Safe Scoot Mobility Scooter Training

Following recent incidents involving carelessly ridden mobility scooters Norfolk Constabulary have produced a DVD showing users how to safely get around on their mobility scooters.

The video is narrated by Sheila Reid, the Scottish actress, best known for her role in BBC series “Benidorm” where she plays mobility scooter user Madge.

Sheila Reid, who rides around on a scooter in the TV series Benidorm, said: "My character Madge loves driving around in the sun on her mobility scooter, but I have often been surprised at how hard mobility scooters can be to control. In fact I've had several near disasters round the swimming pool whilst filming. As I have found, many mobility scooters have two speed settings and the high setting is surprisingly fast.

Norfolk Constabulary have been pioneers in the field of mobility scooter safety, running a series of safety courses in Great Yarmouth. The safety scheme in Norfolk was introduced following a high volume of complaints about accidents being caused by the scooters on Great Yarmouth’s streets and pavements.

Superintendent Jim Smerdon said: “The fact there is no training requirement for mobility scooter users raises the issue of road safety.

Jeff Ennis, MP for Barnsley East and Mexborough, plans to call on other police authorities to adopt the scheme at an adjournment debate, titled Mobility Scooters and Road Safety, to be held in the House of Commons tomorrow.

He will also propose a “three strikes and you’re out” rule to be imposed on drivers who regularly cause accidents.

"The ability to be mobile is extremely important for people; however we need to ensure that people use mobility scooters in a safe and appropriate manner.”

Several mobility scooter accidents have been in the news of late including the tragic case of Lillian Macey, 90, who was injured after being hit by a scooter on the Isle of Wight and subsequently died. Another high profile incedent involving mobility scooters was the story of Madison McLair, the toddler who was injured in an accident with a mobility scooter.

While most injuries relating to mobility scooters are to the driver there has been an increase in corn about the fact that anyone can ride a mobility scooter without any training, licensing or insurance. The issue has attracted the attention parliament, who in February launched an inquiry. PACTS, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety have been debating the matter although their efforts so far have been met with derision on some mobility scooter blogs.