A man who was hit by a train travelling at 100mph after his mobility scooter got stuck on a level crossing in Essex has escaped with only minor injuries.The accident happened at a level rossing in Church Street, Kelvedon, Essex.

Paramedics were called to the accident at about 11:00 BST on Monday to the crossing in Church Street, Kelvedon. “We believe the man was struck on the level crossing on a mobility scooter and amazingly received minor injuries,” said East of England Ambulance Service. “The man sustained what appeared to be minor injuries, certainly nothing that appeared to be life threatening. “The man was extremely lucky, if he had been only a couple of inches further forward he would have undoubtedly been killed.”

An innovation in Scooter design, the Little Gem is the ideal choice for those looking for a truly Lightweight Mobility Scooter.  Easy to dismantle, the revolutionary ‘Gem-Lock’ system allows for disassembly within seconds – all from the press of a lever. Also, the wireless connections ensure that the Scooter can be assembled as quickly as it was taken apart. This coupled with lightweight components, make sure that no matter where you wish to travel, the Sterling Little Gem will also be along for the ride.

The Little Gem’s Technical Specifications
Little Gem 3 Little Gem 4
Overall Length 36″ / 93 cm 39″ / 99 cm
Overall Width 19″ / 50 cm 19″ / 50 cm
Maximum user weight 250 lbs / 18 st / 113 kg 250 lbs / 18 st / 113 kg
Maximum Gradient 9 degrees 9 degrees
Range 11 m / 18 km 11 m / 18 km
Speed 4 mph / 6 kph 4 mph / 6 kph
Turning Radius 32″ / 76 cm 44″ / 111 cm
Weight 86 lbs / 39 kg including batteries 92 lbs / 42 kg – including batteries
Weight of heaviest part 24 lbs / 11 kg 28 lbs / 13 kg
Battery Capacity 12 AH 12 AH
Adjustable seat height 12″ – 16.5″ / 30 cm – 42 cm 12″ – 16.5″ / 30 cm – 42 cm
Front wheel diameter 7.5″ / 19 cm 7″ / 17.5 cm
Rear wheel diameter 7.5″ / 19 cm 7.5″ / 19 cm
Amazingly Simple
Simple to adjust Simple to get in & out Simple to remove
batteries
Simple to charge & travel
Range given represents test conditions. Please note that temperature, user weight, terrain and battery capacity may affect overall performance.

Sunrise Training and Education Programmes
Sunrise Medical Limited
High Street Wollaston
West Midlands DY8 4PS
England
Phone +44 (0) 1384 446622
Fax +44 (0) 1384 446644

Did you know the first mobility scooter was invented for somebody with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1968?

Allan R. Thieme invented the first mobility scooter and called it Amigo in his garage, whilst working as a plumber and running his plumbing business. He built the first scooter for a family member who had a loss of mobility due to a relapse multiple sclerosis. The family member was 31 at the time. (This is the most common age for diagnosis of MS)

The scooter was front wheel drive powered by a small electric motor, Purely by need his invention become  the start of something big. He started his own company called Amigo Mobility International Inc. The company continues today and manufacture  active-lifestyle travel models, healthcare and commercial models for both in home and retail environments, and mobility scooter lifts for ease of transport.

A mobility scooter is a great way for those with mobility problems, or are finding it not easy to get around. It ‘easy to use and affordable. Front wheel drive and 3 wheel scooters  are usually called lightweight mobility scooters.  It can take up up to 250 pounds. Larger scooters are suitable for on the road, They can also travel at upto 8mph. The heavy rear disc wheel models can take up to 500 pounds or more. Depending on which mpdel you buy. These are called heavy duty mobility scooters.

The row over using mobility scooters on Manchester’s Metrolink is still running. Now rail operators in the West have also been accused of discrimination.

According to This Is Somerset,  First Great Western, the West’s biggest train operator has banned motorised mobility scooters from it’s whole fleet of carriages.

90-year-old Mr Morris had used his mobility scooter on board for four years, but has received a letter informing him not to travel with ‘his buggy’.

Age Concern said, “Public transport is a lifeline to many older and disabled people and plays a key role in them maintaining their independence and combating isolation. It’s sad in the 21st century that older people and those with disabilities are denied access to services that are taken for granted by many.”

Back in Manchester, Metrolink is being urged to lift it’s ban on disabled people taking electric scooters on board trams. The Manshester Evening News reported that four Greater Manchester MPs have signed a motion in the House of Commons saying the move to enforce the ban discriminates against disabled people.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis said: “This is an appalling decision by the transport authority and Metrolink.

