Mobility scooters
Most of our homes were developed before mobility
scooters were available, and were not designed to accommodate them.
Unfortunately, residents often haven’t had the necessary advice
before purchasing scooters, and haven’t considered issues of
storage, access, and battery-charging.
Before purchasing or using a mobility scooter, you should ensure
that you consider all the following points:
- Where can I get independent impartial
advice?
- Are there any medical restrictions I need to
take into account?
- Will my abilities impose restrictions? E.g.
what happens if the scooter breaks down – how will I get
help?
- Do I need any training, and where can I
try out different types of scooter?
- Should I buy or
hire?
- Is a scooter suitable where I live? Are there
any steep hills, suitably placed dropped kerbs etc.?
- Where will I store the scooter safely and
securely?
- Do I need my landlord’s permission to keep a
mobility scooter at home?
- If I need to buy a scooter store, how much
will it cost and can I afford it?
- Where is a safe place to charge my scooter’s
batteries?
- Will storing my scooter in my home pose any risks to my
safety or the safety of others? Will it affect my
home insurance?
- What regular maintenance does the scooter
need, and how much do repairs and spares
cost?
- Are spares readily available?
- What if my needs change?
- What insurance should I have to drive a
scooter?
- Do I need to know the Highway Code?
- What do I have to consider about health and safety of
other road users, pedestrians, and people who live in my
building?
- Will I need to register my scooter with the
DVLA?
- What will I do with my scooter when I no longer need
it?
*Please note that we are reviewing our policies
and procedures for adaptations and mobility scooters, and this
information may change soon after April 2011.