The Trouble With Mobility Scooters: The Full Documentary | A True Story

Britain is the mobility scooter capital of Europe with around 330,000 scooters on our roads and pavements - and the numbers are growing fast. For owners, scooters are a lifeline offering freedom and independence, but for other road users, they can cause chaos. The number of accidents with mobility scooter drivers is increasing and pedestrians are more regularly being mowed down, often left badly injured. There’s very little regulation, as mobility scooter drivers don’t need to pass a proficiency test and insurance is not compulsory. Even being registered blind doesn’t legally stop you from being allowed to drive one.
With access to South Yorkshire Police’s mobility scooter driving school, this warm-hearted, engaging and informative documentary for BBC One follows the lives of scooter users in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and North Wales. We meet those living their twilight years to the full with the help of a four-wheeled friend and also hear the stories of those who have fallen foul of the mobility scooter phenomenon. With ailing health a common theme, this documentary is as much about mortality as it is about mobility. Produced by Nine Lives Media in 2014 for the BBC.
#mobilityscooter #atruestory

[@sandralou8285]

As a mobility scooter user my self its very important to be mindful of others around you.

[@Bonstergirl1]

Im one also and youre right .

[@FaenumVena]

yes, absolutely, I drive mine the same I drove a car, checking around and behind me when moving off or turning, keeping to sensible speeds depending on my surroundings. However other people need to be mindful of me as well. Ive had people deliberatly speed up to pass me, then step right in front of me, on an empty street, then give me dirty looks. I do wish these things had an emergency stop button, because they dont just stop, they keep going and I have no way of stopping it, so when someone steps right in front of me, there is nothing I can do about it. Ive also been hemmed in by people standing around me in busy places, stopping me from being able to move because of the turning circle of it. I cant just turn on the spot and push through people like I can when stood. People see the fat young person on a scooter and make assumptions. I have to have someone push me in a wheelchair in busy places, because people respect that, but not the scooter, so I end up stuck and unable to move. I cant self propel a chair as I have all over chronic pain and unstable joints. I have a scooter thats regulated to 4mph, meaning its not legal to drive in the road, so I dont unless something is obstructing the pavement. Only time I ever go max speed is if im somewhere open and there is no one around me, and that is rare. Scooters are like cars, they dont stop on a dime and I have no break pedal, all I can do is take my thumb off the go trigger and hope. I do wish they were able to turn on the spot as well.

[@scrapwomblecreatives6944]

indeed , a class three scooter is licenced for the road and taxed to be on it. your best displaying our plates it helps road and path users realise you are in command of your scooter at all time but lots are now hunting claims, watching you then diving in the way grabbibg at your scooter then rolling or falling back classic con men all of them. its a sad day when folks try take scooters away of older people just to get there hate off on them. I had a bus driver born somewhere else on earth smash me up on my new scooter on a roundabout 5 years have passed i still cannot get my feet and legs to heal up its slowly and painfully killing me. i was not at fault at all but the guy got off with it in court because the police favoured him as a road user thats why we use the pathway too am surprised this lady driver is on the road as she cannot tell the difference in MPH & KMPH THE LATTER BEEN SET ON DISABILITY SCOOTER IS FAR LESS THAN MPH HENCE WALKING SPEED

[@stephenmason5682]

That's too big an ask!

[@davidcurrie8564]

thats right Dear

[@tamarachumbley8722]

A lady in my town had a mobility scooter to save her arms from pushing herself into town in her wheelchair, when I first seen her in the scooter, she had her L plate on the front of her basket to let everyone know that she was learning how to ride her scooter, throughout the months of riding her scooter she was using the L to P plate system for her own and everyone’s safety.

[@shabbysuzannah3702]

A sensible lady

[@tamarachumbley8722]

The only time she blocked traffic was when her battery on her scooter died on her while she was in the middle of crossing the road and because she’s unable to walk or get out of her scooter she had call her dad to pick her and her scooter up other than that she had always been safe and sensible with her scooter

[@dawnadevine1618]

lol!

[@davidcurrie8564]

@@tamarachumbley8722 surprised there were no horns peeping!

[@andrewbillmarleyschannel2]

@@davidcurrie8564 people just ignore our quieter horns on Mobility scooters and because some think we can all turn our bodies to see what or who is behind us, which actually, we cant all do because of our individual disabilities, they have a go at us for them being right behind us

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

I remember years ago a woman using a mobility scooter was on the pavement an she ran straight over my sons foot, he was in so much pain he was 3 years old. And the woman was so ignorant, she showed no care. No apology.

[@davidcurrie8564]

yep theres a few out there who DGAF!

[@anthonylawrence60]

you should have punched her .I would

[@sandramatthews2878]

I’ve been using a mobility scooter for 10 years now and never had any problems…I think this is because I had seen so many around who are very arrogant….So I was determined I would be the best I could be ..courteous and considerate to pedestrians and vehicles …

[@FionaclarkClark]

Spot on Sandra ❤

[@ednadevil3330]

I’ve been selling and repairing scooters for 25 years now. I always do an extensive home demonstration and thorough drive trial for the customer and if I’m not satisfied they feel safe or confident I won’t leave the scooter with them. It’s that simple. Crossing roads can be big challenges for new scooter users and that’s one test I insist on getting them to do. It can be scary at first but they are a god-send for a lot of immobile people . I love my job

[@loopyloo1091]

The epilepsy old man should not even have a scooter.our dealer asked that as their first question and wont sell to epilepsy sufferers.

[@edmcgugan2079]

Good for you. My powerchair has been wonderful. Gets me out in the real world. Best thing for most people is don't drive faster than you could theoretically walk. Good starting point anyway......

[@mrst7831]

Thank you Edna for your level of care and service. As you can probably see, scooters are not designed or built with safety in mind. All that plastic can be purchased by anyone who can open a wallet. However, I've seen people change the settings or build up the motor to go faster. These things can't take a big pothole or fall off a curb, but drivers don't think about that. Matching the customer to the scooter and a safety course would be very valuable for everyone. Good driving habits and care for my scooter has kept it going for 10 yrs.

[@swampholler]

Not everyone with epilepsy is unqualified to drive. I only have seizures at night, in my sleep. Haven't had a seizure in years. Very limited to label everyone "epilepsy old man". Refuse to sell a scooter?

[@brians48now]

Some people are reckless. Some. The great majority, just like the great majority of car drivers, operate with care. @@mrst7831

[@adamwilliams7735]

I have been driving a mobility scooter for 8 years and got my first one at 10 years old due to cerebral palsy and being too heavy for my parents to push my wheelchair. I have never had an accident on one. I feel like many people who use a mobility scooter should understand they they do not need to go at full speed all the time, many accidents can be avoided if they just take the time to become aware of the environment and those around them. I 100% agree that there should be a at least theory test before you are able to use a scooter on either the road or pavement and that insurance should be mandatory. I also think that it is not only scooter users that need to be more aware and alert but also pavement users should also be more aware of what is around them. at the end of the day i have found that a lot of collisions with pedestrians can be avoided if both the pedestrean and driver are aware of whats around them and either the driver or pedestrians let the others pass rather than both going at once when the pavent or road is too narrow. - Ps. Its not nice having people and police stare, shout or pull me over because I look too young to use one. hopefully most people realise that mobility scooters are there to make elderly and disabled people's life easier, they are not just for the elderly.

[@Brankocroat]

I’m with the lady trying to get some training/rules for mobility users. She has a really valid point about they are supposed to be a substitute for walking and we don’t walk at 4 mph

[@duilawyr]

5 MPH for mine. It's 8:40 Sunday; it arrives MONDAY!!!! $647 new!!!! Wally World.

[@Dragon211]

The problem I have is when scooters go fast past me, they get too close. If you can't safety pass a pedestrian, just slow down and wait for an opportunity, ride safe!

[@petecoventry6858]

I've had people walking faster than me when I am doing 4mph

[@britannia55]

I go 4 mph, I respect pedestrians but they need to respect mobility scooter users as well, like watching their Children, teach them awareness of people around them, I don’t wizz past people without them knowing I’m there, but some just ignore you as your not there and are invisible.

[@barryrichuk]

I am a mobility scooter rider for 11 years, before my heart attack i was a truck and car driver. i am 73 years old, I also believe that a proper driving test be mandatory for any and all mobility scooters, after watching this video i also feel insurance is a must have...

[@margaretcunningham9092]

Yes, I quite agree with you, but include pushbike riders & electric scooter riders!

[@pjaypender1009]

Yeah, as a powerchair user, NO. Disabled people tend to live in poverty. I do not need to pay for insurance to use my wheelchair.

[@trippyzero8612]

I work on mobility equipment for a living in the US. Many of my customers have a hard enough time affording just the scooters, let alone some asinine insurance program.

[@thestig8133]

I agree with you sir about it being manditory for ALL new drivers & owners of mobility scooters. But, not everyone can either wait or buy a brand new one & simply buy one they like ( SECONDHAND) & this escapes them from these manditory tests. I will admit i bought mine third hand actually & it cost me a good few hundred £ for two new batteries plus recovery & return fee on top which was then only a £10 now £15 but i feel lost without it for a whole 7 days while they do the work & have to order the batteries or in future whatever it needs. But, i do have one major thing i hate about my M.S is when the weather drops in temp ( like this time of year WINTER) i CAN'T keep it inside for lack of space & something would CONSTANTLY B. & MOAN about it & unable to get it through the door way anyway ( not foldaway. So, it is locked away in my shed NO heating which i think is it's biggest weakness COLD!!!! to very COLD & i am very nervous of putting a small heater where it is due to the place is 100% wood & few chemicals about. So, apart from moving out ( of which i hoping for A.S A.P!!!! ) Then i am lumbered with high drain batteries until it warms up again late spring at earliest. 😳😳😵😵😠😠😠😡😡👎 & practicaly house house bound due to mobility issues. So, i understand why most if not ALL NEW owners SHOULD!!! have some means of test & a FULL!!! review every year on it. As for those who buy one secondhand or thirdhand then things are not so simple. But, not totally escapeable. 😳🤔

[@thereisbeautyinthisworld7251]

Training too! I've tried using them in store. Oh my gosh, I've often gotten stuck and run into things. For now I don't use one.

