Rain Covers

Scooters are not ideal in the rain, the guideline from most of the manufacturers is that scooters can generally cope with a shower but are not recommended for use in heavy or prolonged rain. We generally have a plastic mac or two in the office, which members can borrow if a shower looks likely but we don’t have scooter rain covers.

The reason for this is primarily safety, the large clear plastic covers that clip onto the scooter and form a large clear tent over the driver, do keep the rain off but are a real hazard if the wind catches them. Scooter and rider can and have been tipped over by a gust of wind catching the high sided cover, from our point of view it is simply not worth the risk.

The other type of cover is basically an extended mac, which covers the rider and the scooter. I’ve been told that these make it extremely complicated to get on or off the scooter and that they are prone to getting caught up in the controls. If any of you have had any experience of either of these, or any alternatives, we’d like to hear about it.

Watchdog

Many of you probably saw the BBC episode of Watchdog broadcast on Tuesday 25^th November concerning dodgy scooter suppliers. As most of you already know from the last newsletter we have already come across instances of unscrupulous suppliers selling inappropriate or over-priced scooters, which we’ve passed on to Monmouth AM David Davies who has taken a keen interest. The National Federation of Shopmobility is also looking at this matter and exploring ways of dealing with it.

For those that didn’t see the program, it focussed on two companies Mobility Network and Discount Scooters who had taken advantage of elderly customers and provided extremely poor service. We are currently putting together a list of suppliers that have over charged or let customers down; if you have had any problems with your own scooter suppliers, or know anyone that has, please tell us about it.

Alternatively if you’d rather talk to David Davies he can be contacted on Cardiff 02920 898325 or 01291 672780 (Usk constituency office.)

One common area of complaint is over pricing, most people buying a scooter for the first time have no idea as to cost and the fact that there are so many different types and ranges does nothing to help. Using the categories from the article above however we can provide a rough idea of prices. Scooters can come with all sorts of added extras so some degree of variation is to be expected, so these prices are only intended as a guide but they do reflect the prices of two reputable companies that we’ve had dealings with.

Lightweight/collapsible scooters are usually �1000-�1200, medium scooters usually �1500-�2000 and heavy-duty �2000 to �3300.

Most suppliers will send an agent to your home, they should have sample vehicles with them and ensure that you are able to use the controls and feel confident with the machine. Remember a reputable salesman will not put any pressure on you and won’t worry if you need time to think. If you have any doubts at all about anything concerning a sale, or if you just want us to check the quote, give us a call.

Several members have told us about companies that offer scooters as prizes in competitions, these usually appear in magazines aimed at older readers. The members that entered these competitions all had a similar experience, they were contacted by the company a month or so after they entered and told that they haven’t won the first prize but that they were one of a hundred runners up, this entitled them to 35% discount and a visit from a salesman. One lady that took the company up on this was offered a scooter, which she was told would normally cost �2500, with the discount she could have it for �1675. We don’t have details of the specific machine but it was the fold up type, which are normally a lot cheaper than this. Fortunately the lady concerned had shopped around previously and had a good idea of prices so she wasn’t fooled. When she turned down the machine she was offered a similar machine, which was ex-display at a much better price. The salesman however had to know immediately if she wanted it (without seeing it). We have spoken to a couple since who had a virtually identical experience with the same company.

The point with this is that on the surface 35% discount looks a good deal and you can sometimes get ex-display models at very good prices but the discount is only any good if it is applied to a realistic figure to begin with and reputable sales staff will not force you into making instant decisions. Remember if in doubt, give us a call.

Abergavenny Shopmobility is largely staffed by volunteers, if you have any free time and think that you might be interested in working with us, please talk to a member of staff or ring us on 0800 298 3656.

As we said in the official opening Shopmobility would neither exist nor function without the volunteers who are the backbone of the scheme, our intention as we build up the workforce is to use volunteers to extend our opening hours. If we can do this, then the scheme will be open until 4.30 rather than 2.00; we’ll keep you posted.

Shopmobility Wales

Abergavenny – 0800 298 3656

Bridgend –Email [email protected]

Cardiff – 02920 399355

Ceredigion – 07815 151341

Colwyn Bay – 01492 533822

Cwmbran – 01633 874686

Merthyr Tydfil – 01685 373237

Neath/Port Talbot – 01639 894949

Newport – 01633 673845 – Newport (Kingsway)-01633 243688

Swansea – 01792 461785

Wrexham – 01978 312390

The NFS have produced a directory, which lists and provides contact details of all the schemes in the country, we have a copy in the office, so if you are intending to visit another part of the country and want to know if they have a scheme just give us a ring. Full details of the Welsh schemes are in out last newsletter if you want a copy just ask.