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Electric Mobility Scooters

(18 Posts)
Rufus2 Sat 23-Feb-19 09:21:30

I'm planning ahead to the day when some "dirty rotten scoundrel" takes my driving licence away, at which point I'll be devastated. I've a vague idea that this was a topic before, but can't find it.
Does anyone know of any forums on the internet where owners debate the pros and cons of the many models available, given that there wouldn't be many differences between OZ and the UK. Insurance is a point to consider too.!

Davidhs Sat 23-Feb-19 09:58:08

You need to decide where you want to use it, if it’s shopping a medium size conventional 4 wheeler you can use that for supermarket shopping without too much problem and will get you around town with a 3 or 4 mile range on a full charge.
Some you can dismantle easily which is useful for days out, small lightweight scooters usually have shorter range. There may be a “shoprider” scheme in your town try one out and see what you can do with it, also outdoor attractions often have a scooter you can book.
There are also “power chairs” I’ve seen the larger ones used outdoors they are extremely manoeuverable but you steer with a joystick rather than handlebars, probably best suited to very disabled users.

All are quite pricey new but lots are advertised on EBay take your pick

Purpledaffodil Sat 23-Feb-19 10:07:39

This may be of no use to you in Oz, but in U.K. QEF will advise and give you a chance to try various scooters. Perhaps there is an Australian equivalent?
qef.org.uk/our-services/qef-mobility-services/types-assessment/wheelchairs-and-scooters
Good luck with your quest.

Rufus2 Tue 26-Feb-19 11:15:18

Perhaps there is an Australian equivalent?
Purpledaffodil; Thanks for that; very interesting, but I haven't found anything similar. still looking! Plenty of sales puff from dealers, but a bit biased to say the least.

3 or 4 mile range on a full charge
David: Thanks; As I said, I'm looking ahead to when they take my car licence away. Walking "around the block" is not an easy option these days; it was OK up to 2years ago when Jessie was company, but now it's harder.
Btw; the range you quoted seems pretty limited. They talk of around 40k here, depending on battery size of course. An electric mobility scooter seems to be a good option. We can get a free borrow of one at a shopping centre, which is providing practice at not knocking over shoppers or display racks! grin
One thought! Wonder if drink/drive regs. and random breath testing applies? After 60 years of unblemished car driving I'd hate to spoil my record. confused
Thank you both again and the search goes on!

Telly Tue 26-Feb-19 11:26:41

I would guess it depends of your disability or perhaps its just age? My DH has MS and there is a forum on the MS Society website where there is a lots of info. He has a boot scooter that comes apart but I have to say the components are very heavy and he is no longer able to lift. As it now comes down to me we have installed a hoist in the boot of the car. It's not great, but nothing is perfect. Battery life is key as you don't want to get stranded.

Rufus2 Wed 27-Feb-19 11:49:45

I would guess it depends of your disability or perhaps its just age
Telly; Now that I've arrived at 91+ I realise "age" is the disability, hence my interest in a mobility scooter, but sorry to hear of your DH problem, I might look up that MS Soc if they have a website, which I'm sure they have. The RACV have a "rescue" policy (road-side assistance) at $54p.a.: flat battery, puncture or whatever, which seems pretty good for peace of mind. Next comes 3rd party insurance; can be added to H&C insurance.
Can't be too careful! Thanks again.

12Michael Wed 27-Feb-19 16:11:45

Try the AGE UK main web page, as they also own the Gransnet web page as well.
Mick

Miep1 Wed 27-Feb-19 17:10:29

Try RICA website too! PS you can be crunch in charge in the UK

MawBroon Wed 27-Feb-19 19:12:18

“crunch in charge ” ? miep1
Too many digestive biscuits pers?

12Michael Thu 28-Feb-19 08:02:27

If your in OZ there must be some OZ related websites about them making it exclusive to that country.
Mick

Rufus2 Fri 01-Mar-19 10:14:36

“crunch in charge ”
Maw: Well' bless my soul; I never did!
You've told me (off) several times that you are NOT following me about; so I'm surprised to find that you are interested in electric motor scooters, after our discussions about girls in sports! confused
I'm on the cusp of buying one and as you may know, buying two (or more) of anything gives you a greater chance to haggle over price or extras. So how about it? With your money and my brains we could secure a really good deal! But don't procrastinate! I'm in a hurry! grin OoRoo

Rufus2 Fri 01-Mar-19 10:36:08

some OZ related websites
Mike; not many really! Oz, as you know, is a young country and I would guess nowhere near as many "oldies" as the UK. Limited market means limited interest and therefore limited advice from actual users as distinct from the typical sales guff. Sort of "Tips and Tricks" as is common in the computer forums. I thought tapping into the UK market for advice would pull up something, seeing as how usage experiences shouldn't be too dissimilar. Except we don't have too many Welsh look-alike mountains around here; pretty flat really! grin
Thanks again. OoRoo

andrew2s Wed 16-Feb-22 17:49:58

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AreWeThereYet Wed 16-Feb-22 17:55:00

I started reading this and thought 'Oh! Rufus is back' then saw the dates and realised it was just bumped by an advertiser ?

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