Mobility scooters.

My wife uses a mobility scooter, and the one she decided on was the 4-wheeled Pride GoGo Elite. Footpaths are often uneven and she simply did not feel safe in a 3-wheeled version - and we really couldn't see the point of the 5-wheel version.

Another important consideration is whether you want a 4 mph or 8 mph version. 4mph scooters are smaller and lighter - and much more convenient on footpaths, in shops and in shopping malls. Most will also break apart or fold down to be carried in the boot of a car. 8 mph scooters are not allowed on the footpath. They need to be registered with DVLA, and should have 3rd party insurance (although I am not sure whether this is a legal requirement).

Whichever you decide on, you should try it out before you buy. There are lots of other considerations which will impact on your comfort when using it: seat height and adjustment, angle of the tiller, etc., etc. Try to go to a specialist dealer where you can try the various models from lots of manufacturers (or better still, go to the Mobility Roadshow where you can try them all - although the next one won't be until July 2016). PM me if you want any more information.

Avoid the three-wheelers - my Dad turned his over and the subsequent injuries led to his death several months later.

Your local mobility distributor should be able to recommend where you can go to have a proper assessment and recommendations about what type of scooter will be best for you.

Speak to your local branch of Age UK, they should be able to tell you where you can get a good professional assessment of your needs and an opportunty to test various types of scooter with professional help.

I'm sorry to hear that Luckygirl
It can happen with four wheelers too. Mum turned over her small but sturdy one on an uneven pavement.

opsimath

I wouldn't be without my 'Madge'

I would advise a 4 wheel scooter as they are far more stable . You have to make a decision as to the size to suit your needs. For example there would be a better use of a mid range size scooter if you intend to cover short/moderate distances but if it is for shopping then a smaller one may surface. You also need to think about the size in relation to dismantling the scooter to transport it when shopping, holidays etc. Get a model with a higher back for comfort but that of course is a personal matter.

I have a 'Pride' model which if I remember correctly is a 4 MPH . I would say that any reputable disability shop will either bring them to your home (if possible considering distance etc.) or would allow you to 'test drive' their models. I know that happens with mobility shops here but naturally customer service does vary

Find a good shop that gives you a fixed price, insurance cover if you require it , permits a test drive and service availability if required, if you can.

Enjoy your scooter if you decide to buy , it is not exactly life changing but none the less the independence is great .

Thank you everyone for your posts. It would seem no-one has a Quingo, which is the 5 wheeled one that I have been told has the mobility of a 3 wheeler with even greater stability than a 4 wheel. It also mounts a kerb more easily BUT it is very expensive and wider than the sideway access I would want to use rather than using a rather rough service road with direct access to the garage.

I am sorry to hear of the accidents suffered by your relatives, Luckygirl and Ninathenana, obviously things went wrong in both cases.

POGS... it was good to hear how much difference yours made to your life and I hope when/if I do buy one it will give me a real measure of independence too.
Lefthanded.... Thank you for your very full advice. I have no intention of going on the road so the 4mph will be the one for me although the one I tried was able to be set with a maximum of 4 mph but would go up to 8 mph if needed.

I am most grateful to you all, thank you very much.

I had a 4 wheeled, 8 mph model for 3 years. There's a switch to convert it to 4mph so you can use it on pavements. If you're using it to go from home to the shops and then go round them this might be worth considering. A reputable dealer will sort out the right sort for you. Remember to think about bags, crutch holder etc. Some small ones can go on buses and trains. Beware secondhand as batteries cost a fortune. I tried a Quingo but hated it you need dropped kerbs anyway, which can be a pain! Some councils do training courses

Would it not be better to hire one so that you are 100% sure that is the model for you. It may cost extra in the long run but hopefully you would get exactly what you want. Sorry I do not have any experience of these.

DH has a friend who uses a Quingo, It was an ex-demonstration model he bought a couple of years ago for an enormous sum. He considered it to be the Rolls Royce of scooters.

Earlier this year he was charged £300 for replacement batteries which DH would have bought on line for approx £130.

A few weeks ago he had to call a service engineer out as it was not doing the mileage suggested (we had rescued him one day when he was stranded by the machine about 4 miles from home - despite the batteries being fully charged before he had left home). The engineer was rather offhand and changed the brushes for £30 (which DH said was unnecessary). The service engineer suggested he may need a new motor costing £300. DH is not impressed!

chocolate pudding.

Many thanks for your post regarding the Quingo which I have only just seen. You have knowledge of this make and I am so pleased to hear from you with the information I need, the things against rather than the things for. Although initially I felt it must be good , now I am really don't think I could justify the cost for the use I would make of it.

miep You say you hated the Quingo but not why particularly. Was it a number of things or just one?

I have decided to wait until early spring and will hire again as suggested by Charliegirl before I decide.

My thanks again to you all.

Sorry, line 3 should have read, "now I really don't think " etc