Mobility scooters - lifeline or liability? (From Bournemouth Echo)

Mobility scooters - lifeline or liability?

7:00pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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THEY are a vital mode of transport providing independence for the elderly. But can they also be a hazard on the pavements and roads?

Mobility scooters are popular modes of transport in this area but it seems the jury is now out on their safety.

The death of an 84-year-old woman after a collision with a scooter has prompted plans for driving lessons and tests for users.

A group of MPs has demanded an urgent safety review but users locally claim formal tests would be a step too far.

Many admit they were given no instruction when they first bought their scooters, legally defined as “invalid carriages.”

But they claim common sense should prevail and that they should be allowed to continue to use them without formal qualifications.

“I can’t imagine one of these courses assisting me,” said Joyce Clements, 79-year-old, from New Milton, who said she relies on her transport.

This summer an 84-year-old woman died after a collision in Sunderland and a 60-year-old woman suffered serious leg injuries in an incident in Whitstable, Kent. Just last week a blind pedestrian’s white stick was broken in a collision in Essex.

Despite the accidents, most scooter drivers don’t think they are dangerous. “When I drive I always put people first,” said Mary Bennett, 72, from Barton-on-Sea. “It is the easiest way for me to get around.”

“I am an independent person thanks to this vehicle,” added Dora Powell from New Milton.

Antony Renyard, 71, said: “If you are not a driver you may need a course, otherwise not. I’ve been driving for 12 years without problems.”

However, many pedestrians think scooter users should have instruction.

“They don’t need to take a test but there should be instruction about speed,” said Daphne Brooks.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has called for action but the Department for Transport said there are no current plans for legislation despite the concerns of the Commons Transport Committee.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said he does not believe licences are necessary.

“Mobility scooters are a huge benefit to many people and their increased use means more caution must be taken,” he said.

“However, I would not want to see licences at this stage. If certain local authorities have a problem they may want to encourage users to take care.”

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