[@apt221bbakerst]

I am in the U.S. and have a mobility chair. Once you are forced to use a walker, wheelchair or mobility chairs or scooters, you see a lot of mobility challenges. Here in the states, not everything is mobility accessible. There is nothing more scary than using a bike lane because the sidewalks are not designed for baby carriages, bikes and mobility devices. You are in the bike lane inches from cars and sometimes they move into your lane. I am very careful with my mobility chair, but I can understand how others can be careless. Just like cars, you have to pay attention and be considerate to those around you.

[@kaikito7662]

Lou, I now use an electric wheelchair. I sometimes have to be belligerent-in-attitude and use the road . But ONLY until i find a section of sunken kerb to allow me to get back on the pavement. Manufacturers have to wake-up. The standard design for most wheelchairs is based on the Bath Chair circa 1720/ 40. The front wheel are way too small to get the chair over kerbs. Kerbs and badly maintained pavements are the bane of we wheelchair users here in Britain. Let's face it! they are the bane the whole world over.

[@blackdogslivesmatter1568]

I ALWAYS have ridden a bike on the sidewalk and always will if there is one available. Id rather pay a fine then get killed by a car. I live in the country now so its not really a problem and riding in a city would be so dangerous.

[@sassyd8738]

shows how much they care

[@04smallmj]

American bike lanes are completely unfit for purpose most of the time too

[@maryschmidt6945]

USA. It’s hard to get doors open while on scooter and elevator doors don’t stay open long enough to get a scooter on or off. Your either having to back in so you can drive forward to get out or vice versa. You dive slow to get over the elevator door threshold and then the door closes on you. The electric eye that prevents the elevator door from closing isn’t low enough to see someone on a scooter so the door closes on you as you try to get in. There are few gradual sloped areas to drive to get on or off a curb. There aren’t many mobility scooters used in USA. Even doctor offices and hospitals aren’t designed for their use. The aisles and racks in stares are too close to easily maneuver without hitting something. We are supposed to be a disability accessible country but we are not. I guess the disabled are just supposed to stay home. What is a single homeowner to do?

[@jamespepper8297]

12:00 I respect the woman leading the petition very much. Keep pushing for change, it will get there. It was clear from the first few seconds of their conversation that the lady in the mobility scooter would/could not change her mind. The old lady had made it personal and thought she was being blamed - completely missing the point and expressing no empathy... Her parting comment only strengthens the argument that time does not always bring wisdom.

[@angelmessenger8240]

The stereotypical selfish old woman.

[@LimerickWarrior1]

She's used to getting her own way her entire life. It's written all over her.

[@suew4609]

It depends. With age usually comes wisdom, but not everyone is safe no matter what they drive. There are some pretty awful drivers out there in cars, trucks, buses, etc., and they were tested! Testing won’t correct every issue!

[@suew4609]

@@angelmessenger8240She doesn’t want some activist taking away her freedom. I don’t blame her!

[@adamschrader328]

@@suew4609 Some day she will be old, I hope she will have to crawl to get somewhere.

[@clairelou5515]

As a mobility scooter user I can honestly say I am appalled by the number of people being careless when using their scooters. When I use mine I always take extra care when I'm out on it and have never even come close to hitting someone with my scooter, if there was or will be a course to learn how to ride one safely I would definitely attend just to make sure I'm always safe on my own scooter. I hope the ladies' son that got hit by a scooter was ok. I have also noticed people sometimes walk in front of people on scooters as well.

[@martingolding4951]

Am also a mobility scooter user 2 yrs now and I always stop to let people by I have noticed on some occasions when ive been out n about some just whizz past pedestrians on the footpaths on they small scooters as though it was dodgem cars

[@CC-hx5fz]

I never hit anyone in front of me but I often brake suddenly which surprises people walking behind. I'm just not a good driver. I've never driven a car or been able to ride a bike before becoming disabled. So I was always naturally clumsy. My problem is a spinal cord injury in my neck. So I honestly can't turn my head very much to see what's happening around me. People are generally patient.

[@pamd1536]

I use one visiting some places and I have come very close to hitting people many times but not due to my carelessness. People act like I am not there, walk in front or step sideways right into me. They expect I can stop on a dime when the scooter actually takes an extra second to stop. This video gives a bad name to those of us trying to be careful, but my experience shows people walking need to be considerate too.

[@CC-hx5fz]

@@pamd1536 we're at a height disadvantage. I get sick of being hit in the face by shopping bags. It's just that people aren't aware of their surroundings. I see plenty of small children having a miserable time in shopping centers, too. Mobility Scooters don't appear out of nowhere and they aren't as dangerous as some of the cyclists that I've seen.

[@lizzieburgess674]

@@CC-hx5fz You shouldn't be going so fast that you need to brake suddenly - it's nothing to do with clumsiness but just awareness of your surroundings. You should be travelling at the same speed the pedestrians around you are moving at. No excuses if you can't turn your head - you can fit mirrors to your mobility aid to enable you to see behind and around you! All sorts of other bike and/or motor-bike accessories can be fitted too, in order to make the vehicle more useful and convenient for you and - much more important - safer for everyone.

[@v.m.8472]

The problems we found with my uncle’s mobility scooter were: 1. Keeping track of the amount of charge on the battery, 2. It was very heavy and difficult to transport, 3. After he died there wasn’t a market for it so we took it to a thrift shop. We saw a young homeless person picked it up for a couple dollars and was riding about pretending to be disabled and collecting money. We later saw it abandoned and thrown in a local waterway. Since we spent a great deal of money and it could have assisted someone, we felt sad.

[@manp1039]

you make it sound as if riding the scooter as a homeless person means they are pretending to be homeless. How do you know that it didn't assist that homeless person? I know many homeless people that are disabled.. as a matter of fact, for many people, the reason they became homeles was because of a disability.

[@kaikito7662]

S.P.A.C.B.s. ( Some people are complete bastards ). Just sayin.

[@davidcurrie8564]

@@manp1039 or just plain lazy! i got that from a sainsburys staff member when i forst got my scooter!!..

[@loveisall5520]

Here in the US most churches will handle donating it to someone needy. Not in the UK?

[@v.m.8472]

@@manp1039 you make it sound like it is ok to pretend to be disabled and use pity as a tool to fool others. You make it sound as though it is ok to take a tool that will help someone move and throw it into a waterway. A battery in a waterway is dangerous. It corrodes and battery acid leaks into the water. Do you have any values at all or does everyone have to explain how very wrong, on so many levels, this was?

[@anitavisram8346]

What mobile people are not appreciating is that if it wasn't for a mobility scooter a lot of disabled people would not be able to get out and about. My mobility scooter is my lifeline.

[@dooronron69]

Same here, my spine is knackered and I could do anything if I didn't have my scooter

[@Cheepchipsable]

We all appreciate that, but if you are so dangerous you inure others, why should they be allowed anywhere? No one is saying no scooters, just that the driver can operate them competently.

[@Bexstarartist]

@@Cheepchipsableit’s not straight forward at all. Also people have better and worse days and also health condition deteriorate often fast and unexpected.

[@DerelictusAnima]

AMEN.

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@Cheepchipsable Cyclists can and injure others, why is cycling not banned and cycles are allowed?

[@josephinetedds418]

We should have mandatory tests. I am disabled and use a power chair. Those who don’t take care spoil it for those who do.

[@DerelictusAnima]

So should able bodied for cycling for example, if you want your kid to be able to cycle, he/she has to take a cycling test. Fair game for all then - equality!

[@scottbrandon6244]

There was one person who used her scooter in my church. She was a real wing nut. The woman regularly caused damage to woodwork and drywall with the scooter. Then she took turns on unsuspecting children running into them intentionally with her scooter. She was banned from church after that. I heard the local shopping mall management also banned her for similar reasons.

[@Bonstergirl1]

wow is still alive cause if that had been me after that I would a=have committed suicide on account of ppl being so cruel and not showing her the rigtht wau to ride it.

[@nomadiavan6560]

So grandma has gone crazy on a scooter. Some people will ruin it for others.

[@lizbradford7706]

@@Bonstergirl1people are not being rude they bloody scooters don’t care about people in front off them they think they have a right well they don’t there going to fast no need a would have banned her as well let’s be honest how many people have been hurt because off this a think your the ignorant person here there a bloody nuisance

[@deezelfairy]

​@@Bonstergirl1Doesn't matter how old/impaired you are. If your incapable of operating a vehicle (doesn't matter if its a push bike or a semi truck) without constantly causing damage to property or injury to persons you shouldn't be operating it full stop. Life's cruel sometimes, but saying someone should be able to use a mobility if they keep damaging people's property or causing injuries is like saying "they're suffering so everyone else should suffer too"

[@SacrificedSin87]

I've been using an electric wheelchair for nearly 8 years. Before then I too relied on my small mobility scooter. It was my lifeline, my independence and meant that I wasn't stuck at home. It was even small enough to go on the bus. It was wonderful and I enjoyed life again without having to sit and use my nebuliser in public. The worst feeling for me however was the judgemental looks I'd get or even some of the comments, often from the elderly, the worst was "I'm 84 and I don't need one." My reply was simple. "I'm 24 (at the time) and I do need one." I do think there needs more regulation for safety. Certainly if you're visually impaired, it's dangerous.