“They claim that there are health and safety concerns, but what about the basic right of local people to access public transport that we all help to fund?”

The motion has also been signed by MPs Paul Goggins, Tony Lloyd and Jim Dobbin.

It calls on the tram network to reverse the ban with ‘immediate effect’ and begin consultation with disabled passengers.

ScootersUK asks why were disabled and elderly people not consulted more widely before the Metrolink was designed. As mobility scooters become more and more popular, and provide a great way for people to remain independence and mobility – problems of this nature are going to happen more and more often. More thought needs to be made before transport plans are put into action – not afterwards.

Mobility scooter users have used the Metrolink trams in Greater Manchester despite bylaws banning their use. However, the bylaws are being enforced more stringently after a man fell off the platform at one of the Metrolink stations.  He was trying to turn his mobility scooter at the time.

Metrolink say that mobility scooters are not allowed to use the trams as they can potentially tip over and as they don’t turn on their own axis they are difficult to manoeuvre. They have not officially been allowed on Metrolink trams since it opened in 1992.

Metrolink’s website says:

• Metrolink is an easily accessible system, all stops have either a ramp, lift or escalator access.
• Most platforms have tactile edges for visually impaired passengers.
• All platforms have designated wheelchair/pushchair access point for step free access.
• Each tram has designated disabled/pushchair areas with its own emergency / information call points.
• With this facility, Metrolink is attractive to passengers with disabilities, those with young children using prams or pushchairs or carrying heavy shopping.

Is banning mobility scooters on the Metrolink systemreally making Metrolink attractive to passengers with disabilities though?

The local MP said, “They claim that there are health and safety concerns, but what about the basic right of local people to access public transport that we all help to fund?”

Health and Safety Gone Mad?

He added that “It is utterly incomprehensible to me that Metrolink staff are forcibly stopping disabled people from travelling.”

For people whose quality of life depends on being able to use Metrolink stations and trams with their mobility scooter, the decision to ban scooters is robbing their independence.

At Scooters UK, we understand the need for safety, but surely all public transport should be accessible to everyone and this includes mobility scooter users.

Following on from our article that lists some charities that help elderly people in the UK, here is a list of some useful organisations that help and support physically disabled people in the UK.

Condition specifc charities:

Arthritis Care

Arthritis Care, works with and for people with arthritis. It aims to promote their health, well-being and independence through services, support, self-help, information and influence.

Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH)

ASBAH works with people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, their families and carers to promote individual choice, control and quality of life.

Motor Neurone Disease Association

The MND Association loans equipment and provides direct care and support for people with Motor Neurone Disease and their carers.

Multiple Sclerosis Society

The society funds MS research, runs respite care centres and provides information on MS. It produces numerous publications on MS and runs a freephone specialist helpline.

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected by the condition.

Neurological Alliance

The Neurological Alliance unites charities working to improve the quality of life of all those in the UK living with a neurological condition.

Scope

For people with cerebral palsy, and their families and carers.It provides residential services, independent living schemes, education and employment opportunities, support for families and carers, advocacy, support for self-help groups.

Spinal Injuries Association (SIA)

Support for people affected by spinal cord injury, including the family and friends of the injured person.

Stroke Association

The Stroke Association helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, and funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation.

Limbless Association

The Limbless Association provides information, advice and support for people of all ages who are without one or more limbs.

Help and support for disabled people:

Disabled Living Foundation

The DLF is a national charity that provides impartial advice, information and training on daily living aids.

Disability Discrimation Act (DDA)

The Disability Discrimination Act is a piece of legislation that promotes civil rights for disabled people and protects disabled people from discrimination. You can order a copy of the Act in a range of formats from Direct.Gov

Leonard Cheshire Disability

Leonard Cheshire Disability exists to change attitudes to disability and to serve disabled people around the world. Our principal activity in the UK is the provision of services in support of disabled people in the widest context. These services include care homes, supported living, domiciliary support, day services, resource centres, rehabilitation, respite care, personal support and training and assistance for those looking for work.

The Motability scheme provide a vital lifeline for many people.
Motability

Motability is a national UK charity which provides practical assistance for disabled people to become mobile, including financial help and technical services. It enables disabled people to become mobile by obtaining a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. People who receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement may exchange all or part of their allowance in return for a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

There are specialist organisations and charities where dogs are trained to assist and support their owners with their specific disability; enabling the person to lead a more independent life.

