Thankfully, as this point in the 21st century, we have as a society become much more aware of the needs and requirements of people who use aids like wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
The majority of buildings and outdoor areas now have lots of provisions put in place for mobility needs, but sadly one area that still seems to be lacking and falling behind in comparison is much of the public transport system around the country.
Here at Balance Mobility we are dedicated to making sure that people, both abled and differently-abled, are educated on as much to do with mobility issues as possible.
To help you out, here are some great tips for navigating public transport on a mobility scooter.
- The first piece of advice is not to take your scooter out with you until you have had enough practise to have full command of it. You should feel confident in operating your scooter on all kinds of public transport.
- Make sure to be aware of your surroundings, of pedestrians and other vehicles around you. People will not mind slowing down for you to pass safely, and the last thing you want is to cause any kind of incident with your scooter.
- It is a good idea to turn your scooter off when you are not moving. If you are carrying things with you, it is very easy for a bag or item of clothing to catch on the accelerator and cause a problem in a small space.
- Do not attempt to go up a slope or curb until you feel confident with the terrain and surfaces. Do not be afraid to ask the bus driver to help you by pulling out the ramp so that you have an easier path.
- And lastly, don’t try to do absolutely everything yourself if you don’t feel that you can. The vast majority of members of the public will be more than happy to give you any kind of assistance that you might need on a bus, train or any other kind of transport. Never be afraid to ask.
So, hopefully these tips might be able to make your life or the life of someone you know much easier on a mobility scooter.
For lots more related to mobility issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. A member of our experienced and professional team will be more than happy to converse with you and answer any questions that you might have.
We very much look forward to hearing from you.
For more travel tips, read our previous blog on how to travel in a wheelchair!