Many regular mobility scooters are designed exclusively for use on paved surfaces. While such scooters are comfortable to ride downtown, they’re unreliable when you need to run an errand that involves venturing across grass, sand, or gravel.
Fortunately, the Baja Wrangler 2 by Pride Mobility came as a welcome relief for people looking for an epic off-road experience.
The Baja Wrangler 2 has all the features that make it suitable for going on off-road adventures. Its large pneumatic tires provide a firm grip, while its elevated all-round suspension makes it comfortable to ride on uneven grounds.
The Baja is also constructed from materials durable enough to absorb high-impact shocks. Moreover, its high frame improves balance when cruising on rough terrain.
However, certain precautions are necessary to safely ride the Baja Wrangler 2 off-road. Below are five safety measures to take when going on an off-road cruise in Pride Mobility’s Baja Wrangler 2.
1. Invest In Safety Accessories
Off-road mobility scooters are an excellent investment for people who spend a lot of time on these motorcycles.
Premium off-road mobility scooters like the Baja Wrangler 2 let you access spots that are otherwise out of bounds for smaller, lighter-duty scooters. You can even explore hidden gems off the beaten path.
But despite the thrill of off-roading in the Baja Wrangler 2, riding on rough terrains can present inherent risks. The surest way to avoid those hazards is by investing in essential safety accessories.
Pride Mobility designed their Baja Wrangler 2 with an anti-tip, anti-rollback system to minimize accidents while cruising on uneven paths. Besides, the scooter has a backup sensor that detects obstacles when reversing.
It’s great to know you can enhance your Baja’s safety further by installing the necessary accessories. These include headlights, turn signals, horns, rear-view mirrors, and warning flags.
2. Properly Inflate the Tires
The Baja Wrangler’s tires are the scooter’s main contact point with the ground. So, it requires all the maintenance it can get.
The Baja Wrangler 2 stands out for its large tires, with a diameter of 14.5 inches (370 millimeters). Larger tires translate to a higher ground clearance, making it easy to cruise over smaller roadway obstacles like rocks and tree stumps.
The Baja’s tires also boast an excellent grip. This minimizes slips and roll-overs when cruising along graveled, wet, or icy terrains. A wide frame further improves the scooter’s balance during your off-road adventures.
However, it’s important to check your Baja’s tire pressure before embarking on an off-road trip. Keep the front tire pressure around 25 – 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and the rear pressure 30 – 35 psi.
Also, while the Baja’s tires can last three years or more, check them routinely for signs of wear and replace them if necessary.
3. Slow Down
Speed thrills, but it also kills.
After getting your first Baja Wrangler 2, your first instinct may be to ride the scooter at top speeds (up to 11 miles per hour). However, it’s probably safer to slow things down.
Statistics indicate that mobility scooter accidents have risen considerably across the United States over the years, and speed accounts for a significant percentage of associated injuries and fatalities.
Many experts consider 4 – 8 miles per second as the ideal mobility scooter speed. Aim for an even lower speed when cruising off-road in your Baja Wrangler 2.
In the same vein, slow down before making a turn. Despite the Baja’s many off-road capabilities, the scooter’s turning radius of 94.75″ makes it unideal for making sharp turns and even more dangerous if doing so at top speeds.
4. Maintain Situational Awareness At All Times
Off-roading means you have the roadways all to yourself, right? Well, not quite.
While you’re unlikely to encounter traffic snarl-ups or huge crowds of people, off-roading in a Baja Wrangler 2 presents a new challenge – uneven ground.
Riding on rough terrain calls for heightened situational awareness. You could hit a roadway rock or plunge into a puddle without warning. It’s only worse during rainfall, snowfall, or other adverse conditions.
Besides, there could be other mobility scooters following similar paths. Therefore, ride as defensively as you can.
Don’t forget to slow down if reentering busy streets or walkways to avoid hitting oncoming people or traffic.
5. Maintain the Brakes and Electrical Systems
The Baja Wrangler 2 features a hydraulic hand brake designed with a regenerative braking system, which harnesses the scooter’s motion energy to slow it down.
While regenerative braking is easier on your Baja’s brake pads, it’s less effective at stopping the scooter than traditional mechanical braking. That underscores the significance of ongoing brake maintenance.
Be sure to test your Baja Wrangler 2’s braking system before hitting the road. Check the brake’s efficacy under dry and wet conditions.
Also, it’s best to avoid off-roading during heavy precipitation or riding through puddles.
Water can cause undue damage to your Baja’s electrical system, including the motor, batteries, and control panel.
Summary
Pride Mobility’s Baja Wrangler 2 is an excellent pick for the most reliable off-road mobility scooter. From its wide pneumatic tires to elevated suspension, the Baja Wrangler is engineered to brave the vagaries of off-road cruising.
It’s great to know that you can further enhance your Baja’s off-road capabilities by implementing the above measures.
Above all, remember to ride your Baja Wrangler 2 defensively to avoid running into unpleasant road incidents. That entails cruising at reasonably low speeds and repairing or replacing worn-out parts.
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