Mobility Scooter Experts

Disabled Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Introduction
For many individuals with mobility disabilities, a disabled scooter is an attractive alternative to a manual or powered wheelchair. Small sit-down motor scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. Also, swivelling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs. A mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions.

Scooter Features and Components
Electric wheelchairs and Mobility scooters all share a recognisable set of features. Each has a seat at the rear of a wheeled platform, with controls and sometimes handrest on a column in front of the seat, called the tiller. The wheeled platform is the base unit. It supports the feet and batteries and contains the drive system. Scooters can have either front- or rear-wheel drive, and most have either four wheels or three (two in back, one in front).

Base Unit
The base unit is the body of the scooter. Generally it consists of a steel, aluminium, or composite frame with a fibreglass or composite floor to support the feet and batteries. Some scooter bases include a shroud over the front wheel and drive head, giving the scooter a bullet-shaped appearance. The base also includes the wheels and the drive train. In some scooters, the seat post is part of the base. The scooter’s manoeuvrability and its suitability for indoor or outdoor use largely depend on the characteristics of the base unit such as its turning radius, the size of its wheelbase, its ground clearance, and its overall dimensions. The base unit also affects the comfort and safety of the rider. When evaluating a scooter, it is important to be certain that the base can accommodate the user's needs. The floor should provide enough space to comfortably support the feet at a natural angle, and the overall dimensions should permit the controls to be easily reached and manipulated.

Drive
The drive train is an integral part of the base unit and provides either front- or rear-wheel drive for the scooter. Front-wheel drive is usually found on smaller scooters designed primarily to be used indoors or outdoors on flat, paved surfaces. The motor of the front-wheel drive scooter is located over the front wheel and drives only that wheel. Because of the motor and wheel configuration, front-wheel drive scooters are usually direct-drive units, eliminating chains and belts.

Disability Scooters same as F1 Cars!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:39:00 +0000

In their wisdom, the EU's Customs Commitee has voted to reclassify disabled scooters, making them subject to an import duty of 10%. This ruling classifies scooters as "motor vehicles for the transport of persons", a classification that also includes F1 cars.

Rob Tolan, Senior Policy Officer at Elizabeth Finn Care, a grant-giving charity which helps people buy the scooters, said:

"Put simply, this is a tax on the disabled. Disabled people are twice as likely to live in low income households than the able bodied and two fifths of adults between 45 and 65 on below average incomes have a limiting, long-standing illness or disability.

"This will cause unnecessary suffering to so many disabled people already struggling with financial hardship."

If you're concerned about these changes or would like to buy a disabled scooter online, give Mobility Buddy a call on 0115 975 7900.

Caring for your Mobility Scooter

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:05:00 +0000

There is that old saying, 'care for something and it will care for you'. Just like any advanced bit of engineering, a little bit of cares can make a huge difference where it matters most...reliability!

When buying a car, a dishwasher or even a mobility scooter, the more care and attention you put into maintaining it the longer it will last for you. For people who really rely on their car for example, you would be a fool to think that all you need to do is add petrol when it runs empty and that is enough to keep it going. Cars need regular servicing, checks, water, oil, tyre pressure etc. Left unattended and you can quite easily find that just when you need your car the most, it will not be there for you. Or as above, you didn't care for it so it stopped caring for you.

The same can be said of miss-using your scooter on the road. There was a recent incident of an elderly lady falling off a cliff whilst on her mobility scooter as she took a corner too fast. Luckily she escaped with only minor injuries but her ordeal lasted over an hour. Some scooters are not designed for more 'off road' driving, as this tends to be for the Heavy Duty Scooters. Most pavement or portable scooters are only suitable for driving on pavements and in towns and therefore cannot cope with the demands of country paths or lanes. More information about the different classes of scooters can be found in our previous post about how to choose a mobility scooter.

Ok, so what sort of care does a mobility scooter need? Well, firstly, and most importantly, to know is that you need to take care of your rechargeable battery. The type of battery that comes with your scooter can vary in size and type. This can determine both the speed and the range of your scooter. The different manufacturers often have instructions on how to charge and take care of your battery, which can vary from a full re-charge after every occasion you use the scooter to simply recharging when the battery gauge tells you to. The variation of battery life can be around 1 to 2 years before you need to replace it and this is also determined by how often you use the scooter. For example, using a scooter for occasional trips to the shops will not reduce the battery life at the same rate as using a scooter for doing several miles a day. How often you use the scooter should help you determine what size batter you will need or how long it should last.

The most reputable scooter dealers should offer servicing for you as this is an essential part of keeping your scooter in good working order. This is not as involved as a car servicing nor is it like an MOT, but for your peace of mind and convenience this is an essential part of ownership. Mobility scooters can be quite an investment so you need to make sure that your scooter will last as long as the manufacturer's guarantee. Different scooters have different levels of reliability. For example, the Pride Go Go or the Shoprider Sovereign are perhaps the most reliable scooters, offering exceptional build quality and durability. Invariable, mobility scooters need a service every 12 months but sometimes this can be longer.

Servicing can be done at your dealers who can simply check the battery, the tyres, breaks and other essential systems on your scooter. Most of the servicing requirements should be outlined in your manual to give you an idea of what needs to be maintained. With a little care and understanding of your scooter, there is no reason why your scooter cannot care for you.

