Mobility Scooters
Information about powered wheelchair and mobility scooter assessments
Book a Scooter Assessment
If you have a physical impairment and you want to try driving with a different method of vehicle control, you will be given the opportunity to drive vehicles fitted with adaptations.
Powered Wheelchair / Mobility Scooter Assessment Information
About the Assessment
Your assessment will normally be conducted by an Occupational Therapist (OT). If you have someone who you would like to accompany you, then please invite them to come along. On the day of the assessment, you will be greeted by the OT. You will then be taken into a private office to discuss your mobility requirements.
Assessing your needs
The OT will take the opportunity to have a chat with you regarding your medical condition / disability and how this may affect your functional ability with regards to the physical use of a powered wheelchair / mobility scooter, and loading such equipment into a vehicle, if appropriate.
Identifying areas of difficulty
To be able to use a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter safely, you require both physical and cognitive / mental skills. It may be appropriate for the OT to carry out some simple table-top cognitive tests with you in the office. This would identify any areas of difficulty that you may have when using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Equipment proficiency
Once the office based discussions have taken place, the OT will then take you outside to Herts Ability’s car park area. Initially, you will be asked to read a number plate from the recommended distance of 12.3 metres/40 ft, using glasses if necessary. Then you will have the opportunity to sit on the powered wheelchair or mobility scooter and use it under the close supervision of the OT, within a relatively quiet area. The OT will demonstrate the different parts of the equipment and then give some instruction about how to use it.
Assessing control and observation
Once you reach a safe and confident level of competence, you will then be asked to complete an assessment route in the vicinity of Herts Ability, on local pavements. The OT will be assessing your physical control of the scooter and your cognitive abilities. This will include your ability to increase/decrease speed, steer accurately, position safely on the pavement, decision making related to safe places to cross roads and general level of observation and awareness.
Feedback
On return to the Mobility Centre, the OT will then give some feedback on your performance and an appropriate recommendation regarding the suitability of a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
The OT will not sell you a scooter following the assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently no visitor refreshment facilities at Herts Ability so please bring any drinks and food required with you.
No, the assessment is offered free of charge.
This depends on the complexity of each client’s circumstances, but most are completed in one hour.
No, as Herts Ability no longer has an equipment centre.
Herts Ability does not loan out equipment. Meadow Mobility in Potten End Hemel Hempstead can arrange powered wheelchair and mobility scooter rental. Their phone number is 01442 865588. This can be a good idea, to check that such equipment is the right solution for you, before taking the significant financial step of purchasing one.
Class 2 scooters can only be used on pavements. Class 3 scooters, which tend to be larger with a longer range, can legally be used on roads. NB It is the professionals’ opinion at Herts Ability, that it is generally unsafe to take scooters on any roads except quiet residential ones, because of the volume, speed and size of other vehicles.
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