Mobility scooters

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....pe-300-000-roads.html

Isn't it now time that before one can become an owner of one of these vehicles, they first need to go through the procedure that a disabled motorist needs to go through before acquiring a Blue-Badge?

Some of these scooters look more like a smaller versions of quad bikes, and are being increasingly used as a convenient A to B vehicle for able bodied persons.

I recently saw one driven on the pavement, towing a small hand made trailer behind it.

[Gromit]

So it is OK for AOG to have a mobility scooter, but the rest are malingerers?

[boxtops]

I hope mcfluff gave permission for that photo to be taken :-)

[Baldric]

boxy, that photo is the result of an inability not a disability.

the inability to stop your hand repeatedly moving from the table to your mouth.

[anotheoldgit]

mrs_overall

/// Could you answer my question please AOG? ///

I do not usually spring to attention at the request of each and everyone, but in your case I will answer your questions, since you seem to be having difficulties.

/// AOG, apply to who? ///

I would have thought it obvious.

Apply to the local authorities which issue disable 'Blue Badges', who then supply a form to be filled in, stating your need and signed by one's GP. that is for those who have to provide their own scooters.

If they are supplied by social services they would have their own method of ensuring that only those that actually needed one would be considered.

/// What are you suggesting the criteria be? ///

Anyone who is disabled in such a way that they can only walk with difficulty or cannot walk at all.

Perhaps that is why they are called 'mobility scooters'.

[craft1948]

I must admit that my neighbour 2 doors down used to use a mobility scooter when there was nothing wrong with him, it had belonged to his late wife. He was okay on it when he left the house, but we all made sure to stay clear of him when he was riding it home from the pub................

[mrs_overall]

When applying for a blue badge, if the applicant is in receipt of the higher rate mobility element of DLA there is no need for a GP to sign the form, so you are factually incorrect on that point.

When you say "increasingly used as a convenient A to B vehicle for able bodied persons" I would like to know how YOU know they are able bodied? How do you know they don't have a hidden disability? Do you demand to see proof of their disability? Do you conduct on the spot medicals in the high street?
Please share your wisdom with us on how to spot the genuinely disabled (including those with hidden disabilities) from the malingerers.
I'm sure everyone will benefit from your knowledge.

[anotheoldgit]

Gromit

/// So it is OK for AOG to have a mobility scooter, but the rest are malingerers? ///

What is the matter with you, does your hatred of me go that deep?

I have simply entered a none abusive question about an increasing concern on our roads and pavements.

/// Just five years ago there were just 70,000 mobility scooters being used in the UK, the number is now closer to 300,000, according to the British Healthcare Trades Association. ///

I was only presenting my own non offensive personal suggestion to somehow alleviate this problem.

Perhaps the ED, should be following this, so as to make a correct judgement on the offending trolls who start off the ill-feelings on this site, for no other reason whatsoever than to cause unrest.

[friedgreentomato]

I wish there was a 'like' button for Mrs O

[mrs_overall]

Why, thank you friedgreentomato! What a kind remark xx

[friedgreentomato]

;-)

[anotheoldgit]

mrs_overall

/// When applying for a blue badge, if the applicant is in receipt of the higher rate mobility element of DLA there is no need for a GP to sign the form, so you are factually incorrect on that
point. ///

Are you another one that sets out to be confrontational? I was good enough at your request to answer your question to the best of my ability, and taking into account that I am in no way an expert in the higher rate of mobility allowance or any other allowance for that matter, so please forgive me if I happen to be factually incorrect on this matter.

Regarding the rest of your mocking and abusive questions, I will reserve my right not to answer, not because I can't but because I will no longer submit myself to any more of your sarcastic confrontations.

ED's instructions:

/// We understand that debates get heated, but personal attacks and abusive language will not be tolerated. ///

[Maydup]

I see no reason why anyone who wants to ride around on a mobility scooter shouldn't. But as the numbers increase I'd like to see the drivers being instructed before let loose on one and more importantly, insured.

I've seen two of them them smashing into the glass entrance door of a shop, (going too fast!) one go under a bus, one run someone over and another reverse into a child at a bus stop. None of these incidents were minor but I doubt there was anything the inocent parties could do to claim against them.

[mrs_overall]

AOG I would be grateful if you could explain how you view my questions to be mocking or abusive?
I have posted on this thread as disability issues are close to my heart. I am the parent of a disabled child. I have asked you reasonable questions.
Could you kindly point out to me WHERE I have been abusive to you on this thread or made a personal attack?
I have entered into this debate with genuine interest and now wonder why I bothered.

[mike11111]

These have been banned from our local light railway system after two instances where passengers zoomed on to the train then smashed through the doors on the other side to land on the line (You have to laugh).

Anyway, who says they are just for the disabled? I am seriously thinking of getting one myself, even though at the moment I could not be described as "mobility impaired". It would be a boon to me not to have to lug heavy bags back to the bus stop. This seems very like a "dog in the manger" attitude, just like those old folks who get on the bus and moan if someone younger is sitting in the priority seat area, even though the seats behind are all vacant.

[joko]

i agree maid up - there should perhaps be some sort of lessons and test for anyone using one... there are stories of people being knocked over by them , of people being unable to correctly control them and of the more cantankerous and angry people who think they can go charging around at high speed and that everyone should move instantly for them - seen them myself

if someone is given one then they should have to prove their need but if someone wants to just go and buy their own, or use their partners, i am not sure how you could stop them - any more than you could stop them riding a bike.

do you need insurance to ride one?
if the knowledge that the expense incurred if they hit someone or toppled over has to be met by themselves doesnt make some people more careful then not sure having insurance would make people more careful on them...

[Baldric]

so, I will assume that aog has not registered his large scooter, which is in fact a requirement, see my link^^^^

[Baldric]

I, like Mrs O, have neither mocked or abused but despite that have not been answered either. it seems the OPer only answers what suits his viewpoint and does not really want an open or frank debate.
I have in the past had to have some of his replies removed due to abusive content, and he moans about us.

[THECORBYLOON]

The article says “Just five years ago there were just 70,000 mobility scooters being used in the UK, the number is now closer to 300,000, according to the British Healthcare Trades Association”

In the same paper on 25.11.06 it said “Loading the weekly shop as they glide up and down the supermarket aisle, Britain's 250,000 mobility scooter owners make unlikely law breakers"

http://www.dailymail....obility-scooters.html

There seems to be a wee bit discrepancy somewhere, were there 70,000 or 250,000 scooters five year ago?

[Maydup]

do you need insurance to ride one?

No insurance needed nor any driving skills joko. I see no reason why some sort of skills test cannot be implemented at the point of purchase and some insurance required before the machine is driven away. It'll happen eventually I guess.

[shaneystar2]

I'm not too mobile myself but having seen some of the antics they get up to I think I'd rather stay indoors if things got too bad and I couldn't get about .
Round here is mobility scooter heaven . I'm not knocking anyone btw :) If people need them then fair enough .
But ...there are some here who are like Stirling Moss on speed and woe betide you if you get in their way .One here is so infamous all the locals call her Speedy Gonzales .Tell you what ..she can hop on and off the ruddy thing pretty quickly :)