General wear and tear can be easily maintained and most scooters make it easy enough for you to take care of yourself. Along with replacement body work, there are a variety of extras that you can update your scooter with, including baskets, covers, storage holders and ramps. Your scooter dealer should be able to advise you on the accessories available.

Mobility Buddy stock a variety of Disabled Scooters that are specially selected for being the 'best in class' for Portable, Pavement and Heavy Duty scooters. We also offer a full 12 month warranty as well as a dedicated after sales service and scooter care. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk for our selection of the best, and most reliable, mobility scooters.

Nottingham - the centre for Mobility Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:14:00 +0000

Over the past few months, Mobility Buddy have been hard at work with our new showroom in Nottingham. With our ever expanding range of Disabled Scooters it became difficult to effectively display all of the range online. We know that buying a disabled scooter can be a very confusing and long process and sometimes you just need that extra bit of reassurance that the Scooter is right for you. There are also some people that prefer to see a Scooter before they buy as lets face it, there's nothing quite like that feeling of being able to have that tactile experience of seeing the scooter for yourself.

We get a lot of customers who want to know a lot about the scooters available and sometimes it is difficult to provide all the information that people need. Being able to speak to someone first hand who has the experience and knowledge to help you is vital and this can be even more helpful to speak with someone in person.

To answer some of these questions, Mobility Buddy has extended our Showroom in Nottingham, to provide our larger range of not only Disabled Scooters but Wheelchairs, Living Aids and general mobility equipment. This has allowed us to increase the range without becoming too confusing for you. Just like our Online Store, the showroom is organised into the different scooter ranges of Portable, Pavement and Luxury Scooters.

To complement our comprehensive range of Disabled Scooters and Wheelchairs, Mobility Buddy has a wide selection of Living Aids. All designed to make like that little bit easier, all of our living aids have been specially selected to be ideal for all areas of the home. We have grab rails for all uses including the bathroom, the kitchen or around the home. Recently, we have increased our range of rise and reclining chairs for comfort and support. You can find a variety of rise and reclining chairs that have functions for comfort and disability.

Here at our Nottingham Showroom, we have many friendly and helpful staff that are on hand to answer all of your questions you might have on any of the products. We have over 20 years experience in the mobility equipment industry so we know our products well and also our customers needs. We understand that buying mobility equipment can be an important decision so we make sure that your needs come first.

Visit our showroom for some amazing in-store specials, for example the Kymco Micro Mobility Scooter at a special price of £475. We will be happy to talk to your about your needs and provide you with the right Disabled Scooter or living aid. Why not pay us a visit at our Nottingham Showroom and see how we can help you today.

Alternative Disabled Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:04:00 +0000

Most people's searches for Disabled Scooters brings them to either the Pride Go Go or the Shoprider Sovereign. Both fantastic scooters with great features and ultimately reliable. Not a bad word to say about them really and I've blogged about how customers reviewed the Pride Go Go before here.

You can quite easily see that the Pride Go Go really ranks highly in not only popular opinion but also for the number of places to buy it. Likewise with the more expensive but more sturdy Shoprider Sovereign. This is a very popular model for its excellent all-round ability thanks to the larger 10" tyres. Both of these scooters positive reviews are well deserved and are easily found in stores and online. However, we often get people asking about other scooter ranges.

If you were to do a lot of research for a quality and reliable Disabled Mobility Scooter, you would most likely come across the two I have already mentioned. Dig deeper though, and you might come across other less known scooter that are just as good and really make a good alternative. Just like buying a car, there are many manufacturers that offer quality and reliability without the big named brand. Two fantastic scooters that are as good as the Pride and Shoprider are the Little Gem 4 and the Kymco Micro Mobility Scooters.

Sterling Little Gem 4

Made by Sterling, a brand of Sunrise Medical, the Little Gem 4 is one of the lightest portable scooters on the market thanks to its removable parts. The specifically designed 'Gem-Lock' allows you to dismantle the scooter and easily pack away in the boot of a car. Although super lightweight, this is a very comfortable scooter with a newly added soft padded seat and smooth to drive. The seat also comes with lift up arm rests to allow you to easily get on and off the scooter.

The Sterling Scooters have over 30 years of manufacturing experience and each scooter goes through rigorous testing to make sure they meet the quality standards. With this quality comes reliability so you can count on your Little Gem mobility scooter to be by your side where ever you go.

Kymco Micro Mobility Scooter

Maintaining the portable scooter theme, the Kymco Micro mobility scooter is designed for maximum comfort and portability. Also consisting of parts that can be easily dismantled, the Kymco Micro is one of the most stylish scooters around. This is emphasised with the extra features of puncture proof tyres and very user friendly operating functions making it easy to manoeuvre and very reliable.

Just like a quality built car, you want to be assured that not only will you have a comfortable ride but that your scooter has all the reliability to get you to your destination every time. advanced features of a larger scooter. This reliability comes from years of Kymco manufacturing quality motorcycles so you know that every part is assembled to the highest quality and robustness. With a range of up to 13 miles you can be assured that this is no occasional scooter and can be used whenever you need to get out and about locally.

Not to dismiss the Pride or Shoprider scooters at all, but sometimes a bit more research can uncover some hidden gems. What is also to note is that the price tag doesn't always have to be high as well. Mobility Scooters come with a variety of different features and it is simple to get the right one for your needs. For starters, portable scooters don't come any better than the Little Gem 4 and the Kymco Micro.

