mobility scooters

[Michael Rolls]

anybody got one? Reason that I ask that my driving licence expires 28/7/25 and I have received a medical questionnaire from DVLA. Three years ago the questionnaire  ran to four pages, easily answered. This time it is ten pages and asks questions to which I don't know the answer - they will to take it up with Ninewells (the reason for the medical questionnaire is that I have a pacemaker fitted, Went in in 1978 and no problems since). Given this governments hatred of the elderly, I have an uneasy feeling that they may decline to renew, which round here is an awful prospect.
So, I have been looking at mobility scooters, just in case. Bewildering range, from a lightweight golf buggy thing, to a Harley Davidson look alike and wonder if anyone had gen to pass on -for instance, do they need to be insured? (looking at some of them, if they don't have to be insured, they damn well ought to be!)

[klondike]

The big ones will do 12mph and are suppose to be limited to 4mph if used on the pavements. The little ones are slow and have limited range. Their main attraction is that they come to bits and will go in a car boot. That's about the limit of my knowledge.

I think you need to be swatting upon what to put in that questionnaire.

[Michael Rolls]

Thanks - I've already returned the questionnaire. The questions I can't answer need someone to trawl my records at Ninewells - clearly beyond me.

[Mups]

I think Klondike's about right, Michael. 

I am not sure  about  the 12 mph ones,  all I know is the 4 mph have to stay on pavements. 
 8 mph go on the roads.   I suppose it might also depend on how safe you would feel on the road amongst traffic.
There is also a difference in how many  miles each can do before it runs out of charge as well.

There are different sorts of wheels too.  Ones you pump up,  and 'solid'  ones,  but I believe the harder ones don't give such a smooth ride,  especially with the state of all our roads and pavements.

And yes, there are also fold-up ones that are supposed to fit in the boot of a car.
I suppose they could be handy if you have family taking you out for the day,  and then you could keep up with them walking round,  but if that doesn't happen,  I personally would go for one of the stronger ones.

You would also need to consider where you would keep it at night,  with a power supply to put it on charge.
 
Is there a mobility shop near you?   If so I would go in and have a look at what's available, and talk to them about it.
For example,  I  have been told that the shop near me lets you hire one for a couple of weeks before you buy, to see how you get on with it, that seems a good idea do you think?
Also, I believe if you break down,  you can ring the shop and they will come and collect it for repairs.
There are also many reconditioned ones which are fully overhauled and serviced,  but cheaper than a brand new.

Best of luck Michael.   If you don't get your licence renewed, then I hope you find a scooter you feel happy with.

[klondike]

You can lease them too but I've forgotten the name of the company a friend used or uses.

I know from when I got my mother one for nipping to the shops buying online is a lot cheaper than from a mobility shop. You'd probably get more support from a shop though.

I looked up the speed. 8mph is the fastest legally allowed on public roads
The faster ones are only supposed to be used on private property

[Diasi]

I'd regard the loss of my driving licence as catastrophic as it would be the final signal that it's my time to just wait until I pop off.

Here's hoping that you don't lose it Michael & there are provisions for people to keep their driving licence with some restrictions such as only driving in familiar areas at night.

I'd happily abide by those restrictions as I don't drive anywhere that I'm not familiar with at the moment, not because I can't but because I won't ever be too far away from the cats.

[Michael Rolls]

thanks, folks. Sadly, there is no family left within 400 miles, so one that will fold is unnecessary. I can get to the village without venturing onto the road for more than a few yards and there is a very good (amazingly) path for 80% of the journey to Coupar Angus, which is two miles away. Can't see myself venturing any further afield on a scooter.
However, I really need to get my legs back to something approaching normality  . At the moment, although I can drive, my legs won't let me get out of the car.
Forgot say that if I do lose my licence, I have an empty two car garage, which has power and lighting

[klondike]

Look for all terrain mobility scooters. I feel sure that there are such things. I did look at mobility scooters years ago when I foresaw the possibility of needing one. It's why I chose to renovate the house I inherited from my parents rather than stay in the village. Amongst the changes like putting in a downstairs shower to allow for one floor living I made sure that mobility scooter access was possible.

I got put on the path to better mobility in my later years when I was referred to a local NHS advisor. The hour long sessions at decreasing frequency lasted almost a year. I'm hoping I can keep it up. The problem with losing weight in later years is that there is muscle loss too so now my aim is to continue to lose a little fat while adding muscle. My walking is fine but I need more upper body strength IMO. I'd advise you to talk to your GP to see if there are any programs available in your area - you need to get on one while you can get to it. For my part I walk a lot every day and once the excess weight had pretty much gone got the health advisor to prescribe the gym which reduces the cost. I started on cardio mostly but now the aim is strength training,

[Scrumpy]

All the very best for you Michael.. 
There comes a time when we (know) that we are not in a position to drive.. Sometimes it's decided for us..
I am quite happy just driving about to places that I am familiar with..
Fortunately I have friends and family nearby.. I don't live in a remote area..

Don't give up.. you might be in a position to keep your drivers license and have a car that is adapted to your needs.. 

[Michael Rolls]

Thanks Scrumpy
I can drive a normal car = both mine are autos because whilst I can drive a manual, my left arm isn't up to constant gear changing. My present problem is that after a series of falls and a nasty chest infection (now cleared) I am very wobbly. OK sitting in the car to drive, but I can't stop and get out of it safely to go into a shop for example. I have a course of physio and regular massage and things are slowly improving, so hopefully I will get back to 'normal'

[Scrumpy]

so hopefully I will get back to 'normal'

Normal !!!! I think that's a long shot for most of us on here...

[Michael Rolls]

so true!

[Alex]

Losing your licence is life changing, so I hope it's possible for you to keep yours Mike
It's not as though you have to cope with big city traffic 🚦so with luck they'll renew it 

[Michael Rolls]

I can but hope

[Ashy]

Wishing you a speedy renewal.