[@mrst7831]

I hear you Queen. It's tough to be old, but tougher to be young and using a wheelchair or scooter. Going to university, job searching or just shopping, people love to judge and some are very vocal. The public transit system allows for a space of 48 in or 122 cm, so I purchased one based on that and my height. The 3 wheel model allows me to go almost anywhere, however, I have been stopped from entering some places, "just in case." Every bus driver who deploys the ramp for me has cheered at my driving and parking ability on a crowded bus and I've never hit anyone. Attitudinal barriers are real for many friends with other disabilities, so having mobility and a chance to live is incredibly important. Thanks Queen

[@Mcfads999]

Those at 84 who dont need them are lucky. It must be disheartening hearing that. Sending love

[@Bridge_with_a_T]

The old man who is visually impaired should NOT be driving these scooters. His family need to come get him!

[@dawnadevine1618]

lol

[@deewalker6944]

You'd think he would of been told that ! He has no business getting any vehicle at all sorry hearing and sight are so important come on.

[@olgawyn746]

They took him to the test entre.

[@tompaye7877]

He needs to stay off a scooter ,,,, accident waiting to happen ,,, sorry his visons bad,, but he's gonna hurt someone ,,

[@joebloggs9941]

You say that, but politicians can still get into parliament and not have a clue how an economy works or having ever been employed by anyone - so metaphorically speaking, they are also blind and deaf and trying to navigate

[@margaretdownie4407]

I use a mobility scooter, I think we should have training. Like when we were young and got a bike, the police came to school and taught us how to use our bikes. 💜

[@davidcurrie8564]

not being cheeky Margaret but dont give the Government ideas! next thing we'll be hit with tax discs!!! no kidding

[@stevenhull5025]

Years ago I lived and drove around London for three years without insurance, MOT, a license or anything. I then took my drivers license and passed first time. A week later took my motorcycle license and also passed. Forty years on I have never have had an accident, a penalty point or anything. The only way you learn to do something is by doing it. Mobility scooter driving is the same.

[@davidcurrie8564]

@@stevenhull5025 well said Mate!.. thats all we need is joe Government getting ideas the uk people are paying enough as it is!

[@davidcurrie8564]

training for what? common sense!

[@shama9279]

I have a scooter, because my heart is extremely weak and my legs don't work well. People who use them need to be careful and think of others. Don't take advantage of others while driving. Be responsible with them, if you can't drive correctly, get a regular wheelchair.

[@Bonstergirl1]

agreed

[@123smotz]

born and raised in Amsterdam/ Holland. I started on a bike with sidewheels at the age of 3. In the end sixties and seventies, I rode my bike, moped, motorbike, and car in the crazy traffic in Amsterdam. In Military Service I drove big lorries and tanks. in possession of all my driver's licenses and NEVER made an accident. Sadly at 68, I got a minor TIA and my legs don't work well anymore. the moment you drive a handicapped scooter people think you are mentally disabled, an idiot. not I need training but the "normal" people. rushing out of shops without looking. walking and using their cell phones. bad roads, no ramps, loose tiles et., etc.

[@carilee49]

I'm 73, severely disabled, can't even walk to the kitchen from the living room. I can't get to doctor appointments without my scooter. But I do not go out in malls or roads or among people. You have to smart about this now!

[@DerelictusAnima]

So you self imprison yourself for no reason. Cool..

[@Nicola_Bailey]

It's not just the scooters owners who are the issue it's the able bodied pedestrians. I've been walked into, tripped over, had people stop dead in front of me, whip round and walk straight into me, I've even had someone step backwards and end up in my lap!!! No I wasn't 'too close' in any of these instances it's just that not one of these people bothered to look where they were going; at all. They were completely oblivious to their surroundings. I could have been a pram, a bike, a blind person with a guide dog or stick or a toddler. Safe use of the pavements goes both ways; EVERYONE should be aware of their surroundings, and look before they leap.

[@bobbythorman7421]

Providing you are moving at a walking speed you do make a point.Howevere if you are moving faster, as is the norm with scooter users, then a greater blame lays with the user.

[@whiskymacable]

This is what I was trying to say, I avoid these busy places now and the wife goes on her own.

[@davidcurrie8564]

oh yesss!!! the ones that stop dead in the superstore, the ones that park their trolleys face to face in front of the isles while yapping to each other i was round the shop in 15 minutes and those two were still standing in the same position!!! they also fling their shopping trolleys in front to you step in front of you to get to the checkout one even ran by me to get to the checkout! the looks etc whats he doing in that thing ? and i hate to say it but they are all old women!!! my wife says the same thing!! I am 60 and have arthritis in my knees due to falling 20 feet from a scaffold on my job because of some workers shoddy unprofessional workmanship thats what im doing in that thing!!!

[@shanehumberstone5262]

Other people’s obliviousness has nothing to do with it,they are pedestrians,the onus is on you as your in the seat of something that can injure someone

[@davidcurrie8564]

@@shanehumberstone5262 so!.. what you are saying is... that when you are driving other road users dont need to look or pay attention when pedestrians or you are driving??? or... pedestrians do need to pay attention when they are crossing the road watching for cars or other vehicles?? classic case here: when you go for shopping do you pay attention when crossing the road!! yes I'll bet you do!... same for other pedestrians who should pay attention!! next time think before you air your views on here!

[@paulharvey9149]

There are some rules in Britain regarding the use of mobility scooters. Type 2 scooters with a maximum speed of 4mph, which are sometimes allowed on buses and trains, may however only use paths and not roads. Type 3 scooters with a maximum speed of 8mph, are allowed to use roads as well as paths - providing they are no more than 85cm wide, have working lights, indicators and at least one rear-view mirror. I try to follow the rules of the road and always use bus and cycle lanes if they're available - even though my insurance would be invalid if I had an accident there. You see, that's now daft it all is - there is a need for some kind of regulation, as I don't imagine there's a court in the land that would agree that it is safer to not use one of these limited-access or segregated lanes! Lack of drop-kerbs is often another problem, requiring more use along pavements that we necessarily want to do. I'm also very selective about which shops and stores I drive around, and when. Generally speaking, I only do so in the larger supermarkets and some retail-park type stores - and only if it's quiet. I also crawl around very slowly if I catch up with or meet other people - and if I'm approaching a crowd from behind and they haven't noticed me, I sound my horn before I'm immediately behind them too, as it's better for them to not be startled, or feel a need to leap out of the way! Despite all my efforts to do the right thing, I am continually overtaken by cyclists while waiting at red traffic lights, cut up by car drivers and shouted at or distracted by horns being unnecessarily sounded by drivers who believe it is their job to police the roads, and with rules that would discriminate against me. I know there are a lot of crazy scooter drivers out there, they annoy me as much as anyone else, but please, don't tar us all with the same brush - we are people, first and foremost.

[@04smallmj]

What should happen is that type 3 scooters should be used on cycling infrastructure, as is the case in the Netherlands, since like bikes, they're usually too fast to be on the pavement but too slow on roads. But of course the government doesn't want a good cycling network 🙄

[@paulharvey9149]

@@04smallmj I tend to use the cycling infrastructure - such as it is - anyway!

[@user-ej1kv1mp5l]

What about dangerous bike riders and e scooters on paths I've even seen some idiots on motorbikes on footpaths

[@paulharvey9149]

@user-ej1kv1mp5l Yes, I have seen them too. They're taking advantage of there being insufficient numbers of police to deal with such things.

[@katiekane5247]

The same demographic is getting squeezed in the USA too. We've worked all our lives & now we're old & costing the system more. They'd just as well be without us. I will say your claim adjusters seem more pleasant than what I've encountered. For those that refuse to believe they'll never get old or immobile, things happen to young folks too. Be kind, be careful, give thanks if you're still mobile.

[@misterwhipple2870]

Me too. Like my mother always used to say: "Just wait. One day, it'll be you."

[@loveisall5520]

I'm crippled with a manual wheelchair and a walker. Too many fat old Americans pigging out and lazily riding these things. Are you one of them? Like the electric carts in grocery stores, check out the waistlines on those riding them...

[@brians48now]

You sound like my Brother. Mad at the World and constantly miserable. @@loveisall5520

[@momkatmax]

Gordon needed a white cane and wanted to drive a scooter. Reminded me of my Grandfather who had cataracts rather badly. My Dad asked him if it was so bad he was brushing the newspaper with his nose, how the heck was he driving? Grandfather just said "No worries, I just let the wheel drift off the pavement and then jerk it back. I only go to the market anyway." I saw Dad turn red. I was about 15 and knew what that color meant. He said "Dad, let me see your keys" then he threw them out in the garden. "Dad, if you can find them, you can drive." Unfortunately, Grandfather had another set. The police had a chat with Grandfather and he saw wisdom.

[@Katya-zj7ni]

The beeping, the beeping I hear it in my dreams sometimes. I’m transported back to Morrison’s in the bread aisle as my aunt rammed into shoppers front and back as she reversed went forward and reversed again. She was the one haranguing folk for “not caring about the disabled”. She’s gone now God rest her but I’ll never forget the beeping , the tutting and the hatred in the eyes of her innocent victims .

[@nancykaplan7163]

4 miles an hour can cause SIGNIFICANT injury when they RAM into pedestrians including children. Average walking speed is between 2 to 3 miles an hour. the scooter users frighten me. many have to use one after a stroke, when there walking has become impaired. Thing is the health crises they are suffering may have damaged vision or even cognitive function. ANd now they are RACING around at 10 mile an hour, ramiimg and careless with something that can cripples others.

[@DavidMartin-ix6dk]

I live in Tenerife and I am a mobility scooter user and I think I am a good operator I'm 76 years old and still got all my marbles only gave up driving 3 years ago I am always mindful of people around me when using the scooter on the road and pavement, I have seen some dreadful examples of driving I am all for a compulsory official instruction and test and lawful regulations. The reason I have a scooter I have severe copd.

