To get the most out of your scooter; it can be invaluable to add extra storage and protect yourself (and your scooter) from the weather.

Here is a short summary of some accessories that are available for your mobility scooter.

Bags and baskets

Just like with wheelchairs, bikes and motorbikes; it is your scooter that needs to carry any goods and not you.

Scooter bags can be very spacious and they attach to the back of your scooter seat.

Pannier bags as the name suggests, fit to the side of your scooter. They can also be attached to the side of a wheelchair. They don’t offer as much storage as a bag that fits on the back of your scooter, but they can offer you a storage area that is convenient and you can reach more easily.

Most scooters come with a basket on the front, however you pay prefer a different kind. Baskets generally come in wire or wicker varieties. For extra storage you can also get baskets that attach to the back of your scooter.

Basket bags and basket liners are a good way of utilising the basket on you scooter. They enable you to put small items in your basket without fear of them falling out. They can provide a weatherproof cover for the items in your basket.

Weather protection

Your mobility scooter enables you to get out and about but what will protect you from the rain while you are using it? Wearing a waterproof coat is one way, but a better way is often to use a canopy or cape.

Scooter canopies completely cover you and the scooter; they have windows at the front and sides so you have maximum visibility. They keep the wind and rain off you so you get to your destination dry and not windswept.

They bolt onto your scooter and generally fit larger mobility scooters.

Scooter capes fit over you and your scooter. They usually fasten to your scooter using Velcro and are easy to remove. They have openings for lights, mirrors and mirrors and again protect your body from the wind and rain.

There are many more accessories available for your scooter. They range from walking stick holders and armrests, to storage covers and garages.

Ok, so you don’t buy a mobility scooter because they look great. You buy one because they enable you to get out of the house more. That is worth more than anything.

I used to use my wheelchair most of the time. This had one problem, the local shops were just that bit too far away. I would go there in my wheelchair, but by the time I got back I was exhausted. This happened once too often. So after much soul searching, I bit the bullet and got a mobility scooter.

After that – life changed. I still use my wheelchair, but not in the same way. Now when I want to go to the shops, I zoom there (well trundle) in my scooter. When I get home I am not exhausted, I am ready for my next challenge; not my bed.

I am stubborn; I don’t like to ask for help. I don’t want to ask my wife to go to the shops for a newspaper or more milk. I want to go myself; without it taking every last ounce of my strength to do so.

My cousin only lives 1 mile away. That doesn’t sound far, but it is like 20 miles away to me in my wheelchair. This time last year I hardly ever saw him. Now, with my scooter, I can go and see him whenever I want. I don’t have to wait (and wait!) for him to come and see me.

I used to think mobility scooters were for elderly people. To be honest, I thought they were a bit naff. Since getting one, I don’t care what they look like. The most important thing is that my scooter gets my independence back, it gets me mobile. It gets me out doing the things I used to do. I can visit friends, go to the shops. I no longer sit at home waiting for help, doing things for myself is no longer just too difficult.

A new idea by police in Newport, Gwent is to install high pitch personal attack alarms to disabled and elderley persons mobility scooters, walking frames and walking sticks. The idea was  first raised by PC Dave Castree after speaking to local residents.

The fear of feeling vunerable or being attcked when out and about on a scooter sparked the idea to fit personal alarms that are easy to use by the click of a button to activate the alarm and deter any potential attacker.

The confidence and independence of disabled or elderly people is very important and this simple measure is providing confidence to users of mobility scooters when they go out.