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mobility scooters, your thoughts

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:55 pm
by falcono
After seeing a few scary manoeuvres by these I think there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt. Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement. I'm not against anyone who has to use these to stay mobile but I genuinly think that they are high risk. I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles, run into people (sometimes seems purposely to push the que), go on main roads causing a hazard (one roundabout near me is notorious for "accidents" and people still risk going around it on these when there are safe crossings etc). How can a mobility scooter traveling at 8mph when the limits 40 be safe practice?

Again I have nothing against people using them but believe they should be regulated better.

Don't even get me started on electric bicycles disguised as mopeds....

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:06 pm
by blinkey501
Why not ask our scooter expert what he thinks?
Over to you Segway :smt002

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:48 pm
by mangocrazy
I think all ex-motorcyclists should be allowed the option of a well upholstered go-kart with a tuned 350LC motor and wide sticky tyres in lieu of a mobility scooter. The crackle of a pair of spannies would wake up any dozy pedestrians who dared to get in the way, and the low CofG would ensure they couldn't topple over.

Re: mobility scooters, your thoughts

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:59 am
by slickliner6
falcono wrote:After seeing a few scary manoeuvres by these I think there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt. Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement. I'm not against anyone who has to use these to stay mobile but I genuinly think that they are high risk. I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles, run into people (sometimes seems purposely to push the que), go on main roads causing a hazard (one roundabout near me is notorious for "accidents" and people still risk going around it on these when there are safe crossings etc). How can a mobility scooter traveling at 8mph when the limits 40 be safe practice?
Having a good knowledge of this topic,i'll bung in my 2 pennies worth...
"there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt".Pointless,,chances are that most people that use the scooters are probably/maybe ex drivers( ... :smt102 ) and a cbt doesnt stop other road users (mopeds/motorcyclists/car drivers) acting like pillocks and driving irresponsibly/stupidly.
"Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement"...AGREED.
"run into people"...Yes i know it has happened, but believe me the amount of ignorant people who purposely walk in front of and obstruct scooters(and then blame the scooter for hitting them) far outways the scooters running into people
" I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles,",,How many cars have you seen mount/clip the curbs?,,How many cars have you seen "wipe out things"
And as for going on the roads at 8MPH....yes totally agree...BUT... how many times have you been behind a car/moped on a 60/70 mph road,doing 20 mph less(sometimes more) than the speed limit????

And yes,,,i have first hand knowledge of all of these things because my ex-wife has to use a mobility scooter.
If you get the chance,take one out into the local high street/shopping centre,just for an hour and see how you get on...
im betting it will change your views on some of the things youve mentioned......

Now...after all that,,have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine .lmao :smt020

Re: mobility scooters, your thoughts

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:03 pm
by falcono
slickliner6 wrote:
falcono wrote:After seeing a few scary manoeuvres by these I think there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt. Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement. I'm not against anyone who has to use these to stay mobile but I genuinly think that they are high risk. I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles, run into people (sometimes seems purposely to push the que), go on main roads causing a hazard (one roundabout near me is notorious for "accidents" and people still risk going around it on these when there are safe crossings etc). How can a mobility scooter traveling at 8mph when the limits 40 be safe practice?
Having a good knowledge of this topic,i'll bung in my 2 pennies worth...
"there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt".Pointless,,chances are that most people that use the scooters are probably/maybe ex drivers( ... :smt102 ) and a cbt doesnt stop other road users (mopeds/motorcyclists/car drivers) acting like pillocks and driving irresponsibly/stupidly.
"Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement"...AGREED.
"run into people"...Yes i know it has happened, but believe me the amount of ignorant people who purposely walk in front of and obstruct scooters(and then blame the scooter for hitting them) far outways the scooters running into people
" I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles,",,How many cars have you seen mount/clip the curbs?,,How many cars have you seen "wipe out things"
And as for going on the roads at 8MPH....yes totally agree...BUT... how many times have you been behind a car/moped on a 60/70 mph road,doing 20 mph less(sometimes more) than the speed limit????

And yes,,,i have first hand knowledge of all of these things because my ex-wife has to use a mobility scooter.
If you get the chance,take one out into the local high street/shopping centre,just for an hour and see how you get on...
im betting it will change your views on some of the things youve mentioned......

