Spending time in nature is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. Most studies on nature and well-being look at green spaces like parks and forests, but researchers are also beginning to look at blue spaces – places with ocean and river views. However, you don’t need a picture-perfect outdoor experience to get the benefits of nature. Seventy percent of respondents to a Mental Health America Connection Survey reported wishing they had more time outdoors. The brand-new Pride Mobility PX4 is going to take you about anywhere you want to go.

Mobility is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and for those who may have mobility challenges, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. Pride Mobility USA has been a trusted name in the mobility industry for years, and their PX4 scooter is no exception. This scooter blows the doors off whatever your preconceptions of a mobility scooter might have been. For that reason, we are going to discuss in a little more detail what makes the PX4 different, unique and a must-have for the scooter connoisseur.

 

A Lot of Firsts

The PX4 is the first of its kind to utilize Near-field communication technology (NFC) for its ignition system. Simply wave an NFC key fob near the receiver to start the scooter. This is an industry first safety feature leaving you the freedom to park anywhere you like. It is easy, secure, and assured to enhance the user experience. The PX4 is the first to utilize a full wrap around tiller system, allowing the user to grip at any angle they find comfortable. Pride was not finished with innovation though. The tiller system’s fulcrum point is midway up the tiller, not at or near the base. This allows full adjustment of the tiller without affecting overall leg room of the user. This is huge! As you will see in the video, our friend Stan had no problem at all sitting and riding comfortably in the PX4. He did have a little trouble getting up a 45° bank, but it was very slick. The mirrors mark a radical change from past mobility scooters. Instead of the mirrors attached to the top of the tiller they are attached to the tiller frame, giving the rider a much wider field of vision.

 

And There is More

Thirteen-inch pneumatic tires guarantee good traction in any terrain. Three-and-a-half-inch ground clearance at the motor ensures you can get through a wide range of trails, paths, pastures, and fields. The base width of 28” is just wide enough without being too wide. It allows for easy on and off but provides plenty of room for the ride. The seat size is variable to best fit you – 18”x18-20”, 20”x 18-20” or 22”x20-22”. It is a high back captains seat providing superior support and comfort down to the last stitch. The Pride PX4 has a top speed of 9.3 mph, getting you to your destination in a hurry. The 12V, 75Ah batteries deliver a whopping 23.4 miles on a single charge. Historically your greatest distance challenges can now be conquered easily, comfortably, and quicker than ever. The new PX4 LED lighting package gives you greater visibility than any of its predecessors. Pride says the turning radius is 82” but it seems tighter than that – especially at faster speeds. One of the high points in our testing of this 351-pound scooter was the lower center of gravity, thus making it safer than other comparable models. The maximum carry weight of the PX4 is 500 pounds. The scooter comes in Satin Aluminum, Dark Violet, Red, Peacock Blue, and Sunflower.

Why This is Important

Pride Mobility is the largest producer of mobility scooters in the world today. They have been at the forefront of scooter research and design for several years. The PX4 is the result of years of research and design. The console was developed with water-resistant instruments further promoting moisture from reaching the components inside. While you still must be careful with rain, excessive water, puddles, etc., the PX4 and it’s 3.5” ground clearance at the motor provides the best ‘all-terrain’ electric scooter we have seen to date. We are expecting it to be a top seller with individuals that have larger yards, farms or have access to trails, state, and national parks.

 

The PX4 and NationaParks

The United States has the most picturesque national park system in the world. You can go from park to park and experience completely different and unique terrain, landscapes, and wildlife. So, we did some digging to see which parks might offer the best experience for you on your new PX4.

  • Yellowstone

The oldest and arguably the most famous of all the US Parks, Yellowstone, is 1,300+ square miles of Western beauty. With 452 miles of road and lots of traffic in peak season it can take a while to see it all. But what we like for you and your PX4 is over 15 miles of boardwalk, including 13 self-guiding trails. There are over 1,000 miles of backcountry hiking trails that will be fun and rewarding on your PX4. You can experience elk, 285 species of birds, Canada lynx, grizzly bears, and much more. There are over 1,800 know archeological sites and 840 historic buildings. There are nine hotels and lodges. Lots of opportunities for off road adventure.

  • Acadia

Often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast”. Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rock headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States. It is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States and has over 158 miles hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Hiking opportunities at Acadia are seemingly endless on more than 150 miles of trails. Immerse yourself in forests, walk along rocky coastlines, or stand on exposed mountain tops – sometimes all in one hike. Some of these hikes are accessible via your PX4. Don’t be fooled by the height of the park’s mountains; challenging hikes climb from sea level to summits. If a leisurely stroll along the coast or around a lake is more your pace, there are plenty of easier, more level options. Many trails can also be combined with walks on the carriage roads and dirt fire roads.

  • Grand Canyon National Park

Absolutely one of our greatest treasures. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the Grand Canyon’s rock walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River continues to carve away at the rugged landscape. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. There are beautiful views along the South Rim, where Grand Canyon Village, is located. This is the most popular visitor area with plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night in area hotels. The North Rim is also very popular with Bright Angel Trail taking you 4,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon and the Skywalk which takes visitors out over the rim on a glass bridge that’s 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Bright Angel Trail is certainly accessible with your PX 4 though you may not want to venture too far down the path. It is steep, probably 30° each way. Remember that mileage estimates on scooters are given based on flat surface riding. Air tours are available, around the rim tours via mules and you can raft the canyon. There is so much beauty to see – quite a bit via your PX4 but many other options are available.

  • Denali National Park

Denali National Park was created for one main reason: to protect Dall sheep. Today Denali is a 92-mile-long road that splits the park in half. Along those 92 miles you will see some of the most awe-inspiring beauty you will ever see in a lifetime. There are some trails for you and your PX4, most of which are three miles or less and near the park entrance. You can expect to see bear, moose, caribou, sheep, and wolves during your visit.

In Conclusion

We covered these parks because these are four of the most five ADA friendly parks so it stands to reason that they would be the best parks for a Pride PX4 experience. It also conveys our conviction that the PX4 is one of the best electric scooters we have ever tested and with Pride’s track record and large production capacity we know it is going to be a long-term durable scooter product.

We didn’t even touch on state parks. Here in South Carolina, we are blessed to have 52 beautiful state parks that offer hiking, mountain biking, camping and much more. Many states do have such park availability, some have more. The point is to emphasize the potential to get outside and do so much more with a Pride PX4 than maybe you ever thought possible. That is our dream for you.

Affordable Medical Equipment and Mobility Solutions operate in West Columbia, S.C. and are open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 5: pm EST. Our phone number is 803-926-1493 and our website is www.affordablemedicalusa.com. We invite you to visit our showroom anytime or call us with any questions you may have about our products. We look forward to serving you.