The National Federation of Shopmobility UK .
Shopmobility was designed to make shopping areas more accessable to disabled customers. They provide mobility scooters for use in large towns and cities.
Each scheme varies so it is important to contact the scheme you wish to visit, prior to using the service.
A member of staff or volunteer will give you all the information you need.
Most will ask you to bring identification showing your name and address on your first visit. This allows schemes to complete a registration form and keep a record of your details.
Many schemes will issue you with a membership card and, on your next visit, you can simply show this card.
Once you have registered, a member of staff will talk to you about what sort of vehicle you require, and what you will feel comfortable using.
This is welcome news.
Staff at the scheme will then give training. When you feel confident, and the staff are happy that you are in control of the vehicle – off you go!
The whole process takes no longer than 30 minutes maximum and in most cases you will be off in about 15 minutes.
Most schemes prefer you to book in advance and this is indicated by the symbols in their entry in the directory. You may also be able to book a volunteer escort to accompany you whilst out and about.
Some schemes also have escorts who are trained to guide people with visual impairments; once again this is indicated by a symbol.
