Worksop man attempts trip across USA on a mobility scooter

A Worksop man is attempting to cross the entire width of the United States on a mobility scooter with a maximum speed of 15mph.
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Thomas Stanniland set out from Los Angeles, California, on November 16 planning to complete his almost 3,000 mile journey in New York City in about a month.

Youtuber Thomas is well-known for his crazy antics including one in which he sent a burger to outer space from Sheffield - which landed 100 miles away inside Colchester United’s stadium.

Thomas, who describes himself as an “amateur crazy man”, plans to cover about 100 miles per day during the American trip - stopping at hotels and motels for sleep en-route.

Thomas Stanniland setting off from Los Angeles.Thomas Stanniland setting off from Los Angeles.
Thomas Stanniland setting off from Los Angeles.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to cross America so I thought I’d do it in style.

“No one has ever crossed the whole country in a mobility scooter before - so I hope to be the first.”

“The scooter goes up to 15 miles an hour on flat ground but it’s not very fast uphill so I might struggle in some places.

Thomas has chosen to travel light for his epic trip - with just a few clothes, water, a puncture repair kit, a few tools and some extra screws.

Thomas Stanniland embarking from Los AngelesThomas Stanniland embarking from Los Angeles
Thomas Stanniland embarking from Los Angeles
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“I also have a good old American flag hanging off the back,” he said.

He added: “I’m wearing shorts and t-shirt at the moment because I’m in LA but I have extra layers for when I get to colder climates.

“I’ll probably need to stop and buy a warmer jacket before I reach New York - I hear it gets pretty cold there in December.”

Thomas Stanniland set out from Los Angeles, California, on November 16Thomas Stanniland set out from Los Angeles, California, on November 16
Thomas Stanniland set out from Los Angeles, California, on November 16

Less than a week into his journey Thomas has already experienced battery problems with his mobility scooter so he was forced to stop and to get a generator.

“I didn’t want to get stranded in the desert so I had to make sure I have enough power to get me from place to place.

“I expect that hills, poor roads and bad weather like snow will be a problem later on - we’ll see what happens.”

More of Thomas' antics can be seen on his YouTube channel Killem.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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