We can offer you advice and assessment on choosing the correct and most suitable mobility scooter to suit your needs. We have a range of class two and three scooters that you can try out at our centre, where we can also provide training in safe scooter driving. We also offer advice on DVLA registration, insurance, storage and servicing. We can provide you with all the help you need to remain mobile and independent! Please note, this service is free of charge, unless you require a report, priced at £36.
Your assessment will normally be conducted by an Occupational Therapist (OT). If you have someone who you would like to accompany you, then please invite them to come along. On the day of the assessment, you will be greeted by the OT and offered a drink. You will then be taken into a private office to discuss what your mobility needs and requirements are. The OT will take the opportunity to have a chat with you regarding your medical condition/disability and how this may affect your functional ability with regards to the physical use of a scooter, and scooter loading into a vehicle, if appropriate.
To be able to use a scooter safely, you require both physical and cognitive/mental skills. It may be appropriate for the OT to carry out some simple table top cognitive tests with you in the office. This would identify any areas of difficulty that you may have when using a scooter.
Once the office-based discussions have taken place, the OT will then take you outside to HAD’s car park area. First of all, you will be asked to read a number plate from the recommended distance of 12.3 metres/40 ft, using glasses if necessary. Then you will have the opportunity to sit on a scooter and use it under the close supervision of the OT, within a relatively quiet area. The OT will demonstrate the different parts of the scooter and then give some instruction about how to use it. Once you reach a safe and confident level of competence, you will then be asked to complete a short scooter assessment route in the vicinity of HAD, on local pavements. The OT will be assessing your physical control of the scooter and your cognitive abilities. This will include: ability to increase/decrease speed, steer accurately, position safely on the pavement, decision making related to safe places to cross roads and general level of observation/awareness.
On return to the Mobility Centre, the OT will then give some feedback on your performance and an appropriate recommendation about the suitability of scooter use for you. The OT will not sell you a scooter following the assessment.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Are there refreshment facilities at HAD?
HAD can offer tea, coffee and filtered water free of charge but we do not supply food.
- Will I have to pay for the assessment?
No, unless you require a report which is £36
- How long will the assessment take?
This depends on the complexity of each client’s circumstances, but most are completed in one hour
- Can I buy a scooter at HAD?
Yes, although there is no pressure from staff or an expectation following the assessment, that you will buy one at HAD.
- Can I borrow or rent a scooter?
HAD do not loan scooters. Meadow Mobility in Potten End, Hemel Hempstead can arrange scooter rental. Their telephone number is 01442 865588. This can be a good idea, to check that scooter use is the right solution for you, before taking the significant financial step of purchasing one.
- Can I use a scooter on roads?
Class 2 scooters can only be used on pavements. Class 3 scooters, which tend to be larger with a longer range, can legally be used on roads.
NB It is the professionals’ opinion at HAD, that it is generally unsafe to take scooters on any roads except quiet residential ones, because of the volume, speed and size of other vehicles.