance paying the remaining 20% of the cost. You may not be eligible for these benefits.

Rascal Convertible Scooters

Rascal convertible scooters are unique from every other scooter on the market in that because of the patented feature of convertible front sections it can easily be changed from a three wheel scooter to a four wheel scooter and/or back. Most scooters on the market can be broken down to some degree for transport, but in addition to that due to the patented feature, the Rascal can be changed from three to four wheels and is the only one that can be. This link shows the

Rascal demonstrating the convertible feature

Currently there are just two front sections. Originally there were three different front sections: the three wheel, the four wheel and the convertible section. The convertible was a powerchair front that put the front wheels behind your feet, turning your scooter into a powerchair. Primarily for use in the house and limited use outside. As I said it was discontinued, and a new chair the WE-GO which I'll talk about soon has just been brought out, to replace it. Also, the 600T three wheel front shown above has been replaced by the 600B/700B three wheel fronts, which I'll also talk about soon.

Lee Murray

To Veterans Alone

I just wanted to say that if you happen to be a veteran of any of the Armed Services, whether or not you use the VA hospitals for your medical care, and let me say right here if you aren't you should, (at least up here in upstate NY where I've seen what they do), they're great, as good or better than private hospitals. Anyway, if you're a veteran, and need a scooter, or powerchair, or anything like a lift for your vehicle, a ramp for your house, or pretty much any other mobility item, before you even consider buying yourself, go to the VA. They will determine your needs and from what I've seen take care of them. Best case the VA gets it for you, worst case they say no for some reason and you get it for yourself. Isn't it worth the trip?

Lee Murray

Rascal Products

You can see the Rascal product line at www.rascalscooters.com or click on the link:

Rascal Products

Lee Murray

Hello, and Welcome to my new blog.

This is new to me and I really don't have a clue, so I'll, make that we'll, learn as we go. My name is Lee Murray, and I live in upstate New York. I sell, yes SELL, Rascal scooters, powerchairs, vehicle lifts, and other products mostly to the VA hospitals in Albany, Syracuse, Canandaigua, Rochester, and Bath NY. Rascal scooters and powerchairs are truely phenominal machines, that liberate those who need help getting around for a variety of reasons, some serious, some less serious and some very very serious. I'm proud to have worked with this company for the last 11 years, since 1998. Hopefully I can use this blog to introduce others who need them, or know someone who needs them, to the miracle that's Rascal.

Lee Murray