If you're still having problems considering which is the best scooter for your needs, Mobility Buddy have a huge selection of disabled scooters together with helpful friendly advice. Visit us in store or online at www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk/disabled-scooters.

Road Worthy Disabled Scooters - The Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:23:00 +0000

One of the news stories that has dominated all of the news pages recently, and might I add all over the world, is that of 90 year old Stanley Murphy on his scooter. Poor old Stan was found driving down the A27 on his Disabled Scooter doing around 8 mph in lane 1. He was later flagged down by a motorist and found that he 'took a wrong turn on the way to buy a newspaper'. It was a luck escape and highlights the need for awareness of the mobility scooter. Read more about this in this news article.

8mph Luxury Scooters

Disabled Scooters fit into one of four categories; portable scooters that are designed for quick use and being transported around, Pavement Scooters are more robust than the portable scooters and are designed for frequent use. Luxury Scooters come with far more features and designed to have a little bit extra and Heavy Duty Scooters that are suitable for prolonged use or carrying more weight.

Each of the different categories of scooter have features associated with them. Most notable is the speed that they are able to travel at. Portable and Pavement scooters require the scooter to travel at a maximum speed of 4mph. This is for obvious safety reasons and so that the user does not pose a danger to anyone on the pavement.

Luxury and Heavy Duty Scooters however, come with a switch that allows them to travel from 4 to 8 mph and therefore on the road. There are of course legal requirements for driving on the road, such as headlights, break lights and indicators. This also requires the user to be proficient in the highway code and of course not allowed on the motorway as in the article above!

For more information on the legal aspects of Disabled Scooters, read this page or Mobility Buddy's guide to Choosing Disabled Scooters.

New Luxury Scooters

With the weather warming up for Spring and the snow melting, we can look forward to the sunshine and getting out and about. That's why Mobility Buddy have introduced some exciting new Disabled Scooters to the range, from Kymco and TGA.

The Kymco Maxi is a fantastic luxury scooter designed for road and pavement use. It comes equipped with adaptive suspension providing great comfort and reliability, whilst taking the driver around for up to 25 miles. A must for anyone wanting to get around in comfort both on the road and around the shops.

Probably the most advanced and comfortable scooter around at the moment is the truly magnificent TGA Breeze 4 heavy duty scooter. Boasting features such as integrated electronics, active adjustable suspension and large leather seat, this scooter is suitable for all conditions and is strong enough to cope with a variety of different road conditions. A must for everyday use and flexibility and stable enough whilst on the road at 8 mph.

Remember a disabled scooter comes in a variety of different models and categories so if you are needing to drive on the road, make sure you have the scooter that is designed to do so!

Find out about our other new additions to the Disabled Scooters range at www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk

The Top Accessories for your Wheelchair

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Over the past few months, we have been busy adding in new Wheelchairs to our range to meet the ever growing demand. There are numerous articles (including some that we've written) on advice and information on the different types of Wheelchair, but not so many on the accessories for them. So to fill this void and help people out even more we thought we'd write a post on our top 10 accessories for your manual wheelchairs.

Somewhere to put your drink.

The ultimate accessory for when you are out and about. Simply attach a clip on cup holder to your wheelchair so you can enjoy drink on the go. One of the most popular is the 'Drink Thing' that fits a variety of different container sizes and clips neatly onto the frame of any wheelchair. A must for the summer months or being out in the shops.

Hand Protection.

Using manual wheelchairs quite often can certainly be hard work on your hands. Developed by wheelchair users to make life comfortable for wheelchair users, gloves can protect against blisters and callouses yet are light and comfortable to wear. For those who want even more comfort and robustness, there are the Globeleather gloves which have been described as "the best wheelchair gloves available".

Added Storage and Saving Space

A handy device for packing things away and also saving on space to store items is an under seat wheelchair pouch. This excellent device clips securely and easily to the wheelchair with buckles and hides away under the chair. An ingenious accessory for the wheelchair provides convenient storage and is easily accessible from the front by the user.

Additional Security and Padding

With an extra secure wheelchair belt, you can have an added feeling of being secure by having a belt that criss-crosses across the back of the wheelchair and loops around the levers. Machine washable and made from heavy duty nylon, this belt fits comfortably around the hips.

Space Saving Oxygen

Ideal for persons with emphysema or other respiratory conditions then the perfect solution is a CarryON wheelchair bag that conveniently stores oxygen tanks out of the way. A large mesh bag easily holds one or two 'E' Cylinder tanks and also comes with a deep mask/nasal cannula pouch that is machine washable.

Keep on Working on the Move

If you have visual perception problems, then a transparent tray that attaches to all different types of wheelchair is ideal for you. With an aluminuim lip that keeps the tray from falling off, this durable see-through tray will provide a clear line of sight to your lap and offering a sturdy platform to perform work or tasks. The tray can easily be attached and removed thanks to the hook and loop straps that attach onto the wheelchair armrests.

Added Comfort

What would an accessory list be without something for extra comfort? One of the best methods of getting a softer surface to sit on is a cushion made from silicone gel and foam. Ideal for relieving pressure areas this cushion will make any wheelchair feel comfortable and relaxing all the time.

