Scoota Safe 2019

Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP), alongside social enterprise, the Disability Trading Company and BAS (NW) will be joining forces to hold the latest Scoota-Safe Day in the Old Market Place in the Golden Square this Saturday 10am till 4.30pm.

The event aimed to promote safety of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs to current and future users. The Scooter-Safe scheme was developed in response to increased concerns about the number of accidents and fatalities involving untrained, uninsured and unsafe mobility scooter users as mobility vehicles have become larger in size and more powerful and easily available, including 2nd hand.

“Sadly we receive regular reports of deaths and tens of thousands of accidents across the country, we’ve had dozens of accidents here in Warrington, and some have been life changing”. “Mobility scooter users don’t need a medical, a licence or a test, they don’t need insurance or an MOT” and “the latest mobility scooters can travel at eight miles an hour and they’re deadly in the wrong hands” were quotes from Dave Thompson MBE DL, co-founder and Chief Executive of WDP when speaking on the topic of the dangers of mobility scooters.

The Scoota-Safe events allow users to test mobility scooters available from WDP’s social enterprise, The Disability Trading Company, on the free test track with guidance from the staff from WDP’s Shopmobility Service, to ensure users feel confident, “It’s about educating people so they can enjoy the huge benefits that mobility scooters can bring to the lives of people who have mobility difficulties” said Dave.

WDP led the initial development of Scoota-Safe initiative with support from Warrington’s Own Buses, Warrington Borough Council Highways Department and Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Kean.
The Scoota-Safe initiative has been recognised nationally. Gavin Thompson, Commercial Manager at WDP is involved in a Government review of mobility scooter safety.

Together we looked into what could be done to raise awareness of the safety aspect of owning and using mobility scooters. Free training is available to help people to understand which scooters could go on buses and educating the public on safety when using mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs in shopping areas, and on pavements, parks and open spaces.

As well as the Scoota-safe scheme the event will showcase the latest mobility products available from WDP’s Disability Trading Company and vehicle adaptions from Warrington based BAS (NW) who will have their latest adaptions including hoists, seating and hand controls.
WDP hopes these Scoota-Safe events will raise awareness on scooter safety, giving users information, advice and guidance on the range of products, plus proper training to prevent accidents and making travel accessible and safe for everyone.

For more details about WDP services contact 01925 240064

Published: 16/10/2019