ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 560

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The SHABBATTO: Mobility Meets Halacha

A mobility scooter on Shabbat? Yes, really. With SHABBATTO, independence, halacha, and religious life go hand in hand.

Freedom for the Holidays – Enjoying Passover with No Compromises

For observant Jews with mobility challenges, Shabbat and holidays often meant difficult choices—stay home, rely on others, or miss out on prayers and family gatherings. The SHABBATTO by Movinglife changes that, offering a groundbreaking solution that allows for independent mobility while respecting religious laws.

As Passover approaches—a time of family gatherings and festive meals—mobility issues can add stress, limiting participation in Seders, synagogue services, and outings. With the SHABBATTO’s special mode, users can now fully enjoy the holiday without worrying about accessibility, freeing them and their loved ones to focus on the joy of the celebration.

Halachically Approved Mobility – First of Its Kind

The SHABBATTO is not just an ordinary mobility scooter. Developed in Israel by Movinglife in close collaboration with the renowned Zomet Institute, it is the world’s most advanced foldable scooter halachically approved for use on Shabbat. In simple terms, it has been rigorously engineered so its use does not violate Jewish law. This product is the result of a partnership that fused technology with tradition – resulting in a scooter observant Jews can ride without worry or guilt on Shabbat.

Currently the ONLY Shabbat mobility scooter approved for use on Shabbat by STAR-K.

Movinglife, also partnered with the Star-K kosher certification agency to develop the SHABBATTO mobility scooter with a unique “Shabbat Mode” for observant Jews with mobility challenges. In seeking approval for Shabbat use, Movinglife met with Star-K’s rabbinic authority, Rav Moshe Heinemann, and programmed the scooter’s Shabbat mechanism according to detailed halachic guidelines he provided. After making minor adjustments and passing Star-K’s testing, the SHABBATTO became the only mobility scooter approved by Star-K for Shabbat use. This Star-K approval means the scooter can be used on Shabbat by those designated as cholim, allowing them to attend synagogue and participate in community life without violating Shabbat.

What makes the SHABBATTO halachically permissible? 

The secret lies in a proprietary Shabbat control mechanism. Unlike standard electric scooters that would violate the laws of Shabbat by completing circuits and generating new current, the SHABBATTO employs an ingenious workaround. Before Shabbat begins, the user activates a special Shabbat-mode controller attached to the handlebar. The scooter’s motor then enters a low-power “crawl” state, humming at minimal power continuously in the background. On Shabbat itself, when the rider wants to move, they are not starting the motor – that was done beforehand. Instead, they simply adjust the level of an already flowing current, meaning the scooter is technically already on and no new circuit is started. This continuous current modification ensures no Shabbat laws are violated.

Who Can Use the SHABBATTO and How Can They Use It?

The SHABBATTO mobility scooter may only be used on Shabbat by individuals classified as cholim—those who cannot engage in normal Shabbat activities due to mobility limitations as determined by a qualified Orthodox rabbi. The scooter is permitted for use only within an area enclosed by a kosher eruv and in communities where local rabbinic authorities approve its use. Its Shabbat Mode operates based on grama, an indirect cause of a forbidden action on Shabbat. It follows the halachic principles outlined by Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l, ensuring that movement occurs only after a brief delay. The mechanical hand brakes function like those on a bicycle, making them permissible for Shabbat use. Additionally, users must display a sign indicating their status as a choleh to avoid misconceptions about violating Shabbat. While in Shabbat Mode, all electronic controls activate only after a delay, except for the emergency horn, which may be used only in urgent situations.

What Makes the Shabbatto Unique?

Unlike other mobility scooters, our Shabbat mechanism can easily be installed by the user without tools, protecting the scooter’s integrity, functionality, and warranty. No outside installation or service is required; a savings of $1200). The Shabbat control mechanism is a small external attachment that can be plugged in and out in seconds, making it easy to transport when traveling, although many people prefer to leave it in all the time. Essentially, you have a state-of-the-art mobility scooter Sunday through Friday, and when Shabbat or Yom Tov arrives, you just snap on the controller, and you’re Shabbat-ready. It’s a seamless blend of modern technology with timeless tradition.

A Life Transformed: Michael’s Journey Back to Independence

For many, the impact of the SHABBATTO isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. Michael had always been an active member of his community, but a stroke two years ago left him partially paralyzed. Suddenly, walking to synagogue was impossible. Each Friday evening he stayed home, listening to the distant prayers he longed to join, feeling as if he’d lost a piece of his soul. His family tried to help by taking turns pushing him in a manual wheelchair to shul, but Michael hated feeling like a burden. Even those efforts required complex planning and often left him exhausted. More often than not, he had to remain at home, isolated.