Here are just a few:

Support Dogs

Support Dogs is a UK charity that trains dogs to act as efficient and safe assistants for people with epilepsy and physically disabled people.

Canine Partners

Canine Partners is a charity that trains and places assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities.

Dog AID

Dog AID (Assistance In Disability) is a voluntary organisation that provides specialised training for people with physical disabilities and their own pet dog.

Dogs for the Disabled

Dogs for the Disabled trains and partners assistance dogs for physically disabled children and adults, and for children with autism.

“This Scooter Has Changed My Life!”
By Melanie Preston

I have a Sunrise Medical Elite scooter which I love as it’s given me freedom and independence.

It’s very well designed and the controls are very easy to operate. It’s a smooth ride over pavements and the seat is so incredibly comfortable – like an armchair. I have no trouble being on it for an hour.

This scooter has completely changed my life. For 2-3 years I couldn’t go outside at all to walk around, not even to post a letter, and could only travel around by taxis, which was expensive and you don’t have control over when you come and go. The scooter makes me much more independent. I can go and visit friends – I wasn’t able to do that before. And I can go to local shops, have my hair done, and buy a paper. I feel I’ve been out for a bit of fresh air. I can go to a cafe and sit at an outside table and have a coffee. I also go on it to my Pilates class twenty minutes away.  Friends and family are amazed at its quality.

I think it’s a young, disabled person’s scooter. It is expensive, but as I don’t drive a car, this was my answer to driving. When I was looking for a scooter, I wanted something which reflected my personality – which is to be outgoing and adventurous. I didn’t want a scooter which just went on pavements, but something which could take me through woods and into the countryside. This scooter can go places other scooters can’t manage. It can go 36 miles on one charge, can handle grass, sand and rough terrain and can climb up a 4” kerb.

Before MS, I used to love mountain walking, and now my scooter enables me to climb steep hills again. I can now go for walks with my husband Mark – something I haven’t been able to do for years.  Now we’ve got a large Toyota Corolla, we take the scooter with us wherever we go. We’ve got family on the south coast and can have sea walks along the cliffs. Mark can walk beside me and we can still talk. It’s got a variable speed up to 8mph and if I go a bit faster it can keep him fit.

Before getting this scooter, Mark pushed me in the wheelchair but it’s not the same as walking beside him talking and being able to enjoy the walk. In a wheelchair, you can’t see the person who’s pushing you, but in a scooter they can walk beside you. When you’re in a wheelchair, it feels a very passive thing to do, especially when you’re pushed. I find it very painful when people talk to my husband and not me. When you’re on a scooter, it shows you’ve got all your faculties.

I like the way it looks and chose it in navy. I’ve been out in all weathers and it’s really waterproof. After it’s rained, you only have to wipe it down with a tea towel and it’s completely dry to get into. You can buy a canopy so it’s completely covered like a little car. I’ve got a rain poncho which kept me really dry and my hands dry. If it gets dark while you’re out, you just switch on the headlights and feel completely safe. It’s got plenty of storage space, with a decent size basket and also a little boot. There’s room to put stuff on the base too.

I keep the scooter outside my flat, covered up with a fitted tarpaulin. The charger lead goes through the letter box. I always keep it fully charged and it always takes me where I want to go.

Of all the things I own, it’s my most prized possession. I can’t praise it highly enough.

Source: New Pathways Magazine MSRC

With the recent merger of Help the Aged and Age Concern we thought it would be useful to compile a list of charities that help elderly people.

This list is the ScootersUK Top 5 charities that help aged people in the UK.

Aged UK

Age Concern and Help the Aged – I always got these two charities mixed up, so I am glad they have merged

Age UK aims to improve later life for everyone. They have great information and advice. They run campaigns, and offer products, training and research.

More info: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

WRVS

The WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) was originally formed in the 2nd World war to help people with evacuation and, emergency feeding. It also provided general care and support to civilians during the war.

These days it is an age positive charity that offers a range of practical services to help and support older people to live well. It’s volunteers help older people maintain their independence.

More info:  http://www.wrvs.org.uk

EAC

EAC stands for Elderly Accommodation Counsel. It was formed in 1984. It offers an information and advice service for older people and their relatives and carers.

It is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.

More info:  http://www.eac.org.uk/

AEA

This charity is Action on Elder Abuse. They work to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older adults. This can be in the form of physical, psychological, financial, sexual abuse, or neglect.

More info: http://www.elderabuse.org.uk

Independent Age

This origins of this charity date back to 1863 when there was no financial safety net for the poor.

