Nobody could fail to have noticed the growing number of mobility scooters on our streets. These vehicles are a life line for those who have prob...
Nobody could fail to have noticed the growing number of mobility scooters on our streets. These vehicles are a life line for those who have problems walking distances. Many people would be housebound without them. My concern is one of safety and practicality.
These vehicles can be dangerous. At present there is no legislation regarding insurance or even the ability to operate these vehicles safely. Some deaths and serious injuries have already occurred. As the popularity of these machines grows the suitability and safety of using one must be taken into account. A prpoer assessment of a persons needs and abilities should be undertaken before a scooter is recommended or supplied. With the current trend towards internet shopping, catalogue shopping and lets face it desperate retailers, selling the item is often their only concern. Granny Smith can buy a nice shiny vehicle over the net with a few clicks. It arrives at her door in a box. If she can manage to put the thing together and turn the key she can hit the pavements right away. The irony in this is that many times Granny Smith will have bought a scooter which is not suited to her and she will feel unsafe using it.
To illustrate the danger involved consider this. A modern scooter can weigh 27st unladen. Add an average 13st rider and you have 40st of vehicle travelling at up to 8 mph. This weight and momentum is powerful enough to cause serious damage to a car let alone a child or person. Driven by someone who does not need to have passed any sort of test or has insurance of any sort.
I am surprised the government haven’t jumped on this if only as a source of extra revenue. Until they do may I urge anybody thinking about having a mobility scooter to seek some good advice and guidance. Make sure the product you buy is suited to your needs. eg. If you suffer from arthritis a scooter light enough for you to lift into a car on your own is unlikely to be comfortable enough for you to ride on the streets. One other tip, the mileage range quoted for a mobility scooter is not based on a person riding on it! It is done on a rolling road with no rider or resistance, therefore a quoted ‘range of 25 miles’ can be more like 12 miles dependent on rider weight, hills to climb, wind etc.
These vehicles really can offer independence and freedom to those who would otherwise struggle to get out and about. There is a value to choosing a local dealer to advise you and supply the correct machine for you. He will have a vested interest in ensuring you buy a product which you are confident to use and is suitable for your weight, abilities and the sort of journeys you wish to make.
After all he will be the one you go back to if he gets it wrong.
