Enjoy life on a scooter
Summer is almost here. Sunny days, Christmas shopping and the chance to catch up with old friends and family make it a wonderful time to get out and about.
For many people, mobility scooters are the ideal form of transport.
Mobility scooters have advanced considerably in recent years, with larger models now covering up to 50 kilometres between charges. Rides are also smoother and more stable, parts more reliable and ongoing support easier than ever to access.
Most people can find everything they need at Wheelchair Scooter Sales/ Service Ltd, which has been matching people with their ideal mobility scooter for more than 30 years.
Run by husband and wife team Gerald and Christine Curtis, the company is the South Island’s exclusive supplier of the acclaimed Shoprider scooters.
They also have secondhand scooters, new and used wheelchairs, walkers and a wide selection of other support equipment for purchase or hire.
Servicing is available for all brands of mobility scooter and second-hand machines always come fully serviced and with a new battery.
Gerald is a qualified engineer and before starting a service will provide a report of what needs to be done and the cost, so there are no surprises down the road.
‘‘If people are new to mobility scooters, we can help them find a model that’s suited to their needs,’’ Christine says.
‘‘We always make sure people are confident using the scooter and Gerald will spend time with them at their home when he delivers it to make sure they are safe and understand how everything works.’’
Christine says many people turn to mobility scooters when they stop driving. Others use them as a complementary form of transport, taking their scooter on shorter trips while saving the car for longer journeys. Some scooters fold down to fit in the back of a car.
‘‘People get a lot of independence and happiness from their scooters,’’ Christine says. ‘‘For us, we feel like it’s an honour to help.’’