THERE’S no doubt that mobility scooters provide vital independence to thousands of elderly and disabled people who would otherwise be housebound.

But following a number of accidents a fierce debate is raging about whether the vehicles are really a lifeline or a lethal weapon.

Just last week a shop assistant was pinned against a till when an elderly man lost control of his mobility scooter at the M&S Simply Food Store in Christchurch.

It’s not the first time a mobility scooter has caused a nasty accident.

In August a five-year-old boy was knocked down and dragged along the pavement by an elderly man on one of the vehicles in Bridport.

In February 2005, pensioner Lilian Read died after driving her buggy under an articulated lorry on a pedestrian crossing in Lymington and in the same year police had to escort a 70-year-old mobility scooter driver off the busy A338 in Bournemouth after he was seen crawling along at 15mph.

In September 2003, 77-year-old pensioner Yvonne Beaumont needed medical treatment after an out-of-control scooter pinned her up against a wall in Ferndown.

Concerned about a string of “hit-and-run” incidents, New Forest Community Safety Partnership recently issued a warning to drivers, urging them to follow safety guidelines and be aware of other road and pavement users.

The partnership also called for a new law to protect pedestrians.

Chairman councillor Pat Wyeth said: “While we welcome the opportunity for people to be mobile using these scooters, the Road Safety Partnership would like to see some sort of legislation introduced which would safeguard pedestrians on the pavement.

“Those pedestrians who are less able on their feet, or have some kind of impairment, may not be so aware of scooters approaching them, sometimes quite fast.”

The partnership reminded drivers that pedestrians have right of way on pavements and that those with mobility problems could become alarmed when scooters passed by too closely, warning that a passing knock could easily injure or cause a fall, which may result in broken bones.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has also called for action but the Department for Transport said there were no current plans for legislation.

There are three classes for wheelchairs and scooters. Manually propelled vehicles without motors should keep to the pavements and not venture onto a road unless on a crossing.

Mechanically propelled scooters which go no faster than 4mph are intended for pavement use but, if they are to be used on roads, must have lights, flashing indicators, a horn and reflectors.

The third class of vehicles is also mechanically propelled and can travel at up to 8mph on the road or 4mph on pavements. These should have headlights, flashing indicators, a horn, a speedometer and taillights.

But, while many users are responsible mobility scooter drivers, the rules are not always adhered to.

The North Dorset Disability Action Group’s Dagability scheme provides loan equipment, including electric scooters, powerchairs and wheelchairs, on a short-term basis to people in immediate need.

Despite there being no legal requirement for insurance on mobility scooters, it’s something the group insists on.

Trustee David Siwek said: “Our requirements are that they do take out insurance and we do give them training in the use of the machines. We felt it was essential to cover everybody involved.”

Mr Siwek admitted there had been occasions when he had been concerned about whether a user was able to operate the vehicle safely, and had refused to loan the scooter.“It’s a great help to a disabled person to have one,” he said.

“But the main thing is training and if they’re not fully able to have complete control then we recommend that they go out with somebody.

“If we have any doubts about it then we will consult a professional therapist and get their healthcare people to do an assessment and then we will stand by anything they say,” he added.

Albert Mitchell has been using mobility scooter for 15 years and said he had never encountered any problems.

The 77-year-old, from Mudeford, said: “I’ve always been shown how to use them. Various Shopmobility schemes do spend a bit of time with you so you know what you’re doing.

“It is important because anybody can go in and hire them. The thing is, without it I wouldn’t go to Castlepoint – I can’t wheel myself round. It’s the difference between going shopping and not going shopping.”

Mr Mitchell agreed that the scooters’ speed could be reduced, but he added: “That’s not going to stop them jerking forward quickly. And it would be quite difficult to set up a test for it.

“The secret is to go very slowly when you’re around people. It’s just like driving anything else – you need to be responsible.”