[@autumnrain7342]

I am an electric wheelchair user which I got from the hospital, they have a course which tests your proficiency by going up and down kerbs, avoiding obstacles and riding over different surfaces. If can’t complete this to standard, you don’t get a chair. I thought this was a good idea and needs to be commonplace.

[@tamzinmenadue4887]

These scooters give enormous freedom to some people but how the hell can someone who is visibly impaired, registered blind, be able to ride one of these. There needs to be some sort of test And the lady that said it was the boys fault for using the pavement should be ashamed of herself, but I bet she isn't.

[@ezraoberheim1081]

I use a mobility scooter as a young person. Part of the issue is that pedestrians don't give a FUCK if someone in a wheelchair or on a scooter needs space to get through. They stand in the only path available for wheels and block up the area. If you see someone on wheels in a mobility aide, get the FUCK out of our way. We have one small path we can take. You can take a step to the left. I ask nicely for people to move. I ding the little bell I have. They look at me like I have 3 heads. So I move slowly towards them until they MOVE.

[@joebloggs9941]

Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine ☀️ If there is only one way to get through, use your patience and realise if you didn't mess up your own body you'd be able to walk! It is human nature to want preference given to your current mode of travel, so realise that other pedestrians need to get where they're going too, not "standing aside for a young person". You need some respect. If I ever come across you, Ezra, I'll be happy to give you an education real quick.

[@annedymock2850]

@@joebloggs9941 " if you didn't mess up your own body you would be able to walk"... this is really offensive and presumptuous. Do you really know if ezra's mobility problems are their fault? Could have been a not at fault accident, or a medical condition (MS, motor neuron disease, rheumatoid arthritis so many possibilities). Even if their mobility problems are a result of their own actions, to see resulting mobility problems as "deserved" and proportionate is unfair. Continuing to blame them for their mobility problems is cruel and a form of victim blaming. There ARE so many people who do not think of the implications of their actions on others with mobility problems. In fairness it is hard to be aware of some of the issues until you are the person in the chair. Something that frequently catches me out, is people who park in their driveway, without leaving enough space behind or in front for a scooter to pass. Because the normal kerb is a 8-20cm ledge, you cannot pass by going on the road the way a pedestrian can. Reversing in some locations can be problematic. Other pedestrians behind you not giving you any space to reverse, footpath not wide enough to turn around, the ground beside the footpath being wet and slippery from rain, (even if you can drive, having muddy tires could stop you accessing the place you were intending to go. I can agree with Ezra how frustrating it can be in a shopping centre. Often friends, mums with prams walk slowly, two or three astride so they can look at each other while chatting. Many people are kind and helpful, but many act thoughtlessly... and behave as Ezra describes, dangerously cut in front. Stop in front in a group chatting and look at you weirdly if you kindly ask them to move. Even some places that are accessible become difficult or impossible when people axt thoughtlessly. Think a small elevator that a mobility scooter can fit into... but cannot if there is more than one person, or a shopping trolley, and nobody lets you into after multiple trips), the situation is unnecessarily a lot worse. Grocery stores are usually accessible, many other shops don't have aisles wide enough to turn around at the end, or too narrow to have a person and a scooter, or there is stock on the floor making the too path narrow or impossible to turn at the end. When you have a mobility problem and need to use something like a mobility scooter or wheelchair to get around, life is a lot harder. Every day holds a lot of additional frustrations. It slows you down a lot, many things you cannot do at all. There are so many additional barriers. It requires a lot of patience, you get angry. It can feel like you do not matter... are a second class citizen. Just because the language of the post was a little colourful and angry doesn't mean his points were not valid. There is an expectation for those with mobility problems (and or are disabled in general), not to get angry or frustrated... to always be meek to deserve accomodations. You need to be grateful for help. If you are in a chair or scooter many (not all), are surprised, and sometimes peeved if your are assertive (not agreesive). Some people take offense. I have seen a paraplegic who was confident and assertive, making reasonable, personal care requests that took more time and work from nurses, but not gushing with gratitude when help was provided. You could see resentment and frustration on their faces... after a couple of days they started ignoring a lot of his calls, which compromised his care... and thisbis some one in a caring profession being paid to help. If you need others help for a lot of tasks you cannot do yourself you need to suppress a lot of emotions and be a lot more flexible, and prepared to have tasks not done to your liking and still be grateful, even when it is thrir job they are being paid to do. Being relatively newly disabled I often feel like a burden and my confidence is low. I like things a particular way that I was happy to do myself... that can't most ofbthe time now. Support workers are lowly paid, it is a difficult job. You no longer have the option of being particular. In am in my 50s, and have lost a lot of independence in the last 5 years. I was very self sufficient... it is really hard. I have the advantage of age to develop patience. Being older my physical expectations of myself are not as high as when I was young. I have had a chance to at least have experiences like roadtrips, camping, bushwalking, sports when I was more able bodied. Young people are more physically active and adventurous. I think it would be much harder for young people who see their peers doing so much, but can't participate in many "normal" activities, and may never be able to. If you are a teenager when your peer group is so important and your emotions are intense it would be challenging. Be kind. Don't assume. Victim blaming is not cool.

[@joebloggs9941]

@@annedymock2850 I can see you're heavily on the disabled side, Anne, because you are also affected there; but no, you also assume within your post that gives too much sympathy to a situation that you know nothing of. It's best to not put "mobility" aids in the hands of those who are resentful and frustrated, it's like rewarding a badly behaved child by giving them their toys back without teaching them manners. No care or sympathy from me, they're a menace and should only get out when they can act appropriately.

[@annedymock2850]

@@joebloggs9941 @Joe Bloggs Do you know Ezra is not severely disabled? You are comfortable assuming someone could function without a mobility aid. That it is OK to be judgemental and disrespectful... assert someone does not deserve a mobility aid, that it is OK to punish and control them, if they express some anger and swear in a post. I did not assume Ezra was very disabled, just that it was likely he needed the mobility scooter to get out and about. Using a mobility acooter has difficultiesvand frustratiins Ezra has pointed out. It isn't practical to persist using a scooter if you don't need to. If you actually read his post, and look how he says he acted in the situation with a scooter he has been respectful, asked nicely for people to move, but people just don't move, (which can often happen). With wheels, where you can go is limited... he is quite right able bodied people can choose to step aside for a moment to let him through rather than blocking the path. That frustrating... anger is understandable, even if his post doesn't express it in the calmest way. He also said he was young, it can take a lot of time to learn patience, which makes his expression of anger more understandable. I am guessing you don't know anything about Ezra's situation either. Having a disability makes you vulnerable, makes it harder to function can limit employment and recreational activities. When you need assistance to function, there is a power differential, that some people abuse. Again there is the common expectation that if you are disabled and need accomodations or assistance to function (eg mobility device), you you need to be meek and grateful, not express anger. To be expected to suppress your feelings almost constantly in ways that can be unhealthy to deserve the help you need to function... or sometimes to survive. That is not OK.

[@joebloggs9941]

@@annedymock2850 What is not OK is thinking you can go out in public and try to bend them to your will, I'd be just as likely to tip that bloody scooter over if they came at me where I was standing and told me to move. It is entirely likely that there was already a group of people waiting for the lights to change so they can cross the road - and all because a mobility scooter arrives we are all supposed to move aside so that the ramped gutter can be easily accessed? They can wait patiently while the people there first get to proceed first. The world needs to return to how it was, generations ago, when young were told to respect elders, their place in the world, (because they haven't EARNED the privileges that others have). Getting on this thread gave me a unique insight into the mindset of scooter riders and they think they can take on the world out there? They are disabled, which means they lost their ability. Don't try to regain it by subjugating others to maintain equality. If even riding a scooter has it's own frustrations and limitations, then pack it up and sell it... there is always home delivery these days. If you understand Ezra so well, how about the two of you hang out, you'll get along great with that shared attitude of "Woe is me" and be entirely frustrated and resentful of the hand of cards you've both been dealt, but I, on the other hand, have to get out and work, be a functional member of society, with my able body that I looked after.

[@chilledoutpaul]

I have a mobility scooter and i am disabled and have trouble walking, If there is no one around i may go at fall speed, I always give way or wait for members of the public to go past unless some one has stopped for me and i am always courteous and shoot thank you, I often go through a shopping centre near me and 95 percent of the time i only go at walking speed, I have had other scooters overtake! scooter drivers need to remember pedestrians have the right of way. and i also have public liability insurance.

[@1974AMDG]

Mobility Scooters have right of way in Australia.

[@marybuehler8549]

I have a mobility scooter because I can’t walk very far. I had installed a safety flag on the back of my scooter plus a slow moving orange triangle so people can see me better. I always follow the laws of the road and am always cautious of pedestrians . A lot of able bodied people who don’t have a disability don’t understand why disabled people rely on these scooters. What do they expect us to do, stay home all day!!

[@peterbellwood5412]

Why not ? I have to now .

[@Bexstarartist]

@@peterbellwood5412it’s very bad for most people’s mental health and health in general. If you used to be out and about why should you stop because you are disabled?

[@bereanborn888]

@@peterbellwood5412so you would be happy to see everyone else stay home because you have to….hmmm what a kind fellow.

[@NannyOggins]

My father is about to get a mobility vehicle and I was shocked when researching for him to find that there is no compulsory teaching and no test to assess potential drivers. This is shocking!

[@spikey_labrys]

most important thing is take time to get used to the strange way the mobility scooters accelerate and slows down, it can be very unnerving for some. Wishing yr Dad the best of luck, mine has made my life so much richer.