Now...after all that,,have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine .lmao :smt020
If there was training introduced I'm sure it would be better, imagine no training for car drivers etc. As for the car clipping a kerb, I kinda see your point but you can't really see the wheels on your car from inside, it is a considerably bit larger than a mobility scooter and generally travels much faster so can see the increased probability of doing so. With a moped/scooter comment, you expect them to be on the road, they have reflectors, lights, turn signals, sounds etc and the ability to keep up with most town traffic. They are also regulated registered insured and licensed. I can't say I've ever seen people obstruct them, quite the opposite, sometimes putting themselves in danger (walking on the road because the scooter fills the width of the pavement).

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:05 pm
by D-Rider
I wonder how long it will be until someone extends this debate with the word "cyclists" .............
:smt002

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:07 pm
by BikerGran
Speaking as someone who'll be getting a scooter in a year or two all I say is - you'll be old one day.

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:48 pm
by HisNibbs
BikerGran wrote:Speaking as someone who'll be getting a scooter in a year or two all I say is - you'll be old one day.
Better start building my scooter now... powered by the spare bits of BMW I have kicking around.

Re: mobility scooters, your thoughts

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:35 pm
by slickliner6
falcono wrote:
slickliner6 wrote:
falcono wrote:After seeing a few scary manoeuvres by these I think there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt. Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement. I'm not against anyone who has to use these to stay mobile but I genuinly think that they are high risk. I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles, run into people (sometimes seems purposely to push the que), go on main roads causing a hazard (one roundabout near me is notorious for "accidents" and people still risk going around it on these when there are safe crossings etc). How can a mobility scooter traveling at 8mph when the limits 40 be safe practice?
Having a good knowledge of this topic,i'll bung in my 2 pennies worth...
"there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt".Pointless,,chances are that most people that use the scooters are probably/maybe ex drivers( ... :smt102 ) and a cbt doesnt stop other road users (mopeds/motorcyclists/car drivers) acting like pillocks and driving irresponsibly/stupidly.
"Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement"...AGREED.
"run into people"...Yes i know it has happened, but believe me the amount of ignorant people who purposely walk in front of and obstruct scooters(and then blame the scooter for hitting them) far outways the scooters running into people
" I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles,",,How many cars have you seen mount/clip the curbs?,,How many cars have you seen "wipe out things"
And as for going on the roads at 8MPH....yes totally agree...BUT... how many times have you been behind a car/moped on a 60/70 mph road,doing 20 mph less(sometimes more) than the speed limit????

And yes,,,i have first hand knowledge of all of these things because my ex-wife has to use a mobility scooter.
If you get the chance,take one out into the local high street/shopping centre,just for an hour and see how you get on...
im betting it will change your views on some of the things youve mentioned......

Now...after all that,,have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine .lmao :smt020
If there was training introduced I'm sure it would be better, imagine no training for car drivers etc. As for the car clipping a kerb, I kinda see your point but you can't really see the wheels on your car from inside, it is a considerably bit larger than a mobility scooter and generally travels much faster so can see the increased probability of doing so. With a moped/scooter comment, you expect them to be on the road, they have reflectors, lights, turn signals, sounds etc and the ability to keep up with most town traffic. They are also regulated registered insured and licensed. I can't say I've ever seen people obstruct them, quite the opposite, sometimes putting themselves in danger (walking on the road because the scooter fills the width of the pavement).
You only see the odd incident !,,believe me if you had to live with one,then you would see that some people (a lot more than i thought before she got her scooter) can be right arseholes.
"(walking on the road because the scooter fills the width of the pavement)" do you want them on the road??? or the pavement ?????

My wifes scooter has lights,indicators,reflectors even a horn(albeit fooking useless).it IS insured and has a tax disc displayed and is registered as a "road legal mobility scooter".
she's actually had people stand infront of her saying "im not f&%^ing moving for you,youre too young to be disabled and theres nothing wrong with you""get of your lazy arse and try walking for a change".(i wasnt there for that one)luckily for that guy.

(trying to cross the road at busy zebra crossing)"who the f%^k do you think you are,just because youve got a flid(yes....actually used that word) scooter,dont mean i have to get out of your way,f$%^ing w%$ker" And yes thats the exact words that was used (followed by "ouch my nose is bleeding") the guy didnt see that i was with her,and he was playing up to his mates,but not for long :-)
And she never uses it on the road unless theres no other option.

Oh and she was given training albeit on the shops premises out the back,but not formal training.
I dont think training is the answer,i think its the ignorance of people that causes bad driving/mobility scooter driving.And that can be said for all walks of life.