Accessibility Accessory

Last but by no means least is the most popular (and some would argue most essential) is the Wheelchair Ramp. Mostly constructed from aluminium and being lightweight and very portable, they are ideal for providing access to and from buildings, stairs and cars. Ramps come in a variety of different sizes and portable options and can quite often come complete with a carry bag for transportation. Some of the ramps can also be used for mobility scooters as they are made from very tough, durable materials.

With so many different accessories to choose from, Mobility Buddy provide all the help and information on Manual Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters and Wheelchair Accessories that you need. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk and find the right mobility aid for your needs.

Disabled Scooter Tricks, Alcohol and Driving School

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Three articles in the world of disabled scooters attracted my attention this past week. What is mostly interesting about them is they are very abstract and are based around three completely different situations but all involving a mobility scooter.

I take a lot of time to research new developments on our scooters that include reviews, press releases and of course articles from users of the scooters. On our site, we have many reviews that we like to provide to help people understand the scooter. These include detailed product information, customer reviews and some demonstration videos. The latter are usually from the manufacturers who demonstrate the scooter's features and how it can be used. I was amazed however, to find this video of a demonstration of a different kind for a Rascal Scooter:

Rascal Scooter Tricks

There was an interesting psychological study published recently, that described the effects of different types of training for using a mobility scooter and a user's ability to use the scooter. The details can be found in this brief synopsis. Although it did bring up that the type of training given can directly influence the ability of driving a scooter, it made me think about the need for what is similar to a driving school for scooters. I have blogged about this before (see this post) as there have been numerous articles in the press about accidents involving scooters seen here, and here. Although there is obviously a number of accidents involving scooters, to enforce a strict 'driving licence' for users could quite possibly put more restrictions of people's mobility. Users of mobility scooters are given a lifeline and freedom that they might not have and by making an enforced driving licence might restrict this freedom even further.

It is my view that the manufacturers and suppliers of scooters should provide all the help and advice that is needed to opperate the scooters effectively and confidently. When buying a disabled scooter, shop around for a supplier that can offer advice, a demonstration or even instruction on how to use a scooter. Many scooter suppliers often have a showroom, so go and visit them.

Last but not least is was this quite amazing story of a drunken woman who stole a disabled scooter from Asda and then tried to drive it nearly 10 miles to her home. After breaking a heel of a shoe on a night out, the scooter obviously looked like an attractive option for the rest of the journey home. Police later stopped her for driving erratically after 2 and a half miles where it was recorded she was two times over the legal limit for alcohol. Quite the disreagard for people with disabilities. Read the full article here.

MobilityBuddy not only provide a comprehensive range of disabled scooters, but also a sympathetic and understanding of our customers needs. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk.

2009 is the year for Mobility Aids reviews!

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:10:00 +0000

A very Happy New Year to everyone from Mobility Buddy. We've had such an eventful year in 2008, starting with the ever-so-present Credit Crunch and pretty much ending with the ever-so-present credit crunch! We've pulled out all the stops to make sure that we serve our customers well and make sure people are happy with their mobility aids.

Back in November, we introduced our new range of Manual Wheelchairs and received a great deal of positive response from happy customers:

"Wheelchair delivered on Wednesday. So light and comfortable - I'm delighted with it."
Folding Wheelchair

"I just wanted to thank you for your efficient and caring service, on my recent order. The wheelchair, which is excellent, was received safely and in good time."
Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

2008 was a big year for the Pride Go Go mobility scooters. There are numerous reviews around for this fantastic value all-rounder and we have had many happy customers give their thumbs up as well:

"This is a fab mobility gogo and I was worried it'd be too big and heavy for the car, no probs alls well and a lady or two were so kind as they talked me through the sale only worry is what days to change the colour panels. I love it, great comfort to."
Pride Go Go Elite Traveller 4

"This is a lovely safe scooter and as it says so easy to take apart and rebuild I like it as its quiet and easy to drive and the interchangeable panels are fun - I'm on red with blue and silver still to go."
Pride Go Go Elite Traveller 4 plus

Making sure that people are both happy with their scooter or wheelchair means that not only have they spent their budget but also have the right product for their needs. We are happy to talk to all our customers at length and understand what the best mobility aid is for every individual. We take our customer satisfaction very seriously and encourage people to find out about what they are buying and also what their needs are.

We also encourage people to write their own review on every product, as we know that sometimes the best advice you can get is from other people's first hand experience with mobility scooters or mobility wheelchairs. Why not take a look at our customer reviews or better still, write your own review of our products?

We wish you all the best for 2009.
Mobility Buddy

How do I know which Wheelchair to buy?

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:07:00 +0000

We get a lot of people contacting us about what are the differences between the many wheelchairs on offer. It can be quite confusing as there are many different types and all have their benefits for certain needs.

Wheelchairs are probably the most widely used walking aids and by far the most suitable for disabled people. Despite being larger than other walking aids such as 3 or 4 wheeled walkers, often called 'zimmer frames', they are by far the most versatile as they can be used both indoors and outdoors. As the technology has developed, there have been more and more types of wheelchair available for people to use and suitable for a variety of different needs. Not only have the frames changed in materials, from the heavier steel to the lightweight aluminium frames, but they now come with powered motors for even more mobility control.

As the developments have made the selection even greater, getting the right wheelchair for you requires considering things such as age, disability, personal lifestyle and budget. Broadly, wheelchairs fit into two distinct categories; Electric (or powered) Wheelchairs and Manual Wheelchairs.

