Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs

Saxon Weald recognises the benefits that mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs provide, and believe that our residents should have a quality of life that allows them to have the provision for full mobility.

We also recognise that within a shared scheme environment, it's important to ensure that this does not affect the quality of life of others. It is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our residents, visitors and staff and that we conform to all relevant fire safety regulations.

Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs

Permission

If you wish to use a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, you must request permission from your scheme or housing manager. This can be done by completing a form and providing the details of the vehicle. You can request the form here. On review of your application, we may refuse to give you permission, or we may provide consent but with conditions attached. If written permission is granted, you must agree to comply with all conditions placed upon the storage and usage of the vehicle.

 

The DVLA website states that mobility scooter owners should be able to read a car's registration plate from a distance of 12.3m or 40ft. We recommend that this is undertaken regularly but should we have concern over your eye sight, we may ask you for proof that you are able to carry out this function safely.

 

Storage and Charging

To meet fire safety regulations, all mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must be stored in designated areas. Communal areas and fire escape routes, must remain clear of obstructions at all times. Spaces within scooter stores is unallocated but all residents should park considerately of other users and unplug their appliance once it's fully charged.

 

Permission for storage within a resident's flat can be given as long as the vehicle is Class 2 (powered wheelchairs and those mobility scooters designed for use on the pavement and in shopping areas, with a maximum speed of 4 mph).

Mobility Scooter and Motorised Wheelchair - Golden Rules

  • Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must be insured.
  • Class 3 mobility scooters are not permitted inside, except for access to the buggy storage facility. Only Class 1 wheelchairs, and Class 2 motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be used inside the building.
  • Wheelchair and mobility scooter wheels must be clean before entering the building.
  • All accidents that occur inside the building, however trivial, must be reported to the Manager.
  • Damage caused to the premises or injury caused to a resident or person authorised to be in the building will result in your liabilty to meet the cost of any repairs or damages claimed by the injured person.
  • Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must only be parked in designated areas.
  • Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must be driven slowly around communal areas, with particular care taken when turning blind corners.
  • Pedestrians must take priority at all times.
  • Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs must be reversed in when accessing lifts to avoid colliding with and hurting another resident.
  • Mobility scooters must always be turned off with the key removed when stationary.
  • Clothing and belongings must be carefully tucked out of the way when using a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair to avoid tripping another person over.
  • Users must check carefully before reversing to ensure the area behind is clear.