Everything changed when Michael learned about the SHABBATTO. When a fellow congregant told him about this “kosher scooter,” Michael was skeptical yet hopeful. He arranged a demo and was amazed by the SHABBATTO’s sleek, non-medical look. When he tried it, the scooter glided forward with a simple twist, and he realized the freedom it promised was very real. That very weekend, Michael rolled up to synagogue under his own power for the first time in two years.

Fellow congregants were stunned and overjoyed to see him. After services, curious friends surrounded Michael as he proudly pointed out the Zomet Institute seal on the scooter and explained how it works. Michael describes the change in his life as nothing short of miraculous. “I have my independence back, and I haven’t compromised my religious beliefs to get it,” he says. His children are overjoyed to see their father active again, and for the first time in ages they can truly relax on Shabbat instead of worrying about him. “The SHABBATTO gave me my dignity and freedom back.”

The SHABBATTO is built on the ATTO SPORT mobility scooter by Movinglife. That means users get all the benefits of a top-of-the-line mobility device besides the Shabbat-ready features. The ATTO SPORT is known for its sleek, modern design that shatters the stereotype of clunky scooters.

The ATTO SPORT folds and unfolds in less than 10 seconds, collapsing into a compact shape that can be wheeled like a suitcase. It fits easily in a car trunk, is flight-approved, with an FAA-approved battery, for airplane travel, and splits into two lightweight parts, making it easy to lift into an overhead bin or car trunk so that users can take their independence anywhere.

Here’s a quick look at ATTO SPORT’s standout features:

  • Foldable Design: It folds in seconds without you having to bend down and splits into two parts for effortless transport in any car trunk.
  • High Performance: Delivers a smooth, stable ride with a max speed of 6 mph and a 12.5 mile battery range (25 miles with the XL battery, not flight approved).
  • Airline Approved: Equipped with a TSA-approved battery, its compact size and split Mode, the ATTO is the only mobility scooter that can be stored in the aircraft’s overhead compartment.
  • Sleak and Stylish: The sporty and elegant design looks as great as it feels.
  • Enhanced Safety Features: The ATTO SPORT is equipped with powerful front and rear LED lights, electronic stability control,automatic slowdown on descents and turns and flat-free tires.
  • Unmatched Comfort: The ATTO SPORT has an ergonomic and adjustable seat and handlebars to ensure a smooth, enjoyable ride, even on longer journeys. With a weight capacity of 300 lbs and made to fit even the tallest of users, it is made for everyone.

From Israel to Your Neighborhood – Available Across the US

What began as an ambitious project in Israel is now helping people globally. Globally, Movinglife products are sold in 62 countries and supported by a multi-location service network. In the United States,  there are showrooms in 14 locations in the United States, including New York, California, Florida, where you can see the SHABBATTO up close and even take it for a test drive. The company offers free in-home demos for those not near a showroom, so no one is left out. Customers in the US enjoy full American customer service and maintenance for the SHABBATTO, providing peace of mind. It’s Israeli innovation with U.S. support – the best of both worlds.

Movinglife: Innovating Mobility for All

With over 60,000 users worldwide, our lightweight, stylish mobility solutions are designed to keep you active. With the industry’s best warranty, exceptional service and personalized solutions, their flagship ATTO folding scooter proves that mobility aids can be both stylish and empowering. With SHABBATTO, they extended that philosophy into the realm of religious observance, showing that inclusive design can bring people back into communal life. Movinglife also offers the EZY EXPLORER, an ultra-light folding power wheelchair with similar portability and comfort for those who need a power wheelchair. Together, the ATTO series, the new EZY EXPLORER, and the SHABBATTO scooter provide mobility solutions covering nearly every need.

Movinglife stands out not only for its innovative products but also for exceptional customer service. We deliver our mobility solutions uniquely, offering accessibility and convenience through various channels and providing expert advice, personal support, and home or in-store demos across the entire United States. This ensures everyone can experience our mobility scooters firsthand, regardless of their location.

Embracing a Future of Freedom and Inclusion

Michael’s story is just one example of how modern technology combined with compassion can truly change lives. As communities celebrate Passover and recall the ancient journey from bondage to freedom, many are quietly celebrating modern stories of liberation in their midst. Scenes once unimaginable are now part of everyday life. The SHABBATTO is more than a mobility aid; it’s a symbol of empowerment, restoring not just physical movement but also emotional and spiritual well-being.

Movinglife’s SHABBATTO proves that honoring tradition and embracing innovation can go hand in hand. As one satisfied rider put it, “I never thought I’d see the day I could drive to synagogue on Shabbat and still feel 100% observant. It feels like a new world.” For many, that new world is here.

For more information about the ATTO range of scooters, or to test drive an ATTO call: 1-855-951-3008 (US), 073-2126054 (IL) to learn more

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