Electric Wheelchairs

The more advanced electric wheelchair comes with its own battery and motor to drive the chair by a 'joysitck' controller. Being much more rigid and heavier than manual wheelchairs, not only do they offer excellent manouverability but also confidence to the person to get out and about with ease. Some powered wheelchairs even come with a rotating seat for aiding people to get on or off. These wheelchairs are perfect for conserving energy as they do not need to be propelled.

Manual Wheelchairs

The more traditional form of wheelchair is available for different kinds of needs, including sports, travel, indoor and outdoor use. Most of these wheelchairs are propelled using upper body strength and have features that make it easier for people to do so. Some of the wheelchairs are designed to be pushed and have a heavier and more sturdier frame for durability and practical use. Manual wheelchairs can be separated into different categories according to the requirements of the user:

Lightweight Wheelchairs

Lightweight Wheelchairs mostly made from Aluminium making them not only strong by very light and easy to propel. The rigid frame can also come with larger wheels making them easy to and manoeuvre. The lightweight frame is ideal for travel and certain products can have a folding frame, allowing the wheelchair to be packed away in the back of a car. Lightweight wheelchairs were originally designed for sports but as they are both portable and easy to use they are very adaptable for everyday use.

Folding Wheelchairs

Most manual wheelchairs fit into this category as they have the benefits of having a collapsible frame. Folding wheelchairs can also come with folding or detachable leg rests to make them ideal for folding away for starage in the home and for travel. As they do not have any removable parts, these wheelchairs are ideal for temporary use or storing in the home.

Travel Wheelchairs

Travel wheelchairs have the benefit of being the most portable wheelchairs available. Being the most lightweight of all wheelchairs, they are suited for occasional use and getting to and from places. Collapsible, lightweight and durable they are often used for both indoor and outdoor use such as transit to and from a car, using in shopping centres or retail locations and for short distance flat terrain applications.

When considering which wheelchair is the best for you, it is best to think about the needs of the user and also what is the most convenient wheelchair for you. The prices vary from different suppliers but it is always best to check the level of after sales service and customer care before you buy. Wheelchairs can make a real difference in someone's life so be sure to think about what is best for you and where the best place to purchase it from is.

www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk stock a wide variety of Manual and Electric Wheelchairs for every individual's needs and budget.

Trusting Customer Reviews for Mobility Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:11:00 +0000

When selling products online, you can never neglect the importance that your customers, past and future, play in the sales process. By allowing customers to leave their honest reviews about an item, you are allowing people to express their honest opinion and give a sense of trust to the potential buyers.

Shopping online for something as important as a disabled mobility scooter, you need to feel assured that the scooter you are buying is not only the right one for you but also that you are going to get the best service as well as after sales service.

Take one of our best selling and an overall popular scooter, the Pride Go Go, for example. As this is a popular scooter there are many places to buy it online. However, one thing that people might not think about when shopping for the lowest price is what level of customer service they will get. This point is emphasised by a blog post I found here. In this article, a customer reviews the Pride Go Go and their problems they had with one particular company by not providing the after sales service. It leaves the customer rather disappointed in not only the product (which is one of the best value and reliable scooters available I might add) but also the experience of buying online.

The review is concluded by advising people to buy from a local shop and not from the internet as you don't get that 'at home service'. However, we believe that providing the 'at home service' is vital to anyone who is buying a mobility scooter. It is good to shop around to suit your budget but also good to measure one internet retailer's level of customer service with another. If you need that repair service or even just a home demonstration that can be worth paying a little more for. I think the best advice would be to first of all know your needs, research the product, read the customer reviews and then find the right place to buy. You can shop to find the best price but more importantly, shop to find the best level of service.

Mobility Buddy has a large range of Mobility Scooters, including the Pride Go Go, and we pride ourselves on our level of customer care and after sales service. We know how important buying the right mobility scooter is and also taking care of your needs. Why not read our customer reviews and see what people think of the products and service.

www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk

Mobility Scooter news from around the web...

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:55:00 +0000

It has been a busy week around the web for news on Mobility Scooters. One of the biggest stories is that MPs are now insisting on drivers of Mobility Scooters. It seems that the number of accidents involving mobility scooters has prompted the government to take notice and consider scooter owners to take driving lessons. Under new proposals, owners of scooters would have to 'prove' that they are capable of handling the scooters and that they would not pose a threat to the public.

Despite the media concentrating on the reporting accidents and at worst fatalities, the charity Help the Aged however, have responded to MPs that is was 'largely a creation of the media'. This was also echoed by the Department of Transport who maintained that it was not a major problem. You can read more about the article here or here.

On the lighter side of things, Charnwood Borough Council has purchased an all terrain Mobility Scooter in order for more people to enjoy a popular beauty destination around Loughborough, UK. Now the Helen Jean Cope Trust has bought a second scooter to allow even more disabled people to get around the 110-acre site of Special Scientific Interest. This is great news for people to get out and about to see tourist destinations. You can read the full story here.

One of the most popular pavement scooters has made an appearance on the popular video site YouTube. Pride Scooters are a great way of getting about and this short video below really shows how versatile and easy to drive they are:

Mobility Buddy have a wide variety of Mobility Scooters in their current sale including the most popular Pride Scooter. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk and get the perfect scooter for you.

