Shopping

[Telegraphist]

Mobility scooters are not for people with limited mobility! Sounds daft, perhaps. What I mean is that a mobility scooter is great when you are unable to drive or walk to the shops. However, it seems to me that only a minority of shops and restaurants have no step or threshold but also have the room to scoot around inside. So, if you do not have the ability to dismount and walk into the venue, all you get is the fresh air and something to do. Not to be sneezed at perhaps, but not as much fun as shopping or lunching......

[wobblybee]

🙂 I don’t have a mobility scooter myself..but I from what I’ve seen I think your comment is fair. These are very useful in shopping malls and larger stores..

I went into a Cafe with my daughter, as it happened I didn’t have my rollator that day, just a walking stick..It was hard enough squeezing between tables anyway, I’d never have managed with the rollator.

[Knittlng]

I agree, Most people With scooters are able to walk into the shops, as we are unable to walk without support, what do we do?

[PatsyIpswich]

I totally agree. I wish my brother could understand. Thank you for sharing.

[Ginger1]

Im afraid I disagree. Yes there's some cafés/restaurants that would be difficult but I used a small mobility scooter for years (a boot scooter) & as I can't walk, it was a godsend. I could get around the shops cause it was small. It might've been an issue with a big scooter but that's why I didn't go for a road worthy one. Nothing is perfect.

[Knittlng in reply to Ginger1]

What is a boot scooter?

[Ginger1 in reply to Knittlng]

It's a mobility scooter that folds up and can fit in the boot of the car

[Telegraphist]

Thanks Ginger1. That helps me refine my post as clearly mobility scooters are well suited for many people. A scooter that can be "booted" and is small enough to shop with, yet stable enough for "ataxians" is clearly a good deal.

[Cuds in reply to Telegraphist]

Hi,Be careful with folding scooters. Some, like the TGA, are light to lift and fold but not very stable. I use a Vantage scooter which is stable, can be quickly broken down for the boot and has a swivel seat to help me transfer in and out. It will travel over cobbles (if driven slowly) and will do small kerbs or shop thresholds. I have been in a number of cafes with it and cafe owners happily move tables/chairs so I can get in. Bigger shops like Fat Face and M&S can be negotiated easily enough with it. I think on older buildings access will always pose challenges bit there are options out there!

[Crisfromshipdham]

I have a mobility scooter. I totally agree. I cannot take it in to my Dr's surgery or any small shops. Steps are impossible. Without my partners help I would not be able to go anywhere.' I can walk short distances - from my door to the car with my rollator/walker but even if I did manage to get it in the boot how do I get from the boot to my car door?

[Midori]

Yes, I agree, many shops are still not chair friendly, whether wheelchair or Mobility scooter.

Problem is, with money tight and interest rates high, even shops and restaurants have to make a profit, or they go down the pan. Making room for us can reduce their profits to breaking point.

Infuriating, I agree, but it's what we have to work with!

Cheers, Midori