Can a 300 Pound Electric Scooter be Carried on the Factory Trailer Hitch on a 2015 Ford Escape

Question:

I own a 2015 Ford Escape 1.6ltr Ecoboost with factory installed 2inch receiver hitch. I want to use it to haul around a Jazzy Select 6 motorized scooter on occasions. I believe the spec weight on the scooter is around 300lbs with the batteries installed. Please recommend best carrier for me and my car. I am 70 and really dont want to lift more than I have to.

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked the owner's manual for the 2015 Ford Escape and models with the 1.6 liter motor are rated for 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight meaning that the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle is just 200 pounds. Since the scooter is 300 pounds by itself you will not be able to use a hitch mounted carrier for the scooter.

The remaining option is to put the scooter on a specially designed trailer for scooters. This is the safest way to transport the scooter and puts much less stress on the vehicle.

We do not have these types of trailers but I can set you up with the other parts needed. You already have a hitch and you mentioned the receiver opening is 2 inches. If the receiver opening is indeed 2 inches then take a look at the help article I have linked on selecting a ball mount.

The ball mount we usually recommend for your Escape and a 2 inch hitch is # D-4. For a pin and clip I recommend # PC3. And for a 2 inch ball I recommend # 63845. And if the Escape does not have a trailer connector already I recommend # 118566 to add a 4-Way flat.