Lightweight Wheelchairs for the Winter Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:28:00 +0000

Now that we're in the new season of winter Mobility Buddy is warming things up with the introduction of a new range of Lightweight Wheelchairs.

With getting out and about being a high priority during the run up to Christmas, we have put together a great selection of Lightweight Wheelchairs all at great sale prices. Our 4 new wheelchairs are designed to cover all price ranges, from the ultra portable to the more comfortable and sturdy.

If a well balanced and attractive wheelchair sounds ideal for your needs then our Transit Folding Wheelchair is the perfect companion for you. With large 15" rear wheels and a light aluminium frame, this sturdy but manoeuvrable wheelchair is easy to push and giving a very comfortable ride. The tartan style blue cheque make it very attractive as well as functional and also comes with puncture proof tyres and a parking brake.

Lightweight Wheelchairs are best suited for those who like to get out and about and pack a wheelchair away in the back of the car. Mobility Buddy has a fantastic new Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair ideal for travel, that is both super light and also foldaway. The best feature of this wheelchair is that there are no removal parts to get lost along the way! The wheelchair also comes in a variety of different fabrics and fold away footrests.

For something a little more sturdy but also portable, then try our Lightweight Folding Wheelchair. This is exceptionally good value transit style wheelchair offers a double cross brace to provide a responsive, rigid chair performance. With a lightweight aluminium frame and an assortment of different fabrics to choose from, this is the ideal wheelchair for potability and comfort.

Something a little more stylish but still with maximum comfort is our new Folding Lightweight Wheelchair. With an attractive designed framework and a luxury padded seat and backrest, this wheelchair is great value and extremely comfortable. An added feature is the padded armrests to allow user to get close to the table or desk.

So why not get out and about this Winter to the shops or visiting family and friends with the new range of lightweight and portable wheelchairs. To make things even better we're now having a Winter Sale with huge savings on a large range of Mobility Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters.

The fight for equal rights for disabled scooters

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:33:00 +0000

In response to my previous article, about Trains and Mobility Scooters, things have developed even further with Human Rights activists getting involved. What all sparked this was a ban on Mobility Scooters on trains after a series of events a few months ago.

Details from The Chronicle newspaper, comment on how Human Rights activist Nancy Porter has claimed that the ban is in conflict with human rights and disability discrimination laws. The ban means that all people who have any kind of mobility scooters will not be able to travel on the trains. A spokesman for Metro trains, commented that they stood by the decision for safety reasons and don't believe it to be discriminatory.

There have been numerous incidents up and down the country recently where mobility scooters have fallen on to the lines and Metro trains believe that the ban will help to reduce the numbers of accidents on the trains. They have however, motioned to review the ban in six months time after a series of investigations into which scooters might be at higher risk for users and passengers as well as training for the Metro staff for assistance. Read the full article here.

Mobility Buddy provide a wealth of information and advice on Disabled Scooters to help find the right scooter for your needs.

Disabled Scooter Pressure Sales Techniques Exposed

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:06:00 +0000

Here at Mobility Buddy we're completely honest and open about our products and services, choosing to rely on quality of service rather than pressure-selling techniques. It seems that everyone else isn't quite so ethical however...

According to the August/September 08 issue of Assistive Technologies magazine: "Some companies are using high-pressure and unlawful sales practices to sell expensive and unsuitable mobility aids to vulnerable customers."

Which? secretly filmed reps from 11 different companies selling disabled scooters, adjustable beds and bath lifts to a 72 year old woman. Of the 11, 1 was rated good and 5 rated poor with a string of complaints such as offering discounts for buying straight away, free gifts as incentives and even advising on fraudulent insurance claims!!

Roy Hodgkinson, Director General of the British Healthcare Trades Association commented: "This highlights the need for members of the public to be alert to obtaining a good assessment, shopping around to find out prices, and to looking for businesses which do adhere to a Code of Practice like the BHTA Code which sets out standards."

We've been selling direct to the public for over 20 years now and pride ourselves on our caring, sympathetic and understanding approach. We never resort to these kind of high-pressure techniques to sell our products, have a read of our Customer Reviews to see what our customers have to say.

Echoing the above, if you are looking for a new disability scooter or wheelchair, shop around, find a company that you are happy with and talk to them directly about it. Any reputable company will have a direct line that you can call to talk things through... give us a call on 0800 107 8445 and see for yourself!

Trains are no place for Mobility Scooters!

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Interesting (and quite shocking) is that there have been two separate incidents in the UK this month involving trains and mobility scooters. The most interesting thing about the incidents was that you would not necessarily think that travelling by train with a mobility scooter would cause such a problem.

The first article I came across was on the BBC website. This was an event on Arriva Trains where a man with a mobility scooter was not able to board the train due to the overcrowding. Something that most people encounter on a daily basis but for those who rely on mobility scooters, missing a train can have serious complications. The unlucky Mr Wali, then had to drive his scooter for 13 miles (21 km) home as the train could not accommodate him. Holiday period or no holiday period, such provisions should be made for overcrowding and to make sure that everyone is able to board trains.

Similarly, a separate incident involving a peron with a mobility scooter occured in West Yorkshire. However, this was not due to poor planning by the Trains franchise, but a deliberate act of discrimination. Being told that a train could not guarnantee disabled access to its customers is a little different to being told outright that you can't travel on the train because of a scooter.