[@shabbysuzannah3702]

My husband stepped out of a shop and was knocked over by an elderly lady whizzing along silently, luckily a fast acting young lady caught him. The driver of the scooter looked behind her and whizzed across the road and was on her way. Seaside town in North Essex beginning with F. As far as I can ascertain, no driving test is required, no insurance and literally anyone is able to get in one without any training and fly along (silently) on pavements meant for pedestrians. I am fully in support of mobility scooters but the drivers surely have to have passed a test, pay a road licence and have insurance. I was amazed to see duo scooters taking up the whole payment. Our local pub has them parked outside - their owners presumably can walk into the pub. Are they drinking alcoholic beverages and driving home? Very loud bells should ring from these scooters and they should be limited to half a mile per hour. AND an obligatory sight test, physical test (ability to brake) and cognitive test should be mandatory IMO

[@repentbeforeitstoolate..8239]

Yes 👍

[@jackwatsonepic626]

I fully agree 👍 it is the same with these electric scooters anyone of school-age can hire them as long as they've got mummies and daddies bank details And kids drive them on the pavement (sidewalk) and they do at least 10 mph I know And when you say anything to them , because you're old and you can't move out the way as quick They offer you a fight ! As though you are in the wrong for saying something Or that's what happened to me anyway

[@martingolding4951]

I rent my scooter from eden mobility and u are then by the company reg with DVLA and insured my scooter is roadmaster

[@sidsod1616]

Ridiculous ,how many people are run down by irresponsible cyclists or e scooter riders on the pavement or riding through a shopping centres why not apply all these tests to the above or even better in your view condemn people with mobility problems to be prisoners in their homes. I'm a scooter user for over five years and have never hit anyone ,you just need to be fully aware of your surroundings and regulate your speed especially in crowded places. This video seems to only show the worst drivers they could find. What are the stats for cycling accidents or e scooters. I'm sure they dwarf mobility scooters.

[@Bonstergirl1]

electic scooters are differemt that kids ride. theyre not mobility and mine does 5ks not even as fast as you can walk

[@mixsetup]

I have just got mine and was given lessons how to use it. Laws in Australia is they are only to be ridden on the footpath. I don't know if it is everywhere around the world but when I went shopping they all have revision mirrors to see behind you. I also went through an occupational therapist who grades you to see if you are suitable for one which a lot of people don't do. I feel safer in it as when I try and walk my disabilities make me fall over all the time.

[@andycavalier1920]

Ban them all.

[@margaretgill4330]

@@andycavalier1920 maybe one day you might get to need one...!

[@ellbow7287]

@@andycavalier1920 🤡

[@jozziea]

@andy cavalir, I hope you never have the need for one. Mine changed my life .

[@1974AMDG]

Same in my case too. In Australia we are only permitted to go on a roadway if there is no footpath or if the footpath is blocked or too narrow, and then we are expected to return to the footpath as soon as possible. We are also not supposed to exceed 10kph. Most scooters here are made with a top speed of 10k but I have noticed my heavy duty, off-road scooter can go 11k if necessary.

[@downtoearth1950]

Here in Australia mobility scooters are classed as Pedestrians, and drivers are expected to behave as such

[@Bonstergirl1]

sure are.

[@1974AMDG]

@@Bonstergirl1 Yes...and pedestrians are actually supposed to give way to mobility scooter riders too...we have right of way...though I don't think most pedestrians are even aware of this. So many times, people have almost walked right into me while looking down at their mobile phones...that's when I blast my little horn and watch them jump sky-high!! I'm not being mean...it's for their own good....what if it was a car or truck heading for them in a shopping centre carpark? The outcome could be a lot worse than a just a scare!

[@joebloggs9941]

@@1974AMDG Thankfully we don't have trucks in shopping centre carparks, because if we did, you'd probably have ended up under one already. What is it with motorised transport that brings out the primitive in people?

[@1974AMDG]

@@joebloggs9941 I wasn't referring to semis! But there certainly are smaller trucks and even cars pulling caravans, RVs etc. in the carparks I frequent during my shopping trips. Pedestrians would certainly fair better walking into me and my heavy-duty scooter than any of those vehicles. But it will happen to them if they continue focusing on their mobile phones instead of where they are going! Some people just have to learn the hard way!

[@joebloggs9941]

@@1974AMDG I'm a truck driver so bring along your "heavy-duty scooter" and we'll soon see who fairs better on the road. If you're going to run people over in a pedestrian thoroughfare for looking at their phone, best they take away your mobility vehicle. You'll then be wishing you could get out more.

[@joannbeiser4907]

My experience is pedestrians will walk directly into your path repeatedly. In a crowded store or park a person like me can’t stop coming to a dead stop and pissing off pedestrian’s behind me. Sounds like these people are using them instead of cars! Nuts!

[@joebloggs9941]

When you realise that the scooter is what moves, not you, you'll come to realise that people don't "walk into your path" or "cause you to stop abruptly". It's responsible use to reasonably anticipate obstacles and power the scooter accordingly. If it's the traffic that gets you upset, then best not to be part of it, because your scooter is traffic, too.

[@joannbeiser4907]

@@joebloggs9941 you are wrong. They see you, they stare you down and step right out.

[@fredkay6743]

@@joannbeiser4907 I don't know where you live but in Britain, pedestrian is always king. If you're in a pedestrian only area, and they walk in front of you and you hit them, it's still your fault. If it's a road or cycle path then it would be a bit different but as you're the one driving a vehicle, whether it's a car, bicycle or scooter, it's always going to be your fault for not anticipating possible danger. You wouldn't mow down a child in a car so why is it any different in a scooter.

[@insanityisorange8659]

Wow talk about tarring us all with the same brush! I'm a 53 year old woman with copd asthma and fibromyalgia amongst many other issues. I drove car till I was unsure if I could hit the brakes fast enough to be safe and quit driving! That basically left me trapped in my home until the day I got a mobility scooter. Yes there are idiots out there. Same as there are idiots that drink drive. Or idiots that cycle or scooter on drugs! I'm not saying that everyone is safe out there bu please don't tar us all...some of us are safety conscious and use our scooters as a lifeline. Oh and yes I do believe that we should all have a short course on driving them

[@sharonjojo]

Well said, there are some nasty comments on here.

[@ellencochrane7847]

I agree I have fibro too and my bus stop is too far for me to walk I would never leave my house without my scooter I am very aware when I’m on it and taxed and insured it I even have real number plates Years ago I was run over by someone on a scooter so I make sure to watch what I’m doing I even have mirrors on both sides I also think only someone with real mobility issues should be allowed on them

[@nikkic36]

The woman at 12 minutes shouldn’t be using a scooter with that attitude

[@SqueakyBarbarian]

I've decided that when I need one of these, mine will be a unicorn that poops glitter when I hit the brakes. Look out folks! Getting older is going to be fun!!!

[@dawnadevine1618]

Love you Tack Tack!!

[@Devils-advocate78]

My son aged about 6 held open the shop door for a very old lady on a mobility scooter. She got half way through and then the scooter cut out so she fired it back up but instead of going forward, she put it into reverse sandwiching my little lad between 2 glass doors. She didn't stop either, the wheels kept spinning as she kept reversing. I don't know where I got the strength from but I picked the whole scooter up and chucked it to the side to free my son. She wasn't hurt but at that point I really wouldn't of cared if she was Cz I was screaming at her to stop n so we're other people who were nearby n she just kept on flooring the pedal in reverse. My son wasn't hurt either but he could of been killed, he was only a tiny little thing

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

@Scared of the dark. That must have been devastating for you, your Son showed politeness and was treated in such a horrible way. Through the woman's ignorance 🤷‍♀️. I am so sorry that your dear Son and yourself had to endure such a disgusting situation. In no way shape or form should these people be allowed on the roads and pavements, at unsuspecting people's cost. A woman was on her disability scooter some years ago I had just picked my Son up from infants School and she ran over my Sons foot he would have been 3-4 years old and he was in agony and distressed it was something that will always live with me. She knew what she did, but showed no care at all and sped off.

[@dawnfinch8232]

I was shopping in the supermarket an elderly lady ran into the back of my leg looked at me like it was my fault no apology no nothing it gave me a nasty bruise

[@73cidalia]

I guarantee that there are a lot of elderly people on mobility vehicles out there who have some form of dementia. That’s why annual testing and licensing and a reporting system need to be put into place.

[@clairelou5515]

I am glad your son was ok but that ignorant woman was rude and should be more considerate of others especially children. That sort of thing gives us considerate users a bad name.

[@quartzlump]

Flooring the pedal whilst it's in reverse is a common problem for elderlycar drivers. It's possibly the single biggest reason people are calling for re-tests at 70, and then every couple of years after that. They know the theory of how to drive, but in the heat of the moment they want to slow down, and for some reason the vehicle isn't slowing. They lose track of the fact they haven't moved their foot to the other pedal, and instead become fixated on applying more pressure to the pedal. The reality is that cars and mobility scooters are so similar, that if they can't drive a car any more, they shouldn't be using mobility scooters either, but good luck telling any senior citizen that it's time to give up the idea of personal transport, and with it personal freedom.

[@chermarano]

The biggest issues with the mobility scooter is the fact that there are no BRAKES to speak of. The only way to stop is to let go and coast to a stop. My city doesn't have sidewalks very many places, so the only surface available is the street.

[@ant-1382]

Actually they stop quite rapidly when the throttle is released - friction.

[@Sun_Flower1]

Flick the hand control into reverse you'll stop on a dime. Try it out.

[@ktd2956]

Not true,when power is off they stop very quickly,they don't 'coast'

[@sharonhoyt2133]

I live in the U.S. I'm not able to walk so if I didn't have a scooter I'd never be able to get out of the house. I am extremely cautious. I hate that some people ruin the image of scooter riders for others.

[@andrewclemmit2042]

They are amazing bits of kit. They add quality of life to sick people. They have a knob to turn to slow them down in crowded areas.

