British MP Calls For

Compulsory Mobility

Insurance.

A TORY MP has called on the Government to introduce new laws forcing mobility scooter users to take out insurance.

David Amess, MP for Southend West, lodged a parliamentary written question suggesting the Government should introduce legislation over mobility scooter insurance.

Transport minister Chris Mole replied and said there were “no plans” to bring in new laws.

However, Mr Amess’s intervention has won support from companies selling scooters in South Essex.

Ron Sverdloff, a director of the Scooter Club UK which runs three shops in the Southend area says he is astounded that it’s not a legal requirement already.

“As you get older you lose your ability to retain the skills you learned when you were younger.

“It’s not a fault of the individual, it’s a part of ageing, a natural process. But that makes them a little bit more risky on the pavements.

“Insurance is a good idea for everybody’s benefit.”

But mobility scooter users say any compulsory insurance would be too pricey.

Olive Mermod, 83, of Southchurch, has had a mobility scooter for two years, but says insurance should not be compulsory. “My scooter doesn’t go on the road as it has only got three wheels.

“Mine is very safe and I have not had any accidents in the time I have used it. What is needed is places for scooters to cross the road safely.

“I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere without my scooter. I use it to get to the shops and bring my shopping back. If insurance was compulsory I wouldn’t be able to afford to go."

Moving Up

in Power

and Comfort!

LOOKING to improve your electric mobility wheel chair so you can enjoy it more? Many people might rush right out and buy a new one but here are ways to improve your existing model

Purchasing accessories may not be the answer, but it could help solve some of your challenges. And if you can extend your wheel chairs active life with just a few inexpensive accessories, isn’t it worth it? Here are some ways to improve performance.

Upgrade the tires. If use your electric wheelchair mainly indoors then slick tires might be okay but they tend to give a harder ride. All season’s are better because of their improved cushioning support. If you have knobby tires on your wheelchair you may find the noise can be very loud and that you go through tires pretty regularly. A simple tire change could improve your chair’s performance and actually REDUCE costs.

Are you unhappy with the operational span of your battery? Then perhaps consider carrying an extra battery (if they are not too heavy) or getting a solar powered charger so that you don’t find yourself stranded halfway home from a day of shopping!

Additional accessories include back and seat cushions, mesh bags, a tray, an umbrella holder and a cup holder. In fact there is a whole range of accessories you can add to your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair to make it more comfortable and useful.

And one of these is a portable ramp. Ramps are becoming increasingly portable and lightweight - some are about the size of a suitcase. This will allow you to get around more easily if your town or city has not yet “caught up” with the times and completed wheel chair compliant sidewalks, pavements and curbs.

Another consideration if you are thinking of switching your mobility scooter or mobile wheelchair for another another model is the furniture and appliances in your house. If you switch wheelchairs and one is taller than the other, you’ll notice that difference every time you try to work at the stove, counter or desk.

Finally you may want to get your model tuned up. If you are feeling dissatisfied with your electric wheel chair, it could be the result of it too-rough running. A tune up could put the zoom back!