Rhino Dog Scooters - Urban Mushing

I have had a couple of chances to try out the ATV (All Terrain) scooter so far. The rear step-on brake makes a really nice gentle drag brake (speed reducer). From looking at the pictures, I thought it would be hard to step on the rear brake and make a nice even pressure to control the dogs speed. In reality, it is quite comfortable to stand on the scooter with pressure on the brake. Works great. What the rear brake can do for me right now is really stop. I can stand on it with all my weight (115 lbs.), and we’re still moving if the dogs are motivated. If we’re on the gentle downhill, the dogs don even slow down to a trot-they’re still at a run with me standing on the brake. My two dogs are 56 lbs. (retriever) and 52 lbs. (short haired pointer mix).

So far I only recommend the scooter for use with one dog, and not a really powerful one.

But, I going to look at ways to improve the braking. I was thinking maybe taking some rubber and bolt it to the face of the brake so that it rubber against rubber for the rear wheel brake. That should work better as long as the grass isn wet. I will tell you if I come up with anything.

Heather.

From Ottawa, Canada on Sep. 14, 2001

Hi Kaz,

It is Heather here from Ottawa, Canada. Now that the weather is cooling off, I have taken the ATV scooter out for some great runs with the dogs. I pleased with the way it handles rough terrain - the clearance is fairly low because it a scooter, but it has a sturdy skid plate so that it just slides over large lumps. I have improved the brake by drilling holes in the brake lever and attaching a longer piece of heavy steel. Now when I stand on the brake I can lock up the back wheel, at least on gravel. On pavement I can not quite lock the wheel so the dogs can still pull forward a bit - but works well enough for my two dogs. I am

114 pounds, so perhaps a heavier person would get more leverage out of the brake as ordinary designed. For me, the original brake did not even provide enough leverage to stop going down a hill. If there is a re-design in the works, please consider putting in a longer brake bar with more bend to it, so that there is lots of distance for it to move before it hits the foot plate. It should put a big dent in the tire when fully applied. I am not sure any customers using your scooter at ski hills would appreciate this as well. Overall I am much impressed by the rugged construction. Hope they are selling well. Will send a photo when I get one.

Heather

ec088768@eisa.com

2. Comments from Jane of Alaska, July 29, 2001

Hi Kaz,

Just wanted you to know I am enjoying my scooter and will send pictures of my dog pulling me as soon as they are developed.

I scooter with two Siberian Husky sled dogs, and our biggest problem is that the weather is too warm for these dogs to work hard. In the fall when the temperature is closer to 50F we will be able to go faster and farther.

I am not having problems with the brakes. I wonder if your customer in Canada has enough air pressure in her tires. I do not think better brakes will stop a team of dogs anyway, since the scooter is too light and could easily be dragged with the wheels locked.

I use the brake to keep the scooter from hitting the dogs when they slow down or stop. I never try to slow the dogs down with the brake, because I use voice commands for slowing down and stopping.

My friends and I are impressed with how well this scooter handles in loose gravel and on trails with big rocks. It is very solid, and I do not worry about it coming apart on even the roughest rides.

The only thing I have added to the scooter are reflectors and a flashing red light on the front. I run the scooter on public roads, and need to be seen by cars and people who are walking.

I will write again later.

Jane

Janef@gci.net

click to enlarge

Rhino All Terrain Scooter (chrome is not available.)

Rhino All Terrain Scooter

Jane rides her Rhino All Terrain

Scooter with her Siberian Husky

dogs.

3. Comments from Nichole from Quarts Hill, Ca on Oct. 5, 2001

Hi there,

I just stopped by your website for the first time in several months and I wanted to say what a nice job and how much I like the improvements and changes.

I particularly enjoyed the section on using your scooters with dogs. When I bought my scooter several months ago it wag with the intention of using it to do some specific lead dog training one on one with my various dogs. I can honestly say I have not been disappointed. Your scooters are beautifully made and hold up well to the extra punishment this kind of use put them through. In my case I am running my team in the Antelope Valley and the desert terrain (in some places deep sand and bushes with thorns) makes anything with less durable wheels a poor choice.

When I purchased my scooter the only concern I had was with the braking system. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it out. It works well for keeping the scooter from accidentally bumping the dogs and provides enough drag to slow them down slightly when needed. I have run my adult team ( a Siberian, a Malamute, and a Korean Jindo) with the scooter and even with that much power the brake was adequate. These dogs can drag my 140 pound cart with the wheels locked down so I never expected the brake on the scooter to stop them. I am fortunate to have a well trained team...I would not suggest anyone try running more than one dog in front of a scooter unless they are very well trained.

While the braking system currently on the scooter does work reasonably well, I was wondering if there is any way to rig a hand brake as well. I have at times found myself using my back foot for balance (turning corners at speed and such) and at the same time needing to brake. A hand operated brake would make this possible. If you ever do develop a hand braking system for this scooter please be sure to let me know. It would make this currently wonderful scooter absolutely perfect.

I recently added a Malamute pup to my team and have been using my scooter extensively for his initial training. It has been an enormous help, allowing him to pull without adding enough weight to stress his still growing body. The scooter is an excellent alternative to my big cart. I have to compliment the durability of your scooter here as well...my pup has yet to truly learn to STOP pulling and not only did the scooter survive being drug 10 feet on its side (with me standing on top and the handle bar buried in the sand) but it was totally undamaged and the paint did not even scratch.

Thank you again for such an excellent, well made produce.

Nichole

tarotrats@juno.com

www.recycled_rodent.homestead.com

www.tarotrats.homestead.com

I'm waiting for Ann's photos.

4. Ann Steer, Maxville, Canada Oct. 25, 2001

1^st. Mail

Have just ordered a red all-terrain scooter from you based on my friend Heather recommendations. I too will be using it for dog scootering behind my rocket dog. I am sure I will be modifying the brake as well.

Please, can you tell me how long it takes to ship? I will be visiting the shipping address in about 10 days and want to make sure that it is there. Thanks, and I am looking forward to my scooter.

Ann Steer and Havoc (1-dog skijoring ISDRA bronze-medallists) http://www.isdra.org/ International Sled Dog Association

2^nd Mail

Certainly, I borrowed Heather scooter for a feature that was done on us for the Discovery Channel Eit will not air until sometime next year Ebut the film crew was really impressed with both the dog and the scooter Eat one point EHavoc pulled me on the scooter with the cameraman crouched down in front of me on the scooter as well Eand we were flying EI get a kick out of those comments who say Ebrakes are fine EI just use voice to slow down my dog EHa Ewhen you have rocket dog Eyou need to be able to add some resistance so that the dog knows you mean business when you say hoa!Enbsp; Basically, Heather has lengthened the brake pedal so she can apply more force Eperhaps facing the part that comes in contact with the tire with something a bit more abrasive might work EI will let you know when I get it. Thanks for your efforts to get it there as soon as possible.

Ann

ASteer@icao.int

Every part of Rhino Scooter is pre-assembled except the handle. There is a choice of red, blue, black, yellow or metallic dark grey. Not all items available in all colors. Check individual items for available colors. When you receive your scooter by delivery, the scooter is practically ready to go! Please click here to find a price list and order form.

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