What is Shabbat Mode on Mobility Scooters?

If you are in the market for a mobility scooter, you may have come across some models that offer “Shabbat Mode.” In fact, some of the most frequently asked questions we hear are, “What is a Shabbat Mode upgrade?” and “Do I need it?”. Most times, if you are unsure of what precisely a Shabbat Mode upgrade is, you probably do not require it on your scooter. In short, Shabbat Mode was formulated for members of the Orthodox Jewish community to use their scooters on the Sabbath day. In this post, we will outline the basics/technology of Shabbat Mode and some models with the upgrade available.

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What is Shabbat Mode?

Shabbat Mode is a significant halachic-technical advancement, assisting members of the Orthodox Jewish community who rely on their powered mobility devices. Every week, Orthodox Jews observe the Sabbath day, from just before sundown on Friday night until nightfall on Saturday. This practice commemorates God’s day of rest following his six days of Creation; therefore, the Sabbath is a weekly day of rest. During this time, there is a “no work” obligation, which restricts the use of any electricity, automobiles, or regular mobility devices. This proves to be very difficult for those who suffer from limited mobility. Especially if they require their scooter to complete basic daily living skills or get to/from the synagogue.

However, Shabbat Mode has enabled mobility scooter users to operate their devices on the Sabbath day, while simultaneously fulfilling the no “work” requirement. Mobility scooters with a Shabbat Mode upgrade come with a toggle switch. Right before the Sabbath begins, users can switch their scooters into Shabbat Mode. In Shabbat Mode, the driver is not required to activate the throttle. With the help of a special timing circuit, there is a 10-second delay of movement. Then, the driver can utilize the scooter by indirect operation or “gramma”. Users merely change the level of the current, they do not switch the electrical components on or off, which is permitted on the Sabbath. Additionally, all scooters with Shabbat Mode are approved by a Zomet Institute representative and embossed with an official Shabbat sticker.

Shabbat Mode Mobility Scooters:

Amigo Mobility

One of the most widely known manufacturers of Shabbat scooters is Amigo Mobility. They have an outstanding reputation for producing long-lasting scooters. Most notably, Amigo is one of the few brands that manufacture all their scooters in the United States. They offer three different models with a Shabbat Mode upgrade available: the RT Express, RD, and HD. All three scooters are stable, reliable, and have 3-wheels for easy maneuvering. With the addition of Shabbat mode, Orthodox Jewish users can enjoy their Zomet Institute-approved Amigo Mobility scooter every day of the week, including the Sabbath!

 

The RT Express

The RT Express is the smallest Shabbat scooter available from Amigo, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. It has a top speed of 5 MPH and a generous travel range of 22 miles per charge. The RT comes standard with a comfortable and fully rotatable 18-inch wide seat. However, there are two additional seating options including an 18.5-inch wide or high-back seat. The tiller is fully adjustable to ensure maximum comfort and is equipped with a LED battery gauge and speed control.

The RD

Amigo’s RD model is a more mid-sized scooter that can handle both an indoor and outdoor environment. It has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds and multiple seating options, including a high-back seat or a wide seat. The RD features a fully adjustable tiller, rotating seat, and flip-up armrests for easier entrance and exit from the scooter. It has a top speed of 5.9 MPH and can travel up to 35 miles on a single charge. Due to the unit weighing about 162 pounds, these specifications are quite useful for those who prefer to ride their scooter to/from their destinations, rather than purchasing a vehicle lift.

The HD

The HD model is Amigo’s heavy-duty and largest Shabbat scooter. It can handle some rougher outdoor terrain than its counterparts and has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. It can go up to 5 MPH with a travel range of up to 30 miles per charge. Similarly to the RD model, the HD weighs about 186 pounds, which is too heavy for lifting or transporting inside a car. You can ride the scooter to and from your destination or install a vehicle lift for long-range transportation.

Afikim Electric Vehicles

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty scooter, one of Afikim’s Afiscooters with a Shabbat Mode upgrade is a perfect option. Since 1978, they have revolutionized the mobility industry with their impressive and high-quality models. Additionally, the Afiscooters are engineered in Israel and every Shabbat model is approved by a representative of the Zomet Institute!

Afikim has four available Shabbat Mode scooters: the C3, C4, S3, and S4. The C models are more compact units and are better for maneuvering indoors while the S models are larger and unrivaled in their outdoor performance. By far, the most unique characteristic of the Afiscooters is the ability to customize many of its components. There are multiple seating options to choose from, including a dual seat on select models. Most notably, you can upgrade the SLA batteries to high-capacity Dakota Lithium batteries, which can go up to 100 miles per charge! With the addition of Shabbat Mode, you can ride your Afiscooter all day, every day.

 

To learn more about the Afiscooters, visit their product page here: https://www.mobilityscootersdirect.com/mobility-scooters/search-by-brand/afikim.html

Final Thoughts

In the past, members of the Orthodox Jewish community who consistently relied on their mobility scooters would encounter a monumental loss of mobility on the Sabbath. However, with the creation of Shabbat Mode, Orthodox Jews are now able to take advantage of this halachic-technical solution. Remaining mobile on the Sabbath has never been easier! If you have any questions or inquiries, you can feel free to reach out to us. We have non-commissioned sales experts ready to help find the right scooter for you.

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