With a larger frame and enhanced weight capacity of 21 stones, the TGA Maximo Mobility Scooter can cater to a wider range of people, as heavier and taller users may find the basic Minimo and Minimo Plus quite restrictive and uncomfortable. Pneumatic tyres and rear mono-shock suspension offer a much smoother ride, whilst the seat features thick padding, unlike the Minimo's fairly basic hard plastic seat. With a powerful 270 Watt motor and high quality 70 amp controller, the Maximo is also a more powerful scooter than the Minimo. These all combine to make the Maximo a notable step up in comfort and performance from the Minimo models, which have had to compromise on comfort to remain as light as possible.
Despite this, the Maximo remains a highly transportable scooter. It features a lightweight Lithium Ion battery that weighs a mere 3.3 kg, while the quick-release seat is just 6.7 kg. The weight of the scooter with seat and battery removed is 32 kg - this is too heavy for a single person to lift and realistically needs at least two people to do so. However, the one-lever easy folding design makes the Maximo a great scooter to use alongside a car boot hoist - saving you from doing any lifting or fiddly disassembly. While not quite as small as the Minimo when folded, the Maximo still folds up to a mere 97 x 60 x 55 cm, allowing it to fit in all but the very smallest of car boots.
Other features include an angle and height adjustable tiller to ensure a comfortable driving position, as well as adjustable folding armrests - ideal for side transfers, although it should be noted that the seat does not rotate. Low energy LED lights at both front and rear are unusual on scooters of this size, and ensure your visibility.
Our Verdict
We think the Maximo is a useful and unique product - a convenient folding scooter that offers a lot more than basic folding scooters that can often be quite spartan in terms of comfort. While we wouldn't recommend it if intending to lift in an out of a car regularly due to its weight, if you have a car boot hoist, it is the ideal scooter to get - easy to use and offering a comfortable and reliable ride. You really have to drive one to appreciate just how good a ride it has - far beyond anything you would expect from a folding scooter, which tend to offer limited comfort.
It is also worth considering the Maximo Plus, which is essentially the same scooter but with larger tyres and a 6 mph top speed.