We selected two of the most popular and general duty Shoprider scooters for our test; the GK 10 ($2,995 MSRP CAD) with its twin 35 amp hour batteries, and the SLN ($3,995 MSRP CAD) with its dual 50s. I would pilot the GK-10 with my 195 lbs, and Joel would ride the SLN dragging his 285 lbs (chuckle). We decided on The Lochside Trail to Sidney as our test course. Town and Country Mall was to be the starting point, and the Rum Runner Pub, our finish line. Not leaving anything to chance, we packed an additional pair of 35 amp hour batteries each at our feet for insurance; an extra 60 lbs of payload per scooter. So it was Sidney or Bust here we come!

Brad and Joel on Shoprider Scooters

Having never done The Lochside Trail before, I: must say it was very scenic and interesting. I took in the natural beauty of the lakes and countryside, while Inspector Gadget (Joel) clocked our speed and location by GPS (ground positioning satellite.) Wind in our teeth, we managed a whopping average speed of 6.9 km per hour. That was darn close to the published specs on those scooters, considering payload, hills and how the road surface varied from sidewalk, to pavement, to cedar plank trestle, to gravel trail. As a footnote, The Swan and Blenkinsop trestles were a bit bumpy. So bear that in mind if you have a back condition or suffer from Osteoporosis.

Brad on the SLN model

The scooters performed flawlessly. Chair backs reclined, we cruised along as if traveling in motorized lounge chairs. Joel had to throttle back a tad, so that I could keep pace with him in the GK 10. The SLN had the speed advantage on the flats, but I could outperform him on the hills. My flat free tires afforded me travel confidence, while the full suspension SLN gave Joel the more comfortable ride. By the time we reached the Saanich Heritage Acres, of the 8 charge indicator lights on my tiller, I was down 3 and Joel was down 4. We looked at each other in disbelief. Pretty respectable battery performance, considering the distance we had traveled and the load we were carrying!

Joel on Shoprider GK-10

The last few kilometres were in the bag. We could almost taste that cool one waiting for us at the finish line. Neil checked up on us by cell phone from the office. We gave him an ETA of forty five minutes to destination. He was our ride home, and would join us for the celebration dinner. Joel and I stopped for a couple of Kodak moments before parking our scooters at The Rum Runner Pub. We had traveled 23 kilometres at an average speed of 6.9 km per hour, and a travel time of 3 hours and 18 minutes. I was down 4 of 8 charge indicator lights, and Joel was down 5.

So the next time a customer asks me How far can I go? I can say with confidence, From Victoria to Sidney with power to spare.

Article written by Brad Del Monaco of Canada Scooters

Oakville, Ontario – “For the second year in a row, Eclipse Medical has received the Award of Excellence in Medical Product Innovation as selected by health care professionals attending MEDIchair Halton’s 9th Annual New Medical Product and Educational Event,” says co-owner Kristin Courtney. “The winning innovative product among our 51 participating vendors is the Shoprider GK-10 SPIRIT Scooter.” Courtney noted that Eclipse becomes the first two-time winner of the award since its inception in 2000.

“We are very proud to be recognized by health care professionals for our product innovation,” says Jason Weinstein, General Manager of British Columbia-based Eclipse Medical Inc. Weinstein explained that the Shoprider GK-10 is a “cross-over” type scooter offering the benefits of portable mobility, stylish good looks, and performance offered by a mid-sized four-wheel scooter. Features include quick and simple disassembly (into three pieces), 35 AH batteries (can be charged out of scooter) and flat free tires.

Courtney added, “It is lovely to note that Eclipse Medical has combined its product innovation with community spirit by forming a special partnership with the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and Prostate Cancer Canada. The Shoprider GK-10 is being created in two special colours – Pink and Blue – the colours of both charities. A portion of sales of the scooter will be donated to both organizations for ongoing awareness, support and research into breast and prostate cancer in Canada.”

Shoprider Scooter GK-10

Eclipse Medical Inc. the Canadian distributor of Shoprider Mobility products in Canada, today announced it will be releasing the new SHOPRIDER GK-10 SPIRIT scooter into the Canadian Marketplace. The

Shoprider GK-10 is a “cross-over” type scooter offering the benefits of portable mobility with the perfect blend of style and performance offered by a mid-sized 4 wheel scooter. Shoprider users can enjoy quick and simple disassembly for transporting along with 35 Ah batteries, flat free tires and light package.

Eclipse Medical is also pleased to announce a special partnership with the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and Prostate Cancer Canada. The Shoprider GK-10 will be released in two special colours, Pink and Blue. Proceeds from the sale of each Shoprider GK-10 SPIRIT scooter will be donated to these respective organizations to aid them in the awareness of, and support and research into, breast and prostate cancer in Canada. “Together we care, Together we support”.

About Eclipse Medical

Eclipse Medical provides distribution of mobility products and daily living aids within Canada. By partnering with our dealer network throughout Canada we offer exceptional sales, service and parts on our products which include Shoprider Scooters, Shoprider Power Chairs, Scooter Accessories and Eclipse Lift Chairs. More information is available at www.eclipsemedical.com