Mobility retailers invited to launch of powered wheelchair and mobility scooter training scheme
Driving Mobility would like to invite mobility retailers to the launch of its Retailer Training Scheme, supported by the Department of Transport, on Wednesday 7th June 2023 at an event in London.
The key aim behind the Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) retailer training scheme is to improve road safety for all, through a process of ensuring that people looking to purchase or hire mobility vehicles are given comprehensive advice and guidance in choosing the right machine that will be safe and suitable for their individual needs.
Until now, there has been no uniform national industry scheme for the assessment and training of new mobility users. As a result, some people have purchased vehicles unsuitable for them in terms of their ability to control the vehicle safely, and without being given sufficient advice and instruction to enable them to use their equipment in public places without endangering themselves or members of the public they may encounter.
Edward Trewella Driving Mobility (DM) CEO said: “Following trials with groups of retailers in the north and south of England we have created a training scheme to offer to all retailers of mobility equipment.
“With funding support from the Department for Transport (DfT), we have set up a training scheme for retailers of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
“Our aim is to encourage all retailers of such equipment to undertake our training every three years and be certificated as having done so.
“We hope the training will lead to safer use of mobility equipment on pavements and improvement in road safety.”
With the support of the DfT, mobility retailers will be able to take part in this training programme free of charge. Successful attendees will receive a certificate, featuring the ‘Supported by DfT’ logo which will be a clear indication to their customers that they are purchasing equipment from a company that has received suitable training in undertaking assessments of this type.
The intention is to give the public confidence that they are purchasing equipment from a reputable retailer who has received training in assessing their suitability for any particular type of equipment.
Mobility retailers, the Department for Transport, BHTA and other industry stakeholders in the mobility sector will be attending the launch of the Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter training scheme, but there are still a limited number of places that are still available should a mobility retailer wish to join the launch event.
Retailers interested in booking a place at the event can contact Sue Annear at info@drivingmobility.org.uk.
News of the scheme’s launch comes after a recent inquest into the death of a 92-year-old woman who was hit by a mobility scooter driver and which heard that there are no restrictions on who can ride one.