Independent Age helps older people on low incomes to live with dignity and peace of mind in their later years.

They provide a range of support and services including: volunteer visitor support, grants for emergencies and equipment, and hospital stay packs and bedding. They help older people on low incomes to live with dignity and peace of mind in their later years.

More info: http://www.independentage.org.uk

The simple answer is no, not even on the pavement.

In the news today a man riding home on his scooter at less than 4 mph, Eamonn Donohoe wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry and didn’t appear to be a menace to pedestrians.

But when the drunken Irishman ignored a policeman’s attempt to flag him down, the local constabulary decided to take no chances.

As Mr Donohoe, 62, was trundling along the pavement near his sheltered bungalow he found himself surrounded by eight police officers and three marked vehicles.

One patrol car mounted the kerb to block his way and after failing a roadside breath test the disabled grandfather was locked in police cells for 12 hours, fingerprinted, photographed and had a DNA swab taken.

Mr Donohoe, who had drunk six or seven pints during an evening playing dominoes with friends at a local club, was three times over the limit.

He later admitted driving a mechanically propelled vehicle whilst over the limit on 20th April and was given a three year driving ban by magistrates at Chesterfield.

However, despite the nature of the offence he is legally free to continue riding his mobility scooter.

But the bizarre episode has left the retired construction worker from Old Whittington, Chesterfield, feeling disillusioned with the forces of law and order.

He said:’I can’t believe how they treated me – anybody would think that I was a bank robber or a member of Al-Qaeda.

‘The police are always saying they’re short of resources, and then go and employ eight officers arresting someone like me. It’s completely mad, and a total waste of public money.

‘When someone broke into my home and stole my TV and my video two years ago the police didn’t turn up for three days, and yet they can drop everything for something as daft as this. There’s no wonder the police get it in the neck.

‘They must have known, like I did, that the rules of the road don’t apply when you’re riding a mobility scooter down the pavement at three and a half miles an hour, but it didn’t seem to matter one jot.

‘I didn’t stop at first because I wanted to get home, and I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Then a police car turned up all of a sudden, and pulled up right across the footpath stopping me dead.

‘A police van pulled alongside me, and another car parked up on the road behind me so I couldn’t turn round. It was just like something out of a film.

‘There were eight police officers there altogether, and one of them grabbed the keys from the scooter, and said: “Come on – get off that!”

‘When they asked me to do breath test I said: “Don’t be stupid, I’m an old aged pensioner on a mobility scooter – I’m not blowing into anything,” but they insisted so I had to in the end.

‘They actually wanted to put me in handcuffs, but they stopped short of doing it in the end.’

Mr Donohoe, who is handicapped with blocked arteries in his legs, and can only walk a few yards unaided, intends to carry on riding backwards and forwards to see his friends to play dominoes at his local club once a week.

The divorcee, who has three children and ten grandchildren, added – said:’It’s not as if I’m going down the pavement swerving from side to side, and putting people at risk. I’m not a danger to anyone.’

A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman said: ‘He failed a breath test when he was stoppped, and was charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while over the limit.

‘We cannot comment on how many officers dealt with the incident, but a person driving any kind of vehicle when they’re drunk are a danger to themselves and other people as well.’

When the internet started in the mid 1990’s so did ecommerce and the phrase shopping online came to be. In the beginning people were scared of entering in their personal details online and rightfully so!

Now buying online is the safest method of shopping for elderly and disabled people. You can make a purchase in the safety of your own home without the need for leaving your house. Which is a benefit for anybody like myself with a disability.

In fact I do the majority of my shopping online, including the weekly groceries. I even buy all my Christmas presents online, safe in the knowledge that they will arrive in time and I do not need to go out to busy shops. Although I do like to go out on my mobility scooter when it is not raining.

Here are the benefits in shopping online with Scooters UK

• It is safe and secure. We use the strongest level of online secuity there is
• You can browse through all scooter brochures online
• No need to carry money, cards or a cheque book around
• You do not need to go to multiple shops
• Everying we sell comes with a full manufacturers warranty
• Personal service, even though you are buying online you can speak to somebody
• You can track your order online and know exactly when it is being delivered
• The prices online are often cheaper than in shops and you save money.

More and more people are shopping online. The BBC reported today that people in the UK spend an average of 22 hours per week online and I am not surprised when you can have all the information at your finger tips. On this website there are  helpful guides to buying online and even if you prefer you can speak to somebody who will be able to help and assist you.