Mobility scooters lead way
Sometime this summer, electric scooters became cool. People from all backgrounds now glide to the shops, parks and their workplaces on speedy, two-wheeled devices that, whether riders know it or not, follow a path blazed by their four-wheeled cousins.
Mobility scooters have long featured on New Zealand footpaths and while traditionally favoured by older users, their larger size provides several advantages that extend their appeal.
Enhanced stability, comfort, carrying room and travel distances are afforded by the scooters’ larger footprint. They remain highly manoeuvrable, however, and many can be folded for easy transportation by car.
In Christchurch, more than 30 years’ experience supplying and servicing mobility scooters has given Wheelchair Scooter Sales/ Service Ltd a first-hand look at their evolution.
Over the years, three wheels have been replaced by four, rides have become smoother and more stable, batteries powerful enough to cover up to 50 kilometres between charges, and handling is now so simple there is almost no barrier to entry. Styling is modern and sleek.
Christine Curtis, who runs Wheelchair Scooter Sales/Service with her engineer husband, Gerald, says the greatest benefit of mobility scooters is in helping people maintain an independent and social lifestyle when physical limitations arise.
‘‘A lot of people go to mobility scooters after they can’t get their licence renewed and others use them as a second form of transport, taking them down to the shops to save on petrol and then using their car for longer trips.
‘‘They don’t have to wait for other people to take them somewhere, they can just go themselves,’’ she says.
Wheelchair Scooter Sales/Service provides aftersales support and servicing to ensure scooters stay in good condition for the long term, and pre-sales training and test rides are available so customers are always confident and happy with their decision.
The company is the exclusive supplier of the acclaimed Shoprider mobility scooters, and Christine and Gerald will happily explain the different options.
Walkers, wheelchairs and other support equipment can also be supplied, with many items available for hire.
❚ For more information, call Wheelchair Scooter Sales/Service Ltd on 03 383 1364 or visit them by arrangement at 7 Ludlow Pl, Parklands.