Re: mobility scooters, your thoughts

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:53 pm
by falcono
slickliner6 wrote:
falcono wrote:After seeing a few scary manoeuvres by these I think there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt. Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement. I'm not against anyone who has to use these to stay mobile but I genuinly think that they are high risk. I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles, run into people (sometimes seems purposely to push the que), go on main roads causing a hazard (one roundabout near me is notorious for "accidents" and people still risk going around it on these when there are safe crossings etc). How can a mobility scooter traveling at 8mph when the limits 40 be safe practice?
Having a good knowledge of this topic,i'll bung in my 2 pennies worth...
"there should be some form of training in place similar to a cbt".Pointless,,chances are that most people that use the scooters are probably/maybe ex drivers( ... :smt102 ) and a cbt doesnt stop other road users (mopeds/motorcyclists/car drivers) acting like pillocks and driving irresponsibly/stupidly.
"Also they shouldn't be allowed on the road unless there isno pavement"...AGREED.
"run into people"...Yes i know it has happened, but believe me the amount of ignorant people who purposely walk in front of and obstruct scooters(and then blame the scooter for hitting them) far outways the scooters running into people
" I've seen them topple over curbs, wipe out shopping isles,",,How many cars have you seen mount/clip the curbs?,,How many cars have you seen "wipe out things"
And as for going on the roads at 8MPH....yes totally agree...BUT... how many times have you been behind a car/moped on a 60/70 mph road,doing 20 mph less(sometimes more) than the speed limit????

And yes,,,i have first hand knowledge of all of these things because my ex-wife has to use a mobility scooter.
If you get the chance,take one out into the local high street/shopping centre,just for an hour and see how you get on...
im betting it will change your views on some of the things youve mentioned......

Now...after all that,,have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine .lmao :smt020
If there was training introduced I'm sure it would be better, imagine no training for car drivers etc. As for the car clipping a kerb, I kinda see your point but you can't really see the wheels on your car from inside, it is a considerably bit larger than a mobility scooter and generally travels much faster so can see the increased probability of doing so. With a moped/scooter comment, you expect them to be on the road, they have reflectors, lights, turn signals, sounds etc and the ability to keep up with most town traffic. They are also regulated registered insured and licensed. I can't say I've ever seen people obstruct them, quite the opposite, sometimes putting themselves in danger (walking on the road because the scooter fills the width of the pavement).

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 4:02 pm
by Dalemac
These invalid carriages using cycle lanes really pisses me off.

They can do like 4mph, they are far too slow for cycle lanes. The highway code specifically states they shouldn't ever use them.

I once had a woman in an invalid carriage shout at me last winter because my bike lights were blinding her. I told her to get out of the cycle lane then!

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:29 pm
by fatboy
On friday I saw an old boy going down the A4 dual carrigeway, how he did not get killed as he slowly crossed the entrance of the sliproad was a bloody miracle.
Im fairly sure he should not have been there and being such a small,slow vehicle certainly gave a few drivers a shock as they went for the slip road at more than 60mph more than the old boy could manage

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 7:04 pm
by Dalemac
fatboy wrote:On friday I saw an old boy going down the A4 dual carrigeway, how he did not get killed as he slowly crossed the entrance of the sliproad was a bloody miracle.
Im fairly sure he should not have been there and being such a small,slow vehicle certainly gave a few drivers a shock as they went for the slip road at more than 60mph more than the old boy could manage
class c invalid carriages (which can do 12mph) are allowed on dual carriageways, but only if they are less than 50mph.

It's still a fucking scary thought doing 12mph on a dual carriageway. Fuck that right off.

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:45 pm
by D-Rider
Dalemac wrote:
fatboy wrote:On friday I saw an old boy going down the A4 dual carrigeway, how he did not get killed as he slowly crossed the entrance of the sliproad was a bloody miracle.
Im fairly sure he should not have been there and being such a small,slow vehicle certainly gave a few drivers a shock as they went for the slip road at more than 60mph more than the old boy could manage
class c invalid carriages (which can do 12mph) are allowed on dual carriageways, but only if they are less than 50mph.

It's still a fucking scary thought doing 12mph on a dual carriageway. Fuck that right off.
.... but I don't think those are classed as Mobility Scooters.

Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:03 pm
by nicketynoo
I think they are fantastic! They make people's lives so much better. People that without these scooters would be stuck at home or relying on family and friends to run them about. I'm quite prepared to move out of their way or swerve around them so they can carry on using them.
Just my opinion!