scooters

I am expecting to see an increase in road accidents involving seniors on those scooters crossing paths with larger motorized vehicles. "What" you say, "they are not supposed to be taken on a road that is used by cars and trucks". Guess what, it is happening. I didn't know my partially blind, 89 year old auntie had one until I found her motoring down the middle of the street. She is not the first older person or disabled person I have seen using them improperly. Do the people that sell them take any responsibility for checking to see if the person is competent to operate?
I have no clue if they're required to have any sort of competence level before being allowed to purchase one, but I don't think so. A few days ago, I had a woman in a small scooter cut me off, drive down the middle of a normal car lane at about 2 mph in front of me, roll up onto the curb, then dart out in the middle of ONCOMING TRAFFIC. Several people had to screech to a halt while she weaved her way between them! As a physically disabled person, I understand what impaired mobility is like and how it can restrict you a million different ways, but that sort of behavior is inappropriate. It endangers the rider and everyone around him or her.

There is no 'competency' test that I am aware of. Years ago, I had a pt that would drive his everywhere, and the cops kept stopping him when he was in the street with it. But there were limited sidewalks, and no other way to get around!I always remind people that there is no 'Triple A' to come fix your scooter, or give you a charge if it breaks down.I see far too many of these out and about, but that is what is being advertised these days. Yes, very scary.

It seems very odd, the state took my aunts license away because she is legally blind about 6 years ago. Now there she is out on those same roads on that scooter.

I'm a mid-level and I write for occupational health evaluations all the time for scooters for my pts. They do assess competencies and ability to be safe while driving. For some of my pts it has been a godsend.

Quote from TDCHIMI have no clue if they're required to have any sort of competence level before being allowed to purchase one, but I don't think so. A few days ago, I had a woman in a small scooter cut me off, drive down the middle of a normal car lane at about 2 mph in front of me, roll up onto the curb, then dart out in the middle of ONCOMING TRAFFIC. Several people had to screech to a halt while she weaved her way between them! As a physically disabled person, I understand what impaired mobility is like and how it can restrict you a million different ways, but that sort of behavior is inappropriate. It endangers the rider and everyone around him or her.

Quote from MulanSo what happened when you called 911 or the police to report it?

i can only walk about 200 feet before i get really really pooped. i use a cane in fall, spring and summer and a hemi walker in winter. around the house, i just walk and hold on prn. for long hauls, i have a wheelchair and an electric cart. it's very similar to the ones in walmarts, except it is bright red.we went into a medical supply house, i tried several, picked a style and the color. we paid and they delivered it. the man gave my husband and me a quick refresher on how it worked and that was it. we had already had a heavy duty outlet installed and it lives outside year round,covered in bad weather.it gives me back my freedom (to a degree) and makes travel easier. i just go out the back door, unplug it, and off i go! usually to the library. i ride on the sidewalk, as i was requested to do. i obey the very same traffic laws i did when i drove. if you don't think "people like me" should be driving anything, get the ^&*% outta my way, because i am as safe a scooter driver whether i'm in my fire engine red scooter or the generic walmart scooter.kathyshar pei mom

Quote from sharpeimomi can only walk about 200 feet before i get really really pooped. i use a cane in fall, spring and summer and a hemi walker in winter. around the house, i just walk and hold on prn. for long hauls, i have a wheelchair and an electric cart. it's very similar to the ones in walmarts, except it is bright red.we went into a medical supply house, i tried several, picked a style and the color. we paid and they delivered it. the man gave my husband and i a quick refresher on how it worked and that was it. we had already had a heavy duty outlet installed and it lives outside year round,covered in bad weather.it gives me back my freedom (to a degree) and makes travel easier. i just go out the back door, unplug it, and off i go! usually to the library. i ride on the sidewalk, as i was requested to do. i obey the very same traffic laws i did when i drove. if you don't think "people like me" should be driving anything, get the ^&*% outta my way, because i am as safe a scooter driver whether i'm in my fire engine red scooter or the generic walmart scooter.kathyshar pei mom

i do realize there are people who are hazards driving scooters. i really do. fwiw, i still have a valid driver's license with my neuro's approval. my point was that i would guess there are more unsafe car drivers than scooter drivers on the loose. when you wind up in a scooter, you are so terribly aware every moment that you aren't who you used to be... if you were not always disabled.when you used to be able bodied and suddenly find yourself in another body that doesn't work as well, you become safety conscious like you would not believe. despite the fact that i still have a valid license, i no longer drive a car because i don't feelit would be prudent. i wonder how many carelesswreckless scooter drivers were lousy car drivers and how many have become senile?something else i have noticed is the sense of entitlement some persons in scooters at walmart and on the street have just because they are in a scooter. didn't have it before and don't have it now. i think that feeling accounts for some of the "scooter driver attitude."i became a different person the day after my 54th birthday, but my mind was unaffected. not everyone is so fortunate.kathyshar pei mom

Quote from sharpeimomi do realize there are people who are hazards driving scooters. i really do. ....something else i have noticed is the sense of entitlement some persons in scooters... on the street have just because they are in a scooter.

I HATE scooters, plain and simple. The bruises on my ankles are testimony to the rudeness and sense of entitlement of the new breed of motoring grannies in MY grocery store. With a few exceptions, they all seem to be overweight with LOTS of junk food (or alcohol) in their carts. I know, I know, be kind and don't generalize.I just seem to live in a place where the myth is the reality.

Quote from steely dan fani hate scooters, plain and simple. the bruises on my ankles are testimony to the rudeness and sense of entitlement of the new breed of motoring grannies in my grocery store. with a few exceptions, they all seem to be overweight with lots of junk food (or alcohol) in their carts. i know, i know, be kind and don't generalize.i just seem to live in a place where the myth is the reality.