From Brussels with love

[happy daze john in oz]

since starting to use a mobility scooter (4MPH) i have found pedestrians are very dangerous to themselves and others. if a family of three or more they use the whole of the pavement and are very reluctant to give way to scooters or even pushchairs. at car boot sales and in supermarkets they step backwards without looking, and give you a mouthful of abuse and murderous looks if they collide with you. we do not use them for fun, but necessity, or would you prefer that we stay indoors out of your way

Alf mate, suggest you fit a bull bar, works a treat here with the Abbos!

[happy daze john in oz]

Here in Melbourne they have recntly increased the maximum speed on scooters from 8 to 10 kph. We have in the area I lve had five in the past year pulled up for speeding on the sidewalk. But we have one lady who has her scooter with plastic windows all round and a roof.When she comes bowling along it looks like a bloody tank coming at you.

[Tony Morcom]

Hi Tony. Good luck to you my friend. Its been a long time coming but not long now mate. Enjoy. You'll have to start your own thread to tell us of your adventures as you go.

As for mobility scooters; if it wasn't for my wife's she would never be able to go out. To look at her you wouldn't know there was anything wrong ~ no bits missing or hanging off, no white stick, no hearing dog for the blind etc which many assume she must have to be "disabled" Its what goes on inside the body and head that counts, just like poor Tony Nicholson, the guy with "locked in syndrome" who has been fighting for the right to die by another's hand but is now at peace having passed away yesterday from pneumonia.

Yes I agree the 8mph road scooters should be subject to tests but for the 4mph scooters on the pavement these are a life line for the disabled person and their one bit of freedom. Without these they would be confined to a wheel chair or crutches. It is the other pedestrians who should be taking care. You imagine trying to move around when others ignore you or treat you like something they have just stepped in. So next time you see one please spare a thought for the living hell that person is going through in just the same way as the soldier who has lost his legs. My wife still has hers but can't use them to walk more than 5 steps unaided because a virus attacks her nerves, keeping her in 24/7 pain, unable to do the normal things that a 45 year old should be able to do, like cooking, cleaning, playing with her daughter, walking the dog or just leading a normal life! She is just trying to lead as normal life as possible and does not deserve to be verbally or physically abused by those more able!!!! rant over ~ sorry but it makes me mad to hear how people treat those less fortunate than themselves.

[alf corbyn]

my son took me to specsavers in my wheelchair. the optician completely ignored me and only spoke to my son. as we were going out i said to the optician whilst clicking my fingers, oh by the way, you come from the wirral don't you. you should have seen the way his jaw dropped. ergo if you are in a wheelchair you are stupid. so next time you see someone in a wheelchair, it is ok to speak to them. they don't bite

[alf corbyn]

g'day john. most of the 4,6,8.and 10 mph scooters come with a detachable cover but i have never used mine. they are very clumsy looking and i think can be dangerous.+

[Captain Kong]

I was in a wheel chair once, being pushed around. for a short spell.
I suddenly realised how insignificent I felt. I felt out of it, My face at the same level as other peoples crutch.
People talked about me not to me. They spoke about me to the person pushing me, like `How is he? `or `Is he allright?.` `I am down here` I would shout, And then I understood what it was really like to be disabled. Not a pleasant experience.
I am now a more understanding person. Good luck to all people in wheel chairs.
Cheers
Brian.

[Ivan Cloherty]

My face at the same level as other peoples crutch.

Brian.

First time I've heard you complain about that situation Brian

[Captain Kong]

It all depends on whos crutch you are looking at Ivan,
Some I could look at all day and night others YUK!!!
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At my age now , it is all I can do .
Brian

[John Cassels]

Having consulted the astronomer royal and examined the entrails of the lesser short eared bat , I still fail to understand why you lot
persist in discussing mobility scooters .

I have no idea regarding legislation for these scooters , I don't know anything about them , The thread was started for electric BIKES.

[Captain Kong]

Having consulted the astronomer royal and examined the entrails of the lesser short eared bat , I still fail to understand why you lot
persist in discussing mobility scooters .
'
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John,
I think it is because they will all need scooters soon.
Brian.