Northern Rail said in their defence that due to "the lack of common design of scooter" and the "diversified fleet", having mobility scooters on their trains was not always possible. Despite many other train companies investing in improving their access for wheelchairs and scooters, Northern Rail have yet to increase their standards. Read the article in full here.

I would hope that other train companies and franchises around the UK are taking note about the right way and the wrong way to care for their customers.

With a caring, dedicated and understanding team Mobility Buddy excel in providing top quality Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs and Walking Sticks at a fair price with excellent service.

The best advice for buying a disabled scooter

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:40:00 +0000

We were all quite distressed at Mobility Buddy when we read this article on the guardian.co.uk website.

As with every industry, there are always a few cowboys that are just our for making quick sales with no care or morals about their customers. The featured company the The Guardian article are obviously one of those that you'd expect to see on the Rogue Traders TV programme.

This kind of company should not be used to make all customers of mobility scooters put off purchasing one. After all, the mobility aids industry is all about caring for people and providing the means to make life easier. To help people through this mine field, we've proposed a 'Buddy' check-list of the things that should help people when thinking about purchasing a mobility scooter:

It can be a big decision to make and you need to feel comfortable with your scooter but also reassured that you can live with it long term. You need to know that the people you speak to are not pressuring you into a sale. Having a salesperson calling can be very intimidating, especially if they are on commission and have a limited selection of scooters.
Shopping on the internet can be a bit daunting for people. Knowing where to start and how to find what you are looking for can take a long time. However, there is a comprehensive amount of information available, including advice, help and product information about the scooters. It also means you can shop around and find the best price for your needs.
Once you've approached a scooter outlet, make sure you ask or find out about the level of service available to you. can the staff at the outlet help with finding the right scooter? Do they know the product range and is it extensive enough for you? Is there someone to call and speak to personally about your needs and can they help you buy rather than make the decision for you? Do they have a showroom available for you to see and try the scooter?
Once you're ready to buy a scooter you needs to find the best purchase option. Service levels vary but you need to find out if there is a cancellation policy and check the delivery prices or for any hidden costs. Buying a disabled scooter or powerchair can be very confusing. Prices seem to very enormously from company to company. Beware! Often the cheapest prices only come with a very basic warranty.
What is the after sales service like? This is a very important issue for you as you need to be assured that if something is to go wrong with your scooter, you can contact the outlet and they will make the repairs or servicing for you. When paying such a high price for a scooter this should guarantee an excellent aftersales service - many places do not offer this so always ask about this before you buy.
Above all, see how much they care about you finding the right scooter and how much care once you've bought it.

Disabled mobility scooters have helped improve the quality of so many people's lives. Making such a big decision needs help and care - something that any good shop will take pride in.

Mobility Buddy excel in their customer care and after sales service for disabled scooters and mobility aids. Mobility Buddy has a caring, dedicated, sympathetic and understanding team with over 20 years experience in supplying mobility aids.

New Updates from the Disabled Scooter Experts.

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:01:00 +0000

We're always looking at ways to improve our service at Mobility Buddy and our customer experience on the website is very important. That's why we've recently made a few changes to the site to help people find what the need fast, get the best information they need on the Scooters and be able to shop online hassle free.

We have now focused our Disabled Scooters into 4 main categories and have included a section on scooter accessories. Now that the summer is here, Mobility Buddy has some amazing offers on our best selling scooters including; Pride GoGo Elite Traveller 4, the latest portable lightweight mobility scooter now at £539; Shoprider Sovereign 4, one of the most popular all round scooters now at £595 and the best of the Rascal Scooters, the Rascal 329LE that offers the highest specification at the greatest value.

Along with a comprehensive selection of Disabled Scooters, Mobility Buddy also has a wide range of mobility aids. We now have a dedicated section for Zimmer Frames and Rollators, with a wide variety of accessories for each also available.

To help you make buying your scooter as easy as possible, we've updated our checkout page so you don't need to register. We understand how time consuming it can be to register and set up yet another password, so now Mobility Buddy allows you to buy in 3 simple steps without asking for your username and password. Of course, we still have the facility to create an account which makes the process even quicker.

Have a look at our new Disabled Scooter range and see how Mobility Buddy can make a difference in your life today.

Manual Wheelchairs - the agony of choice

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Just like scooters, there is a huge choice of wheelchairs for people to choose from. When it comes to making the right purchase for your needs people need to make an informed decision of which wheelchair to buy.

The first selection choice is for the needs of the user. How independent or dependent are the needs? There are variety of wheelchairs available but they fit into two different categories; electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

The obvious difference also reflects in price. Electric wheelchairs can provide more benefits but the overall price is reflected in this. This type of wheelchair offers excellent manoeuvrability and style combined with the latest technology. Some of the features that come with an electric wheelchair are a rotating seat so can choose between front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Powered wheelchairs are ideal for people who have difficulty in using the manual facility and often come with a joystick for easy control. Other functions can include seat tilt, seat elevation, recline and leg elevation and other beneficial features.

Manual wheelchairs require people to power them but offer more portability than an electric chair. The main benefit is that the chairs can be easily transported and available as a folding wheelchair. Lightweight wheelchairs are the most portable to allow them to be packed neatly away in the boot of a car. The more lightweight and portable the wheelchair, the higher the cost as they are often made aluminium to enhance the portability and comfort.