[@carlbickle9467]

Yes,very useful..if you have a genuine need!!!but there are many folk who are lazy and ir obese that use these as a cheap means to get around.no insurance, no training..a recipe for disaster

[@bobbythorman7421]

The problem is they won't turn the knob down.

[@Bonstergirl1]

@@bobbythorman7421 speak for yourself mate. I do and I bloody watch out for idiots that run into me too

[@beardyface8492]

About 2/3 of the time the problem is the knob behind the handlebars, not the one on them.

[@scrapwomblecreatives6944]

@@Bonstergirl1 well said, Have never seen anyone driving like in this above show e bikes do scooter two wheels do mobility scooter turn down to less than a mile per hour lol another point if its danger to us driving with a phone common sense says its same while walking on pathways.

[@josephcroft4268]

muscles use them or lose them

[@Nirrrina]

I've used an electric wheelchair before and I'm considering doing so again for longer trips. So I'm glad to see this & find out you can get insurance for any accidents. Still when near people I always limited my speed so I couldn't accidentally go to fast.

[@sspors]

So i drive a mobility scooter. What I see here is that many don't have mirrors on their scooter. I use mine like a hawk. I set my speed down when children are near and other people. Crazy to see this. Some of them should definitely have more training. It's your own responsibility if you damage people or objects

[@1974AMDG]

I'd be lost without my mirrors!

[@TCHorwood-xq7mw]

i noticed the lack of mirrors too.

[@aaronhacker7263]

There should see Germany as an example. You can’t have a scooter without an insurance license plate.

[@owenstephenhardy6949]

To right 😊

[@ellencochrane7847]

I have a scooter and mine is taxed and insured but I never go in the shops with it after watching this I think I am going to get myself a helmet

[@LadyElsena]

I was hit by a truck 5 years ago and still can barely walk, I have a small electric wheelchair chair for at hand and a larger chair for when I need to leave the house. My little chair is a great size for getting around in stores or around other folks when I can take it places but its battery wears out real fast and it can get stuck on bumps in the sidewalk. It’s frightening to me when I’m in my big chair though cause I can’t see around me and it has handles that stick out. Those mobility scooters take up even more space and then you got folks with a, I’m a car and a pedestrian and everyone else just has to accept it crap. As a person that has no choice but to use a wheelchair I am horrified by their bad behavior.

[@merrickray]

i have a scooter, has a switch 5kph and 10kph. I use the 5k in shopping centres and hospitals and the 10k on the out of town footpaths. I got mine because I got damaged with Lyrica.. thats a nasty drug. Took away my ability to walk for 3 months. now its a year and still very weak. But the real reason was the 5cm tumor on my head. That was costing me $200 week in travel to get to hospital for radiation treatment. If i had a car I could park in the car park and walk a km. with the scooter I can park it in the waiting room. Thats convenience.. My biggest complaint is the pedestrians with the phone glued to their ear. or just texting. When they are talking they dont keep left or right. They do a zig zag across the whole footpath. totally oblivious to everything and everyone.Or ladies walking talking 3 abreast blocking the whole footpath. I asked them if i could pass when they stopped at set of lights and had to wait for the crossing. They looked at me like i was shit and said no!! Its illegal to drive and text. it should be illegal to walk and text too. driving the scooter is like the dogems in the carnival. The difference here is the idea is to avoid crashes and pedestrians. not hit them.

[@davewilliams5357]

i am a powerchair user and over the years i have had very little accidents the ones i do are mostly people on their phones and looking down i have always looked as i am a former motorbike user and know the feeling of being invisible to anyone i also have motability scooters that covers for accidents as such i must admit i now seeing loads of em with people who dont care how they drive em even bullying people to move out of the way

[@637122a]

Its a vehicle! On the road or not. Therefore the operator must have basic operating skills. The scooter MUST also have mirrors. As you get older you get stiff, to adequately see rearwards mirrors.

[@1974AMDG]

Mine has a seatbelt as well.

[@user-wickedflower]

I live very rural on my farm & I’ve never even seen a mobility scooter. This was a complete surprise!

[@craftycraftings1037]

I use a scooter I'm relatively younger than most in my early 40s. Without my scooter I would not be able to go shopping, take my kids to the park or have any sort of life outside my home. People will moan about anything.

[@GillianCranston]

I need one due to chronic pain but most users are entitled gits who think that everybody should move for them rather than being considerate.

[@biggirlmentalworld]

Coming from someone who uses a mobility scooter, I had training before I was aloud out on mine. It’s also insured. There’s two sides to this story, I have a lot of verbal abuse from vehicles when I’m driving on the road because mine is road legal but also people moan about us being on the path. You can’t win. In supermarkets you get people just not looking and going out in front of you or stepping back into you. It is a two way thing people need to be more aware in general on BOTH sides of this argument

[@puffypuff9779]

I've got one, I am 60 years old and very mindful of others around me. People do travel on them too fast but by the same token you can't always go very slowly as it's not warm to sit on one. I think it you buy one then you have to be considerate to others around you. You also need your faculties, insurance and breakdown cover.

[@lizzieburgess674]

If it's 'not warm' to sit on one, why not wear more suitable clothes so that you *will* be warm? For everyone's safety you should NOT be travelling at a speed greater than the pedestrians with whom you are sharing a footway.

[@mariuskuhrau761]

A good friend of mine who is a doctor and he have told me that he hates these mobility scooters. Most of his elderly patients have one of these scooters and because of that, they no longer exercise, stopped walking and gained a lot of excess weight. These inactivity had a negative outcome on his elderly patients health, and his plea to them to walk and do some exercise has fallen on death ears. Most of the elderly have very bad eye sight and are hard of hearing, yet is common to see them on their mobility scooters on public roads which is illegal. 😒😒

[@nadiagoodwin8006]

I have a mobility scooter, I have not gained weight. I exercise in the house every day . I never go on the road except when thoughtless car drivers park on the pavements which is an enormous amount . If I used a stock I would probably fall break my hip or worse my back . One day you moaners will get old and need equipment just to be able to go for a trundle when the weather is clement. Health also involves a healthy mind

[@lolocaust4967]

@@nadiagoodwin8006 you can exercise but you can't walk 🤔

[@nadiagoodwin8006]

@@lolocaust4967 I do yoga for the elderly .most of the time I am on the yoga mat or chair , maybe that will answer you rude question 🤔

[@lolocaust4967]

@@nadiagoodwin8006 So you can do Yoga but can't walk? Doesn't seem like yoga is all that useful if that's the case.

[@nadiagoodwin8006]

@@lolocaust4967 seems like you know very little about anything except of course your rudeness and lack of empathy. But not to worry karma has a way of dealing with people like you,age also comes to all, as does illness ,depression and pain.

[@melissahardy1369]

Can we NOT villify everyone who needs ascooter? You're all well one almost hit me, they're menaces. Try being surrounded by able people, noses in their phones, not looking where they're going, blaming you for their inattention.

[@1974AMDG]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@pattysarkar5997]

That poor woman that’s child was killed by a scooter, I would be raising more heck than her. My heart goes our to her, proud of her activism. The fact she lost her child to a scooter is heart breaking. She is right there needs to be some rules and competency training for folks to use them safely. As well as basic rules for all scooter riders and pedestrians alike.

[@davewebster1627]

I don't know the circumstance, but who was to blame, children run out on cars when it's not the drivers fault

[@morrigan908]

I think they said the child was "knocked down," not killed, but I might have misheard or misunderstood.

[@KAJAMAJA122]

The child was not killed but lightly hurt . More shocked than anything .

[@brians48now]

Killed? Being knocked down does not mean killed.

[@mssdn8976]

I can’t believe that someone with a white stick is allowed to ride one. Some of these elderly people seem so entitled

[@33Jenesis]

I live in Southern California where people are depending on cars mostly. It is quite hard for mobility scooter riders to go from home to shops or doctor’s appointment without a car ride. To get the right car to upload and unload a scooter is not cheap. Malls and big retailers like Costco and Walmart Superstore and Target do have mobile chairs for shoppers but not like they have 50+ on hand at any store. I personally haven’t seen many riders on streets and in shops so far.

[@Og-Judy]

SE Wisconsin. I haven't seen anyone around here "out and about" on mobility scooters either. I haven't even seen anyone in the road. I live in Senior housing and see only a handful in the complex. Most I see are just wheeled walkers.. Never have seen anyone going down the street on one and I'm not sure they can be street legal in the US

[@kdscraftcorner]

@@0annonymous Yes, faked disabilities is an issue. But not all disabilities are reversible and the 0erson you might be looking down your nose at as being a lazy waste of oxygen just might be truly disabled. I hope you don't find yourself suffering from MS, MD, ankylosing spondylitis, ME/CFS, terminal cancer, heart failure, lung disease, or any one of many other chronic or terminal illnesses. I spent years refusing to accept my disability until a cancer diagnosis gave me no choice. Now, I'm fighting the thought that I sometimes need to use a wheel chair or scooter. Instead I keep pushing myself until I end up bedridden, unable to hold my own weight, unable to stand light or sound. I do that every few months. I keep hoping it doesn't become more often or last more than a 4 to 6 days. If it does I'm going to have to finally accept my disease has progressed and I'll need the scooter. Right now I'm sticking to my cane and sometimes a walker so that I can sit whenever I need to. And not every person who is big as a house as you put it is an overeater. Some are huge due to medication or genetics. Some are swollen from steroids. I know someone who eats very healthy and probably less than most slim people, but the medication she has to take causes her to retain fluid and cause drastic weight gain. No wonder your username is anonymous I would embarrassed if I were you to if I had so little compassion for the people around me. And since covid the disabled population has grown because they are finding that most 9f the people with long covid have actually had ME/CFS triggered. If you don't believe ME/CFS is a real thing go watch Unrest, Unrest TED, Long Haul Voices, Long Haul Patients, and the many other documentaries on it. It's brutal to live with your body betraying you and nobody can tell you why. As for scooters, we did have a few in my town who got around on theirs, but other than cross walks they remained on sidewalks or bike paths. Most drive and have scooters that break down that they carry in their cars to use while shopping. And our public transit, which is free, is ADA and scooter compatible. Which is what our few scooter riders here now use to get around. So you might see them driving their scooter between their home and the bus stop, but not on our highways or larger roads. In most areas here in the US, except for metropolitan and big cities you have no choice but to drive, be driven, or use public transit to get where you need to go. That's why you see smaller scooters more often here.

