WITH a top speed of just eight miles per hour, mobility scooters are an unlikely hazard on the roads.

But serious problems can occur if a mobility scooter is not used correctly or driven safely.

Official statistics show that in 2014, nine fatal accidents involved mobility scooters with a further 46 serious injuries and 153 slight injuries.

Part of the problem is that there is no ‘driving test’ or assessment to pass before taking the scooter out onto roads and pavements.

This results in people getting behind the wheel without any experience and little knowledge about when and where to use them.

This is why safety charity Safewise has launched a safety awareness course for mobility scooter users in Dorset.

ScootWise, takes place at the indoor village facilities in Bournemouth and Weymouth. Delivered in partnership with the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, the course gives practical help and tips to those already using a mobility scooter as well as to those that are thinking of investing in one.

Andrew Laws, SafeWise Bournemouth centre manager, said the course was launched in response to concerns that people were purchasing mobility scooters without any training.

He added: “As a result they were becoming a danger to themselves and others and we wanted to give people the chance to learn how to use a mobility scooter within a safe environment.”

Powered mobility scooters come in two classes - one which goes at four mph and which cannot be used on the road and a second which has a maximum speed of eight mph and is allowed on the highway.

The ScootWise sessions offers attendees the chance to practise crossing the road as well as navigating tight corners, narrow alleyways and uneven surfaces in a safe environment.

According to SafeWise volunteer Nick Dampney, who is also a mobility scooter user, one of the main issues is confidence. He added: “You feel very vulnerable on a scooter and this can make people very nervous about going out on them.”

“There’s also the attitude you get from motorists who think you shouldn’t be on the road. It can be quite frustrating.”

Stuart Dean, of SoleMotion, provides mobility scooters for the sessions. “It’s sad when a person buys a mobility scooter but never uses it because they had a bad experience their first time out of the house,” said Mr Dean. “This course is all about providing them with the confidence to go out and use them.”

The next ScootWise sessions are due to be held on Wednesday, August 9 and Friday, October 13. Each session takes place from 10.30am to 1pm. Sessions cost £10 to attend.

To book a place and to find out more information email helen@safewise.org or call 01202 591330.