People requiring a wheelchair should research what needs they have and match them with the features of each wheelchair. There is also a wide variety of accessories available to make the selected wheelchair more comfortable and more functional. Remember that a wheelchair must suit the owner as they will require their needs being met as well as being comfortable to use everyday.

Mobility Buddy have a wide selection of Lightweight and Portable Wheelchairs available with advice and a full guarantee.

Get out and about this Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:36:00 +0000

Now that the warm weather is finally upon us, its a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Not everyone has that luxury of being able to leave their home easily and freely, but having a mobility scooter can make all the difference.

Pavement Mobility Scooters are ideal for every day use and are great for someone who wants the independence to get about under their own steam. They are generally far more robust and comfortable than portable lightweight mobility scooters with a greater range.

Pride Scooters are a fantastic range of electric mobility scooters. One of our popular ranges is the Pride Celebrity X. Available in a 3 or 4 wheeled version, the Celebrity X is a perfect blend of style and performance while delivering advanced features usually reserved for higher-priced scooters. A luxury scooter at every-day prices. See a video review of it below:

Other popular scooters in our range include the Pride Gogo and Shoprider Sovereign scooters, each providing excellent all round ability and a chance to enjoy the summer with help from Mobility Buddy.

Link

How to Choose a Mobility Scooter

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:17:00 +0000

The following is designed to assist a potential mobility scooter purchaser, to make the correct choice. Mobility scooters fall into 3 categories, namely, PORTABLES / MICROS, CLASS 2 and CLASS 3. However, we at Mobility Buddy have decided to simplify the category system into a more understandable description, as follows:

Portables

Description.

A miniaturised mobility scooter designed to be easily disassemble and stowed in most car boots.

Uses.

Designed for occasional use for trips to supermarket, shopping centres, trips out, holidays etc, with a typical range of 5 – 7 miles. NOTE, most modern portables are approved by airlines and are treated as a mobility aid which normally does not incur excess baggage charges.

Restrictions.

Most portables are not suitable for regular day-to-day usage, due to the miniaturisation of key components, such as the transaxle and braking system. The batteries are also a key issue, a typical portable scooter is fitted with 2 x 12 Amph batteries, compared with a pavement scooter which is normally fitted with 2 x 30 Amph or more, which delivers far greater performance and lasts much longer. NOTE, using a portable scooter, as a day to day vehicle, will often result in costly major failure within 18 months.

Useful tip.

There are hybrids scooters available, which offer the user the best of both worlds, e.g. the “Pride Colt”, or the “Pride GoGo ET 3 & 4 PLUS”, both of which are designed to disassemble and be used on a more regular basis. NOTE, due to the fact that these type of scooters are designed with more rugged and heavy-duty components the individual component parts tend to be heavier.

Pavement Scooters

(4 mph class 2)

Description.

A larger, far more comfortable and rugged scooter than a portable.

Uses.

Designed for those who need transport on a regular basis from home, for getting to local shops, trips to the doctor, friends, etc, with a typical range of about 15 - 20 miles. These scooters have a maximum speed of 4 mph and are designed for pavement use, although there are models available that can be used on the road as well.

Restrictions.

As with all scooters the maximum user weight applies, it is worth purchasing a scooter with a decent actual user weight versus maximum user weight e.g. if user weight is restricted to 18 stone, then a 2 stone margin is preferable i.e. user weight does not exceed 16 stone. This formula will ultimately result in a longer life span of scooter due to less stress on vital components.

Pavement/Road Scooters

(4–6 mph & 4–8 mph class 3)

Description.

Altogether larger and faster than the other two categories, often a much longer range and greater user weight models available.

Uses.

As with the smaller pavement scooters, designed for day to day use from home to local shops etc, but often with the capability of much greater range of about 25 - 30 miles and able to travel both on public footpaths and roads. Most scooters in this category are larger and have far greater comfort with better seats and all round suspension. Scooters in this category are often able to accommodate user weights of up to 35 stone.

Restrictions.

It is an offence to travel on a public footpath at more than 4 mph; most scooters in this category have a switch from 4 mph to 6 or 8 mph.

Improve the quality of your life

noreply@blogger.com (Mobility Buddy) — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Diabled Scooters have helped improve the quality of so many people's lives. There are many different kinds of mobility scooters to suit your needs, ranging for use around your house, to take you as far as 30 miles and even off-road use! Mobility Scooters fit broadly into four categories.

Portable Scooters: Portable Lightweight Mobility Scooters are suitable for those who need to transport a scooter on a regular basis.
Pavement Scooters: Pavement Mobility Scooters are ideal for every day use and are great for someone who wants the independence to get about under their own steam.
Luxury Scooters: Luxury Mobility Scooters are far more comfortable and robust than portable and pavement scooters and come with a host of additional features
Heavy Duty Scooters: Pavement and Luxury mobility scooters that are suitable to carry over 28 stone or 180kg.

Choosing the right scooter for you is important and requires not only a good deal of thought but also considering your overall budget. Here at Mobility Buddy we offer superb customer care and after sales service for every item we sell. With a comprehensive selection of Disabled Scooters, including the Shoprider Soverign, Pride GoGo and Rascal Scooters, we cover all of your needs and help you to make the most out of life.

We also have a large selection of mobility aids, such as Walking Sticks, Commodes and Rollators.