Independent mobility through the use of scooters Transport options for disabled people

Merton in Context

Background to Project The challenge of maintaining independence and mobility in the context of demographic change and increasing mobility aspirations. The limitations of accessible public transport and door to door modes The informal growth of scooter usage by disabled and elderly people

Background (2) 91% of single pensioners and 53% of pensioner couples do not own a car and are dependent on public transport (Family Expenditure Survey 1996/97) 62% of older female public transport users and 54% of older men needed help to use public transport (1994 Living in Britain Survey) The 1994 Age Concern publication also stated that of people aged 50-74, 46% of women and 24% of men are regular bus users.

Mobility Scooters in UK Research for DfT suggests at least 90,000 scooters in UK with around 25,000 being sold each year. Most other estimates closer to 250,000 Sales of mobility scooters currently exceed sales of powered wheelchairs in a ratio of 4:1; Growing number of suppliers and outlets Many scooters are actually smaller than UK reference wheelchair Significant differences between transport modes on regulations relating to carriage of mobility scooters In 2004, the most recent year for which figures are available, there were a reported 1,134 incidents involving scooters, including the deaths of eight riders who were hit by cars or lorries on the open road

Mobility Scooters in Europe Norway, defines powered mobility aids dimensions and lighting outdoors. France regulates construction, lighting, weight, dimensions and turning space Denmark and Sweden mobility scooters comply with technical construction and equipment requirements for bicycles Switzerland- mobility scooters are included in the definition "Motorfahrräder" (a special kind of mobility scooter). In Germany, there are detailed requirements in the STVZO (Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung) regarding regulations for vehicles for disabled people No EU directives relating to carriage on public transport. Canada, USA and Australia were the only countries known to have regulations covering the use of mobility scooters on public transport

Camden Scheme - Evaluation

Other Camden Scooter rental scheme outcomes People tended to schedule days out based on scooter availability Evidence of ‘linked journeys’ e.g. from home to shop to hospital Little current evidence that more trips were being made. Some reduction in walking. Problems with usage on public transport, inaccessible local environment, storage at home

Scooter Rental and Training project in Merton Concept to hire out different types of mobility scooter to disabled and elderly people Offer training for users to promote safe, responsible and confident usage Consider “parallel” initiatives such as coherent accessible routes into hospitals, town centres and produce local ‘scooter friendly’ maps Already scooter hire project in London Borough of Camden and London Borough of Islington

And finally….. Some ‘off road’ scooters

Scheme Objectives Provide low cost access to scooters primarily to existing users of door to door transport Increase overall mobility – in particular trips per outing Deliver training for users of scheme and all other scooter users Promote integration with locality through small scale physical enhancements, signage etc If possible (subject to law) promote safe use of scooters on public transport Explore environmental benefits e.g. use solar panels for ready charged scooters

Scheme Operation Promotion of Scheme amongst disabled people (marketing, outreach to disabled persons groups) Registration scheme Basic training orientation for new users Potentially more comprehensive training programme for scheme members and non members Booking and delivery and collection service

Scheme Outline Scheme involves hire of scooter for ½ day or full day or weekend for small charge. Scooter will be delivered by van to home or to town centre for shopping service Payment made by cash to driver Service includes breakdown recovery and insurance Range of scooters provided including ‘outdoor’, ‘indoor’ (for shopping centres) and folding versions All members must be ‘certified’ (undergone induction) and if taking scooter overnight have suitable storage Scheme delivered by local Community Transport operator. Council has provided up front funding.

Key questions for evaluation Trip numbers? Range of facilities accessed? Modal shift? Impacts on door to door scheme usage? Length of trips? Positive indicators would indicate increased mobility horizons

European Perspectives – For discussion Establishing one or two partner schemes will improve robustness of evaluation Possibility of accessing European funding either for larger schemes or for evaluation Developing a ‘big picture’ e.g. European regulations on standard scooter dimensions? European wide training scheme? Guidance for Public Transport operators? Developing idea of accessible routes? Velobike for scooters???!!!