Shopmobility Renfrewshire has warned people buying second-hand mobility scooters to make sure essential safety checks have been carried out before using them.
The organisation raised concerns following reports of second-hand mobility scooters being sold which may not be safe to use.
Tommy Higgins, health and safety director of Shopmobility Renfrewshire, said: “It is important that mobility scooters are in good working order, especially the brakes, batteries and tyres – unfortunately there are some people selling second hand mobility scooters who can’t guarantee these essential safety checks.”
Shopmobility Renfrewshire said that last year someone brought a scooter purchased from a charity shop to the organisation to be checked by its technician.
According to the organisation, the technician identified a number of faults which made the scooter potentially dangerous to use, with the necessary repairs costing more than its purchase price.
Shopmobility Renfrewshire said it had also been informed about shops apparently renting out mobility scooters and raised concerns over whether insurance cover was being provided for people renting them.
The organisation said retailers selling second-hand scooters must comply with relevant consumer rights legislation, including requirements for items to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
Shopmobility Renfrewshire is part of the umbrella organisation Shopmobility UK and said its mobility scooters, powerchairs and manual wheelchairs are regularly maintained.
Tommy added: “To remain members of Shopmobility UK, we have to adhere to certain criteria including ensuring we have insurance in place to cover all our equipment and our members when using this equipment.
“It is important that your mobility scooter works well and that you can rely on it to stop when needed but also to move quickly if you are in danger. You have to remember that the scooter is effectively the user’s legs – they need to be able to get you out of danger.
“There have been too many accidents involving mobility scooters in recent years, so it is essential that any scooter for sale meets basic minimum safety standards.
“I’d also recommend that the buyer takes a proper test drive of around 10–15 minutes. This helps show whether the battery indicator drops quickly under load, which can be a sign that the battery isn’t in the best condition.”
Shopmobility Renfrewshire’s office manager and fundraising officer, Karen Miller, said: “Tommy takes his role very seriously, often undergoing specialist training sessions to ensure that he is up to date with any health and safety issue in general, but also anything regarding road safety and the use of mobility equipment.
“As a member of Shopmobility UK, we adhere to a number of high standards, adequate insurances and best practice. The additionality being provision of a dedicated technician who maintains and repairs our fleet as well as privately owned equipment.
“If you require advice and/or guidance at the point of purchasing equipment please contact us.”