[@04smallmj]

It's amazing how hostile the US is to any mode of transport other than driving

[@davidcurrie8564]

My Wife and I have one each as We find it very difficult to walk me with severe Arthritis in my knees and My wife with arthritis in her hips and spine we have Kymco Midi XLS models with suspension from Mobility Giant UK who are very good the scooters are very nippy and get a lot of getting used to hand controls which can be confusing for the first time i can take my hand off the lever and the scooter stops instantly! out on the road its very nippy and with a 25 mile range is brilliant well done Mobility Giant!!! 1

[@Riana.dS.]

In New Zealand scooter drivers are generally reckless with speeding and not looking out for pedestrians on the pavements in town.

[@reddot8052]

A test before using a scooter, and insurance should be mandatory.

[@thej0f]

that old woman saying the childs fault for being on the pavement

[@kenosbone338]

I’m sorry to hear that your son got hit. I hope he is OK. I have my own health problems and I also use a scooter. I,m glad you showed both sides of the story. The mobility scooter is also my life line. In stores there are a lot of rude people out there now days. I really try to watch out for people even the rude ones. I’m glad you showed the clip of the gentleman with the bike horn. I’m going to install bicycle bells on our scooters. They’re a little more cheerful sounding than the scooters beep. Thank you.

[@keithharris3980]

I am a physically disabled electric Wheelchair user of 47 years and have always had insurance for both third party and damage. It costs me approximately £130 a year which is nothing! When I was at school I achieved a gold certificate in wheelchair handling! I totally agree There needs to be a competency licence That Comes with every scooter and wheelchair PurchaseIf they are Being Used Amongst the General public Considering you can't Run a car without insurance, the same should be for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters if they are being used on pavements or the road. an 8 mph scooter can easily break somebody's leg if they are ran into at top speed so why shouldn't you be liable for this person being off work for six weeks? I would say caught using a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair on a pavement or road without insurance and that you cause an incident the police should have the ability to impound your scooter or wheelchair until you have proper insurance. these are mechanical devices that can cause significant damage to a person. I Must say The same goes for Bicycle owners In my opinion!

[@keithharris3980]

@@0annonymous Sorry but I didn't say confiscate a scooter I said impound it until you are a responsible scooter owner and get adequate insurance. you can't own a car without insurance I feel it should be the same for electric wheelchairs /mobiliy scooters .

[@waytosacramento3843]

Simply make an insurance mandatory and get each of these things a number plate. Surprisingly this works in other countries. 🙄

[@brians48now]

Yes, give the insurance industry more money. Idiot.

[@mgheichert]

NOBODY deserves to put others at risk. I had a disability scooter in my 30's. Other people's safety was most important. My scooter was made of aluminum bike frame so it was FAR LIGHTER, it was heavier than being hit by a bike but not by much. I never hit anyone and like in a CAR I gave pedestrians the RIGHT OF WAY. I still can drive, just can't get around town, parks and the zoo. I took my grandson while he rode his bike.

[@josephhodgetts136]

A elderly lady drove her mobility scooter through a 8 foot fence and landed in a workman’s ditch 10 feet deep in Yarmouth on Saturday 26/11/22

[@HO-bndk]

In Amsterdam, where I used to live, it was not uncommon for them to end up in the canals.

[@Livinglife595]

M’y uncle is 91and he has a mobility scooter. He has now sold his car and I am so pleased. The scooter makes a big difference to his life. He is in very good health but has very painful knees. I’m just glad he’s not driving a car any more

[@rosemarygriffin2184]

One thing that they omitted to mention in this program is, that although you can buy tandom mobility scooters in the UK, it is illegal to drive them. As a disabled person who has a disabled adult son with learning difficulties, who is no intelligent enough to drive a mobility scooters by himself, we stay in a lot, due to the fact that I can't walk more than 30 yards in anyone go. If visiting friends and family, I use my mobility allowance for taxis. I order all our food and clothing on line, and get it delivered.

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

Bless that lady with MS. She’s so lovely. X

[@aphishoutofwater7019]

"They don't have the right to do that" "they have to be more observant, we don't have to be observant" What a nutter lol

[@oshiforb7445]

The video was great. Sadly, lots of people who use mobility scooters have no road sense. I'm not trying to be clever, but many scooter users have only been pedestrians. I'll give you an instance. Some years ago, I had to take a work colleague to the hospital. The reason he had to go was to identify his father, who had been killed whilst out on his mobility scooter. His father insisted on getting a scooter. He had no understanding of driving because he had always been a pedestrian. On this particular day of the incident, he decided to go out for a ride, but he decided to go somewhere different. This route took him across a busy duel carriageway. He started to go across without even looking and was consequently hit by a lorry. He was pronounced dead on arrival to the hospital. Everything was caught on CCTV. My own father bought one. He was a real embarrassment when we took him shopping. He was really impatient with other pedestrians if they were in is way he would ram into them, so I refused to take him with his scooter and put him in a wheelchair which I had total control over his movements. My wife and I are now disabled and we have mobility scooters, but we have insurance and cameras fitted recording front view and rear view, this is for our safety so no one can say they were hit by one of us, everything is recorded.

[@robredridge1703]

I rode a mobility scooter for 38 years with no accidents at all. They are an essential bit of equipment for many. Its not the scooter, its the drivers that are the problem. You get good and bad drivers of all motorised vehicles. Cars, motorcycles, E bikes and E scooters and pedal cycles can all be perfectly safe or deadly dangerous in the wrong hands! Now I have to use an electric wheelchair. All these devices have speed controls and if you ride them at a normal walking pace they are perfectly safe and vital for many people. Many mobility scooters are duel speed 4mph for pavements and 8mph for roads. Just because a scooter will do 8mph does not mean the users need to run them at that speed! Like all powered vehicles, the correct speed, careful & considerate operation and safe maneuvering is the key to safe use of these essential mobility items. The alternative is to consign many disabled people to being housebound & unable to lead a fulfilled life!

[@C.G.M.C.]

As a mobility scooter user my self its very important to be mindful of others around you. And and pedestrians have full priority on the pavement you have to give way to a pedestrian and you must do 4 miles an hour on the pavement and when you're on the road you must do eight mile an hour which is the maximum speed that you can go at because the scooter is set at that speed. I know the law very well about scooters. So all these people who complain about mobility scooters a like to do a swap with them if they'd like to with my knees and my hips they are quite willing or do an exchange and see how they like it to walk it's alright for them to shout their big mouths off about this and that but when it comes to it you've got to think about it. Not all people are crippled so you got to have a bit of compassion I've been out many times on my scooter and I have notice that people are not even looking where they are going they are stuck on their mobile phones just staring at the screen not watching what they are doing or where they are going so don't blame the mobility scooter person who is looking where he's or she going. I usually stop and just let them walk into my scooter so it's just their fault then so if they do any damage to my scooter I will sue them. What I see is that this lady campaign is shown to get mobility scooters band from streets and roads which is not acceptable

[@NannyOggins]

All the “right of way” issues come down to courtesy. I was brought up to follow the “Rule of the least burdened”, ie a fit elder gives way to a younger with a pushchair, a fit younger gives way to a fit younger carrying a large box, a fit elder gives way to a less able elder. If fewer people prioritised their “rights” and remembered their compassion many of these incidents would never happen.

[@simonbroberg969]

I like your attitude. I hadn't heard of that rule, but I actually live by that anyway when out on my scooter.

[@user-hi8rg7bl2s]

Excellent!

[@NannyOggins]

@Shane888 Davies I totally agree that many drivers should retire from driving when they are no longer capable. For decades I have advocated for mandatory driving tests every two years, but the government wont bring it into law.

[@FionaclarkClark]

Your so right, it's all about courtesy,common sense,and respect.

[@adriancarter2044]

My name is Adrian I'm 56 I've recently started riding a mobility scooter because I have brain damage which has rendered me with a walking distance problem the mobility scooter has been fantastic and I think if your careful anyone who needs one should have the right to have one especially older people

[@hallscroft]

The fact that you need a white stick for eye sight issues, yet can still go out on a mobility scooter sums up the ludicrous situation that needs to be addressed re regulation of these things.

[@alclewley9309]

After an accident shattered my pelvis I was left unable to walk more than a short distance with a crutch. I'm now a responsible scooter user, I am careful, slow down to turtle mode in busy areas, and I have insurance both for accidental damage to my scooter, and public liability should I be at fault in an accident involving someone else. Problem is drivers think you shouldn't be on the road, pedestrians think you shouldn't be on the pavements, and I hear people say things like 'it's a supermarket not a bloody racing track' when I go slowest speed in Tesco, so you can't win. Haters gonna hate, but I have no other option if I want to get my groceries etc. so I've had to learn to ignore it. That said most pedestrians (with the odd exception) are polite and considerate, as I try to be in return.

[@lorrainebennett7528]

Here in Benidorm I've been hit twice and had a few near misses! Most of them are uninsured too. There should be stricter regulations.

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Now that was a very interesting video! I am an 81 man with an arthritic right hip who lives in suburban Miami, FL. I purchased a Metro Mobility model Max Plus delivered for $1300. I use it in my apartment complex & surrounding areas. I don't go more than 6 miles round-trip & found the only problem is with broken sidewalk paving! I don't ride on the street. Miami-Dade public transit busses have an access ramp & secure holding area on the bus for mobility scooters & wheelchairs, so the whole transit system is available because the Metro Rail, Tri-Rail stations all have accessible elevators. I only problem I have encountered on numerous occasions is the lack of easy access in offices or some shops.

