Does anybody here use their mobility scooter on buses? According to the maximum dimensions allowed, my scooter is 7cm longer than what the code says is allowed (107cm, maximum s 100cm), but my local bus company has given me a scooter permit to allow me to travel on their buses with it. The turning circle and width are slightly smaller than the max. allowed - do they use discretion as well when assessing?
Please be patient with my question as I am also high functioning autistic.
Does anybody else here use a mobility scooter only slightly larger than the code states on buses?
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jodew
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Slightly confused about question. If bus company has given you a permit then they must be fine with dynamics of scooter. Certainly no bus driver is going to start measuring it. If scooter can get on/off ok then shouldn’t be an issue.I use mine on buses (and tubes) with no issues but mine is a travel scooter so,would expect to be ok.
Just want to clarify further - when I attended the bus station, the assessor took one look and said that it looks small enough and can’t see any problem getting it on and off the bus. He provided me the permit without me having to show that I can physically get on and off bus with it. It is slightly longer than guidelines, so I assumed this means that it won’t fit.
Can’t really help but our lovely cleaner takes the bus up to the village and then uses her foldable e-scooter to fly up the road to us. It folds up quite small. She arrives like a Valkyrie.
To answer you question, as simply as possible,- YES they Do have 'a level of Flexibility', in these matters. Since they Have offered you a Permit, graciously Accept it jowdew.
Thank you Andrew, I was provided with the permit without having to demonstrate getting on and off the bus which is why I wanted to check if anybody else uses theirs on a bus. I was confused with the guidelines as I assumed that being slightly longer, though only very slight, that this would mean it wouldn’t fit.
Please be aware that unless hired in specific areas e scooters are illegal to use on pavements and roads! Personally I wouldn’t necessarily let that stop me and have seen lots around but just wanted to warn you.
It isn’t an e-scooter glenninindy, it is a mobility scooter. I bought mine from my local mobility shop but they can also be ‘rented’ via the notability scheme with the enhanced rate of PIP mobility
Thank you all, I was feeling confused. To clarify further, I was provided with the permit without demonstrating being able to get on and off the bus as they said it is ‘one of the smallest you can get’. I was trying to get my head around it - if not within the guidelines, I thought that would mean it wouldn’t fit in the space.
The assessor should know because will have assessed other mobility scooters. So will know straight away most makes of scooter and if they are ok.Small tip for you. When using bus ramp to get on to bus lean forward. Bus ramps are very steep and leaning forward helps to get onboard safely.
It will open up a whole new world to you.Make sure your shoulders are broad. Some bus drivers are more helpful than others and you have to take rough with the smooth.
Also some parents may object to moving out of wheelchair area with prams. Is up to bus driver to sort and YOU legally have priority.
Thank you Bevvy, I am so looking forward to getting further than my immediate local area. When I was more able there was no stopping me, and to get some of that independence and quality of life back is priceless. Thank you for your advice
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