A mobility scooter menace?

**Maggy J** · 04-01-2010, 20:19

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8436558.stm

Interesting article on whether Mobility scooters users should be tested..

What do you think.

I'm in two minds having seen how one has been a boon to my sister but having been 'nipped' and toes rolled over by other users I'm certain they are dangerous to the public at large.

martyh · 04-01-2010, 20:27

have to agree maggie ,the other week in my local supermarket a man and a woman came in zooming around putting stuff in the little basket on the front both in their mid 30's obviously just too lazy to walk ,unless they get them for being obese ,they were both on the large side

Hom3r · 04-01-2010, 20:27

They should be banned from inside all shops.

Some of these people are dangerous, blocking the aisles racing round like its a race track.

superbiatch · 04-01-2010, 20:29

Its not just supermarkets, they are a menace on the roads too! But then again I hardly suppose its safer letting them loose on the pavements

User testing required = Yes IMO

dilligaf1701 · 04-01-2010, 20:30

There are couple of people at my blind group who have these. Yup - I'd say there should be testing.

Hom3r · 04-01-2010, 20:32

I forgot to add those that think all of these scooter are road legal, when thay are not.

To ride in the road they should be taxed, insured, MOT'd and number plates. On top of that testing

**Kymmy** · 04-01-2010, 21:05

The problem here seems to be Class 3 scooters being used at full speed on pavements..

I think at very least they should be made liable just the same as perhaps cyclists are..

Flyboy · 04-01-2010, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

have to agree maggie ,the other week in my local supermarket a man and a woman came in zooming around putting stuff in the little basket on the front both in their mid 30's obviously just too lazy to walk ,unless they get them for being obese ,they were both on the large side

That's a little unkind. The obesity could be an effect, rather than the cause, of their disability.

martyh · 04-01-2010, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyboy

That's a little unkind. The obesity could be an effect, rather than the cause, of their disability.

they weren't disabled in any way ,believe it not some people use these things as alternative transport to walking

mart44 · 04-01-2010, 22:38

Some people have disabilities that aren't obvious. The early stages of MS or heart troubles are a couple of conditions that spring to mind. Neither allow much exercise and having had to give up so much else, eating may be one pleasure they don't want to do without. The situation can't always be evaluated from appearances.

About the scooters; I think people should have to take lessons on how to use them safely.

Scooters come in two categories 8 miles per hour ones that are allowed on the road providing they have indicators and lights. They are also allowed on pedestrian areas if they can be restricted to 4 miles per hour. Anyone using the full 8 miles per hour in pedestrian areas shouldn't be doing so.

There are 4 miles per hour types and these are designed to be used in amongst walking people. Hopefully with care but unfortunately this isn't always the case. I'm not sure if these slower scooters are allowed on the road (other than crossing it), even if they have indicators and lights.

Gary L · 04-01-2010, 22:58

What makes it worse is a lot of those that use these scooters are really grumpy and will think nothing of running you over if you get in their way.

superbiatch · 04-01-2010, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by mart44

Some people have disabilities that aren't obvious. The early stages of MS or heart troubles are a couple of conditions that spring to mind. Neither allow much exercise and having had to give up so much else, eating may be one pleasure they don't want to do without. The situation can't always be evaluated from appearances.

I don't think anybody doubts that for a minute, but I've seen people I know who don't warrant them and you can even hire them in asda!

I think in the correct circumstances and for those who have received the appropriate training, they can offer a new lease of life to someone who may very well been confined to their home without it.

mart44 · 04-01-2010, 23:12

I think it's like any other mode of transport. A percentage of motorists give drivers a bad name. A percentage of cyclists give cyclists a bad name. A percentage of scooter users give give scooters a bad name. Also, there are a number of pedestrians who are careless. They walk backwards or sideways a few paces without looking where they are going, bump into wheelchair/scooter users and then wonder why disabled people seem grumpy.

Sorry but that really is the case sometimes.

**Maggy J** · 05-01-2010, 00:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by mart44

I think it's like any other mode of transport. A percentage of motorists give drivers a bad name. A percentage of cyclists give cyclists a bad name. A percentage of scooter users give give scooters a bad name. Also, there are a number of pedestrians who are careless. They walk backwards or sideways a few paces without looking where they are going, bump into wheelchair/scooter users and then wonder why disabled people seem grumpy.

Sorry but that really is the case sometimes.

With all due respect pavements are for pedestrians not motorised vehicles or bicycles.I shouldn't have to be second guessing about what's behind me.That's for when I'm crossing the road.

mart44 · 05-01-2010, 06:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

With all due respect pavements are for pedestrians not motorised vehicles or bicycles.I shouldn't have to be second guessing about what's behind me.That's for when I'm crossing the road.

With all due respect, some questions:

* If disabled, wouldn't you go out in a motorised chair or scooter?
* Would you only use a manual chair when mixing with pedestrians (which means more or less everywhere)?
* If you didn't have the strength in your arms to to push the chair, would you resign yourself to fate, give up independence and not go out unless someone could push you?
* Would you consider the person who has to push the wheelchair?
* If you were in a motorised chair/scooter, would you expect it to be always up to you to avoid people who aren't looking where they are going, or who are unaware of what's going on around them?

I know answers may be defensive. In fairness, mine might have been too once. I'm able bodied but close to someone who isn't. Of course disabled people have to accept some restrictions in mobility but it seems you would prefer to stop them from facing life as normally as possible.