scooters

TDCHIM · Apr 30, 2010

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.

mamamerlee, LPN · Apr 30, 2010

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.

oramar · Apr 30, 2010

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.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 30, 2010

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.

Mulan · Apr 30, 2010

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.

So what happened when you called 911 or the police to report it?

TDCHIM · Apr 30, 2010

So what happened when you called 911 or the police to report it?

I was told they'd look into it by an unenthusiastic dispatcher. So probably nothing.

@traumaRUs: I'm rather curious; is there a way to stop someone from using a scooter if the individual is endangering others or him/herself by using it?

sharpeimom · Apr 30, 2010

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.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

TDCHIM · May 1, 2010

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 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.
kathy
shar pei mom:paw::paw:

i think most people on here are voicing concerns about those who flagrantly violate traffic rules and put others in danger by their actions. it doesn't sound as though you're that type! i'll end up using a scooter eventually too (though, i hate the thought - i can't even stand it when the walmart people offer one to me; it's just a personal thing given my age), so there's no way i'd support banning scooters, condemning the physically disabled to hitching rides with others, living life as shut-ins, or anything like that.

however, there are certainly safety issues with them that need to be addressed. the woman i saw was putting herself and other people in horrible danger and it scared me to death. the fact that the cops didn't care didn't exactly reassure me either. people who use cars are evaluated for their competence and have to pass a basic safety test; i don't think it's a bad idea to consider for those using motorized devices like scooters either. after all, we're sharing the same areas! incidents like the one i saw just end up reminding me of the south park episode on elderly drivers (not sure if there are any south park fans around here, but it's worth a shot).

sharpeimom · May 1, 2010

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 careless

wreckless 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.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

dudette10, MSN, RN · May 1, 2010

i 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've seen this too, and it's the same with kids on bicycles and young people on motorcycles. i wonder if they care that they will absolutely lose if they get in a pi**ing match with even the smallest car on the road, regardless of the skill of the car driver.

steelydanfan · May 2, 2010

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.