Stan Robinson, 83 from Christchurch in Dorset, can now access the seafront he loves thanks to his TGA Breeze S4.
Before retirement, Stan was a draughtsman and during the 1960’s was involved with designing the world’s first travellator at Gatwick airport and was chief lift engineer on projects at the Bank of England and Wembley Stadium.
Outside of work, Stan has always been an avid motorsport fan and competed in numerous rallies, hill climbs and sprints. He was approached to drive for Skoda in their first RAC rally (where they won their class), however he declined as his career was just taking off and, in those days, motorsport wasn’t a very reliable source of income. Stan also used his engineering training to become a Jaguar mechanic specialising in engine rebuilds as a part time hobby. He met Sir Stirling Moss several times at various circuits and once at the Goodwood Revival – enjoying a picnic in the pits with him and Phil Hill.
Stan has always been a ‘Jag man’ and said he’s ‘able to spot quality engineering’. This led to him choosing a TGA Breeze S4 to remain mobile in and around Christchurch. His mobility scooter has become even more vital during lockdown as he is still able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air whilst social distancing on his riverbank. He said: “My S4 is my main transport these days”
“My main problem is severe arthritis in both legs which limits my mobility. I think I’ve had nine scooters, however my S4 is by far the best. I’ve had 85ah batteries fitted which on a hot day gives me 40+ miles on one charge. Best decision ever to come and live here right next to the river Stour with direct access to Bernard’s Mead – a delightful riverside 20-acre meadow – making my TGA scooter more priceless now than ever before.”
Stan continues: “Before owning my Breeze I rebuilt several old scooters over a four-year period, one scooter stored in a chicken coup, one covered in dung and a product that blew up – all of which I fixed or sold for parts. This gave me a good understanding of them and what to look out for. I tried various models, but the Breeze was so much better, like a Rolls-Royce compared to the others. Sitting on it gave an immediate feeling of comfort and power. As a tall chap, 6’4”, I needed a large and fully adjustable scooter. The Breeze gave me the ability to adventure off-road and drive to the coast with confidence. In Christchurch or Bournemouth you can open up the throttle on the 7-mile promenade when its quiet which is a great feeling. Now once more, my 13-year-old granddaughter can ride her bike alongside me – she thinks the scooter is in her words ‘cool’.”
With the lockdown now easing, Stan continues to access the riverbank by his park home as he concludes: “My Breeze has transformed both our lives. My wife can go out and do what she wants, and I can go off independently without help or her worrying about me. Or we can go out together. I feel sorry for couples where the partner has to drive their spouse everywhere.”
I’ve never got stuck on my Breeze and never felt like I’m going to tip over. My other scooters couldn’t cope and one went over backwards tipping me off. I’m free to travel for miles – Barton-on-sea / Sandbanks are both within reach or I go and fly one of my model aircrafts there. It really didn’t make sense for me to continue driving a car as I was doing less than 2,000 miles a year. We can go out in my wife’s small car if needed but the fun of driving my scooter anywhere there’s a path or track is far more liberating.”
