Monarch Mobility gets set to showcase new “feather-light scooter” at Naidex 2023
A nationwide supplier of mobility scooters, powerchairs and adjustable beds, Monarch Mobility has brought many innovative products to the mobility marketplace in its tenure, with its folding scooter being amongst its most successful. Martin Sampson, Director of Monarch Mobility, discusses with THIIS about showcasing the latest additions to its range at Naidex 2023 and reflects on a busy 12 months…
Can you describe the new lightweight scooter that Monarch Mobility has released?
“We believe the Monarch Air is the lightest genuine four-wheel boot scooter in the world. We set out to substantiate the above claim by researching those companies which have similar assertions or state that their scooter is one of the lightest on the market. To find more information about our survey, along with a full URL list of retailers, visit Scooter Weight Survey on the Monarch Mobility website.
“A lot of thought has gone into this amazing, feather-light scooter. Though “lightness” was a design priority, we refused to compromise on build quality. That’s why the Monarch Air is made from super-strong magnesium alloy and weighs in at only 14.75kg.
“Three-wheelers might be light, but they are very unforgiving on corners (even at low speeds) Some three wheelers have the motor on the front wheel also making them very difficult to climb the lowest gradient incline.
“Four wheels, on the other hand, are far more reassuring! The Monarch Air not only feels safe to operate, but it also offers the perfect driving position thanks to an adjustable tiller. Retailers can find out more by either emailing trade@monarchmobility.com or calling either Ian or Chris on 01422 323888.”
What other new products are coming up from Monarch Mobility?
“Monarch Mobility is continuously looking for new products and without giving too much away we are currently in development of a new folding scooter that will provide several elements that our customers have requested, offering stability, strength, comfort and a good cost. This new vehicle will be available by the second quarter of 2023.
“The Ezi-Fold Powerchair was recently accompanied by new additions, the Pro, Auto and Traveller.
“With a top speed of 4mph and a range of up to 10 miles, the all-new Ezi-Fold Traveller Powerchair is set to become one of the UK’s most popular powerchairs. For a start, we believe the Traveller is one of the worlds lightest powerchairs thanks to its aluminium and magnesium alloy frame.
“Agile, strong, and coming in at a featherweight 14.8kg, the Ezi-Fold Traveller is powered by two 150w brushless motors which work independently, enabling this agile powerchair to turn on the spot. The advanced design of the chassis delivers incredible strength! The acclaimed build quality of this durable machine gives it a maximum weight capacity of 16 stones!
“Light, strong, agile and capable of carrying more than five times its own weight, the incredibly strong Ezi-Fold Pro powerchair comes in at just 26kg (excluding battery) thanks to its magnesium alloy construction. The two independent motors enable the Pro to turn on the spot and deliver a top speed of 4mph with a range of up to 15 miles.
“Fitted with a remote attend and control as standard, this advanced feature allows the user to remotely “call” the Ezi-Fold Pro powerchair from a docked location. It is also extremely useful for assistants and carers, enabling them to safely reposition and manoeuvre the powerchair in confined areas.
“A great deal of thought has gone into new Ezi-Fold Auto. Like the Pro it has the capability of carrying more than five times its own weight, this incredibly strong powerchair comes in at just 27kg (excluding battery). What’s more the Ezi-Fold Auto folds automatically at the push of a button, making it ideal for car journeys.
“The two independent motors deliver a top speed of 4mph and enable the Auto to turn on the spot. Also fitted with a Remote-Control Attendant control, this advanced feature allows the user to remotely “call” the Ezi-Fold Auto powerchair from a docked location. It is also extremely useful for assistants and carers, enabling them to safely reposition and manoeuvre the powerchair in confined areas.”
Can you tell us a bit more about Monarch Mobility’s involvement with the Motability Scheme?
“Monarch Mobility has worked with the Scheme for many years as both dealer and manufacturer. In fact Monarch Mobility was on the scheme even before the Motability Scheme, as we know it, when it was known as ‘Route 2 Mobility”. The Scheme then changed in 2010. As a national supply we are well know across the UK supporting both our retail and trade dealers.
“Our products on the Scheme like Monarch have grown each year and we now supply a various range of products. These include the Smarty Folding Scooter, MobieFree Folding Scooter, Smarty Plus Folding Scooter, Monarch Air 4mph Scooter, MM4 4mph Scooter, Mini 4 4mph Scooter, MM8 8mph Scooter, Sprint8 8mph Scooter, Vogue Sport 8mph, Vogue XL 8mph, Ezi Fold Power Chair, Ezi Fold Traveller Power Chair, Ezi Fold Pro Power Chair and the Ezi Fold Auto Power Chair.”
Monarch Mobility partners with dealers all over the UK. How does the firm aim to assist its partners?
“Monarch Mobility is always looking for new partners across the UK. Our partners are a very important part of our business, unlike other suppliers we are always here to help, and our dedicated partner sales team will always assist with product training, marketing tools and after sales service.”
How important is the e-commerce side of the business and how has this been progressing?
“E-commerce is very important for Monarch Mobility, as the years go by, more and more dealers are entering the digital age and if we don’t continually develop this route to market we will be left behind. However, I still believe in the old school ways of getting that customer to touch and feel the scooter before they buy – you just can’t get a more solid sale if you tried.
“On another note, we are also seeing more online sellers who are purely drop shipping from home in their spare room, under-cutting everyone and providing zero after sales support to the consumer and the industry needs to be aware of this and act on it.
“Recently, Monarch Mobility came across this same scenario but acted upon it and Monarch Mobility no longer supplies this online seller. Unfortunately, the same online dealer who just wanted to make a quick buck now purchases from another well-known manufacturer in the UK based not far from Monarch Mobility.”
Has Monarch Mobility noticed any delays in its supply lines?
“The sector has for several years been struggling to supply products to both consumer and dealer and the common blame was COVID. Monarch Mobility suffered very little in its supply as our preparation and planning prevented such delays and our supply lines have been kept open throughout each year with very little disturbance.
“We have noticed lately that availability of certain items has increased with a warm welcome to the reduction in shipping costs.”
What are the plans for Monarch Mobility 2023?
“Our preparation for 2023 started early this year, after a very successful Naidex we rebooked our stand. At Naidex 2022 we had our biggest stand ever and 2023 will be the same. We have so many new products to show we just can’t wait. Next year we plan to grow again with our trade partners and enhance our retail customers after sales experience.
“Monarch Mobility will next year celebrate its 22nd anniversary providing care and support to the those of need of its mobility products.”