[@mikewallis2794]

My Dad had a road legal mobility scooter. The brakes were not up to the job and it failed to stop on a fairly steep descent. It rolled over and he suffered a head injury causing him to be hospitalized. Two days later he had a fatal brain haemorrhage. Had he worn a cycle helmet, he would still be alive. When did you last see a scooter user wear a helmet?

[@ellencochrane7847]

It’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet so why can you ride a mobility scooter without one. I go on the road with mine so I am getting a helmet I don’t care if people laugh at me

[@mikewallis2794]

@@ellencochrane7847 Good for you. You ony need to tip over whilst negotiating a kerb edge to receive a serious head injury. I hope more users follow your fine example.

[@lizzieburgess674]

@@ellencochrane7847 I don't know where in the world you are, but it is NOT illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in the UK, which is where this programme was made. I think you are wise to consider wearing one, though with the weight of a mobility scooter I'd be looking at getting a motor-bike helmet for even more protection if the thing fell onto me after it had tipped me out.

[@simonbroberg969]

Never has and never will.

[@bobloblaw5782]

A person walking can fall over and get a head injury, should we mandate anyone walking to wear a helmet also?

[@amandasmith8212]

I am disabled and struggle to walk, so I have a folding scooter to go shopping, I've got multiple full driving licences and have no problem fully controling my scooter. I am though appalled at the amount of people who use these scooters who think they have right of way and ride them at stupid speeds where ever they go. If you have never driven or have disabilities that would mean you cannot drive such as poor eyesore, there should be a proficiency test for them as there are far too many accidents

[@jobellecollie7139]

I'm a disabled veteran and have had them for over 20 years. I'm 62. I have two types currently, a Pride Victory 10 and a Pride Wrangler. The Victory has a 10mph speed limit with a 20 mile range per charge. I use it around my neighborhood to walk my service dog and it goes in my van if I have to go to an appointment. The Wrangler has a top speed of 25mph with a 50 mile range per charge. The Wrangler is ONLY used off road! I use it to drive to the park to let my service dog meet his friends. I've added extra lights to be seen! I drive in my neighborhood, with my dog walking in the gutter and my scooter on the road. If I see a car approaching, I nose my scooter into the curb, to protect my service dog. The only downside in the grocery store, at the deli counter, the staff cannot see me. I see life at everyone's butt level! I don't like the snarky comments about parking in a disabled parking spots, I'll trade that handicap spot for a fully working body!

[@TheMazinoz]

Do they have a waterproof hi-vis reflective vest too?

[@malcolmclements9254]

A minimum requirement should be third party insurance. If you are attempting to drive on the road at anytime comprehensive insurance should be compulsory. I've had one of these things run up my calf in a supermarket, it's no joke it bloody hurt.

[@ant-1382]

I am a senior with increasing mobility issues, so I'm not to far removed from needing one of these. I still work, in a major warehouse store, and one problems I see is folks speeding around the crowded warehouse, apparently oblivious to others around them. I also see folks operating there scooters around town, on the road ways, like it was a car even getting out into the left turn lanes on busy streets, particularly some of the fancier ones that almost look like small cars. They are not licensed, or insured and do not belong on the road ways. Part of the problem is folks with deteriorating cognitive abilities are just unable to get what they are doing is wrong. I do think that some of the bigger faster ones should not be allowed in stores, in favor of smaller shop rider models.

[@samanthahardy9903]

If ever there is a time in my life when I need to use one I would like to be able to have some kind of training on how to use one so that I and other people are safe. It's not just those on mobility scooters but those on e scooters that can cause accidents on pavements.

[@TheMazinoz]

I use a e scooter as my mobility scooter, also a foldup manual one for buses. I keep up with legal requirements, they keep changing.

[@100musicplaylists3]

What is really needed is a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair with a custom trailer which allows a disabled person to store/unpack/setup/repack a market trading stall with a craft and secure cash box without needing any assistance to trade. It would bridge the gap for the disabled to be able to work independently at local markets and drive home themselves after packing up.

[@kevinh96]

Given the bad publicity around electric scooters being ridden badly that has led to calls from the press for licences and compulsory insurance, it seems unbelievable that the same requirements aren't being called for by the media for mobility scooters given the number of accidents and injuries involved.

[@desireea.thomas2419]

❤I’m only 58 yrs young and I’ve been using a Mobility Scooter since I was 46. They’re my Lifeline in walking. In 2010 I found out that I have a bone disease and it’s going to travel all over to my Major joints and it is. I’ve already had my 1st Hip Replacement that same year 😭😭😭People are constantly telling me How to drive my Scooter Inside stores & even to Slow down while I’m OUTSIDE of stores, coffee shops and so on and I look at them and think 🤔 I’m in no way shape or form IN YOUR WAY & ALL of you who DRIVE BIG HUGE CARS are the ones CAUSING ACCIDENTS. I literally STOP way ahead of people heading my way and THEY STILL WALK RIGHT INTO ME, while I’m STOPPED & then turn around and have the audacity to look me in the face and say THAT ITS MY FAULT for THEM RUNNING INTO ME. I had a nut Literally & on purpose walk right into me (while I was stopped and I even moved to get out of her way) and then she tried to hunt me down in my local Walmart saying I Rammed into her, when I noticed that she was heading STRAIGHT TOWARDS ME even AFTER I HAD STOPPED. She literally THREATENED TO HURT ME, so I told her to back off or I would call the police & tell them how she Threatened me. I was in total shock and literally shaking after her encounter. I told the store manager what had happened and he and other employees tried looking for her in the store, but nobody could find her. This group of great people in this Walmart KNOW ME & MY MOBILITY SCOOTER 🛺 and was ready to stand up for me. People think I’m fat and lazy when they see me in scooter and when they’re close enough to say something about me they mumble it so I can hear them and I’m Constantly having to put people in there place, but I won’t share my bone issues because it doesn’t concern them and I’ve told many of people to just plain SHUT UP 😡😡😡😡 I happen to live in Anaheim California and you don’t see that many Mobility Scooter’s out & about in my hometown. People see me all over the place because I have a Canopy on my scooter for shade & people think that my scooter looks like a Golf cart, but it isn’t. So I kind of stand out in the crowd unfortunately 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ and I’m scrutinized all the time. I don’t like it when people come up to me and say, “Boy I’d Love to have one of your scooters,” and then I turn around and say, “ I wish I could go back to walking” and it makes them scratch there head because of what I just said. *******NOTE******* The majority of this video is about “Older” people driving these scooters. I can see how Bad this situation is, but PLEASE DON’T PUT EVERYBODY UNDER THIS SAME CATEGORY because I know how to drive & use my scooter and I didn’t need training, only getting off & on my local buses!!!!!

[@ianprince1698]

as a scooter user, I find it essential for getting about but I have tipped it up on slopes spread over the pavement one thing I noticed is controls are not intuitive, Left for forward and back but reversed on the other side. I notice that supermarket scooters are much easier to control

[@katieweber1377]

The lightweight ones are so tippy, heavier ones are more stable. I've always found them to be very intuitive, but I've been using one for over 30 years, are you a newer scooter user?

[@ianprince1698]

now getting use to it@@katieweber1377

[@SimplySheilaB]

I have one, due to a neurological disorder and I’m super careful of people and traffic around me, I don’t want to hurt anyone or be hurt myself. I never speed, even when the road is clear. ❤❤❤

[@kimberlainodriscoll4781]

I'm in the US. The Veterans' Administration provided me with one when I started developing balance problems from my military service disability. They gave me training and I had to demonstrate my driving skills before I could have it. I drive slow (walking speed) when I'm among people. I have seen many who drive like shown in this story.

[@kimberlainodriscoll4781]

@@0annonymous Maybe my VA is more serious about operator safety than others. Mine can reach 15mph so I'm very careful. It can do some damage if I were to hit anyone.

[@angelmessenger8240]

I remember treating a poor lady who had someone run into her legs in a supermarket. It took weeks for her leg injury to heal.

[@gorillaau]

Injuries incurred when we get older are much more serious than we were young and fit. I hope she made a full recovery and back to living life.

[@magpie1492]

I am in my 50s and was badly knocked in the supermarket by someone using the supermarket mobilty scooter/shopper. He decided he didn't want to wait to get through the till area and just drove straight through me while I was packing my shopping. He didn't, stop or apologise. I went and complained at customer services, only to find out he was known for reckless driving in the store! I pointed out that one day they may both find themselves sued!

[@Bonstergirl1]

You what I was reading a lot of these and some are just scare of trying something new that can benifit you and others have no clue of what its like to have a disabilty and actually need one. Let me explain to you.. Im pysically disabled and have been all my life. Im 67 now. Ive been walking in calipers since I was two.. After many yrs of pain, getting sores and stuggling to walk( something a lot of you take for granted) At the age of 63 to give my body well earned break and get a scooter. I still walk at home , but its too hard amywhere else . Yes there are some who are bloody dangerous and some definately should not have one.. I am not in that catagory amd yet some of you here are seeing fit to put me there. I was almost hit by a car one because of a careless driver (b4 my scooter days) should I say that all drivers cant drive amd should'mt be allowed to drive. Its the same as a lot of you are doing isnt it?.. its a simple thing. scooter riders should be careful of things around them but both ways.. a lady ran into me once in the supermarket and then gave me a dirty look. I was not only stationary bt 4ft from the end of the aisle . I always trying to avoid ppl who get inches in front of me. Never hit anyone. Be aware of what you say as someone who may need one wont get now because of thoughtlessness..