Retailer goes the extra mile to promote mobility scooter safety
Described as the result of years of planning, People First Mobility organised a mobility scooter training day to help improve users’ proficiency on the vehicles, with support from local organisations, suppliers and an insurance company.
The brainchild of Karen Sheppard, Managing Director of People First Mobility, the training day saw local police, road safety partnership, Freerider and Mark Bates Insurance provide come together in Skegness to help improve scooter users’ knowledge and competence. Ramps and platforms were also provided by Jetmarine for use on the day.
Karen told THIIS: “The day has taken several years of planning and it was exciting to see it actually take place. We had the local mayor attend and he had a go round the track on a scooter and even the town’s Jolly Fisherman got to test his skills on the track!”
With constant reports of improper use of mobility scooter and following statistics from the Department of Transport revealing the number of mobility scooter fatalities has been gradually increasing over the years, there has been growing attention around the importance of scooter training.
Taking place in April, the day consisted of a presentation detailing the different classes of scooters and rules about what to do and what not to do, as well as simple tips to help scooter users stay safe.
“Two videos were played of accidents that had happened to show what can happen if not used correctly as well,” added Karen.
All attendees on the day were also taken around a test track to work on their speed control, reversing and alertness of hazards and their surroundings.
“Everyone got to have a go, either on their own scooter or one of our hires if they didn’t own one yet so they could go around the track,” explained Karen.
“The track was really useful and really tested attendees. For example, the police would suddenly hold out a stop sign to see how they could stop in time to avoid obstacles”
Attendees were also provided with a booklet with the Highway Code rules and all the information covered in the presentation.
Hailing the day a success, Karen finished: “The feedback from those that attended was very good and we will definitely be doing more.
“One lady had never used a scooter before and was very nervous but felt a lot more confident after being shown the controls and ways of how to negotiate tight spaces and obstacles. Another lady had a scooter but again was very nervous and to be able to use it in a safe environment with someone explaining things has helped her to want to go out more on her own now.”
Selling an extensive range of mobility products to customers from its showroom in Lumley Square, Skegness, People First Mobility says it prides itself on its customer service, with the company and Karen winning ten business awards in the last five years.
