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Author Topic: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter  (Read 3731 times)

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Offline mhurt

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Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« on: 24, September, 2012 - 19:08:44 »
This one is a bit out there but....

I use my C5 as an altnative to my powered wheelchair or walking frame when ill. My legs work, I just don't stay upright very long due to balance loss (imagine getting sozzled and then going on the Waltzers - but lasting 1-12 weeks at a time) :)

So, I use my C5 for exercise and getting around, but most of the parks, the town centre (pedestrianised area) and other places I often go are a no-go area for cycles unless you want a fine.
I'm thinking of applying to register the C5 as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter - these are allowed to do 4mph on pavements and 8mph on the road. There will be some issues around the 15mph of the C5 on the road, but I reckon it's worth a shot as its already allowed to do that on the roads under motor alone.

The only stumbling block I can see at the moment is how to limit the motor speed to 4mph on pavements - any ideas?
If I can manage that, I might be able to convince the DVLA - if not, I haven't lost anything :)

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #1 on: 24, September, 2012 - 20:40:34 »
Hi there could convert your C5 to a 12 volt throttle control and turn down the speed to what you want .....
and fit a speedometer
« Last Edit: 24, September, 2012 - 20:43:56 by C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER »

Offline mhurt

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #2 on: 24, September, 2012 - 20:45:17 »
Heh, I thought about that, but have a feeling they will want to inspect it first - unless I can make the throttle stop at certain positions - will have another think about how to achieve that

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #3 on: 24, September, 2012 - 20:54:56 »
Hi I will have a go at looking at it and trying to solve the problem ..bye Chas (ps do you want the C5 to do 4 mph all the time)

Offline mhurt

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #4 on: 24, September, 2012 - 21:08:21 »
Not all the time - just needs to be switchable to 4mph for pavement use.
I've thought about using a scooter motor on the c5 to get up steep hills as they provide more torque, so maybe that's the best option - work out a way to do that, and have it on a separate switch for uphill/pavement use.

Karl

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #5 on: 25, September, 2012 - 07:48:46 »
Hi I will have a go at looking at it and trying to solve the problem ..bye Chas (ps do you want the C5 to do 4 mph all the time)

nice one Chas  8)

Offline mhurt

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #6 on: 25, September, 2012 - 08:45:43 »
Hi I will have a go at looking at it and trying to solve the problem ..bye Chas (ps do you want the C5 to do 4 mph all the time)

nice one Chas  8)

He is a legend, isn't he :D

Offline Lancealot

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #7 on: 25, September, 2012 - 12:15:55 »
Hi all,

My suggestion is to use a 3 way switch. Using Chas's throttle idea via a 12v speed controller, is that most throttle use a variable resistor 10kR. By using the centre tag of the switch as the common the other tagges with a relevant resistor in series (2.6kR for 4mph and 5.3kR for 8mph) - these values depends on the controlller requiring 10KR for full speed.

Hope this helps

Lance

Offline rekooh99

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #8 on: 25, September, 2012 - 16:31:55 »
How about the speed controller kit for sale on ebay at the moment might have all the bits you need

Offline mhurt

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #9 on: 25, September, 2012 - 16:58:51 »
Will have a look thanks, been a bit busy today so not had chance to look into things :)

Offline Lancealot

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #10 on: 26, September, 2012 - 21:20:43 »
Stay away from the controller that is in bits on ebay it is only rated at 30A.

The motor draws more than that (even though its label says 29A) especially when you put full strain i.e up hill.

Lance

Offline KarlG

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #11 on: 24, October, 2012 - 01:14:29 »
Hi Lance,

do you have any hard and fast figures for the peak current drawn under heavy loads?

Offline C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #12 on: 24, October, 2012 - 08:36:04 »
Hi Karl there are documents relating to peak current drawn under heavy loads...not sure if they are what you want ??????????
Chas

Offline KarlG

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #13 on: 24, October, 2012 - 14:00:24 »
Hi Chas,

I'm looking for info relating to C5 motor Peak current rating under load.

Offline Lancealot

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Re: Getting a c5 classified as a Class 3 Mobility Scooter
« Reply #14 on: 27, October, 2012 - 08:48:48 »
Hi KarlG,

Have a look at [url]http://c5alive.co.uk/oldstuff/pub/downloads/C5-UnofficialServiceManual.pdf[url]

It talks about 50Amps which is why the cheaper controllers blow the power transistors at approx 30Amps.

The 24v that most people use has a peak capacity of 80Amps.

Hope this helps Lance