November 19th, 2010
Trading Standards have over the last few years received an alarming amount of complaints regarding mobility companies that are cold calling elderly and disabled people.
They recommend you should always consult official dealers only, either a mobility website or in a mobility shop.
Cold callers have targeting users of recliner chairs, beds, mattresses, stair lifts, bath lifts, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Trading standards say misleading sales techniques are being used, many sales people claiming they are from local council or the health service, once inside they often use pressure sales techniques and often try their luck with hugely inflated prices! Telling the customer exactly what they want to hear.
Often appointments can be made over the phone with the person having no idea that its a sales appointment!
Our advice to you is always contact a mobility company via there website, over the phone or go into the shop.
Posted under: Mobility Information |
November 2nd, 2010
Over recent years the attention of the mobility industry has been captivated by the rise and rise of mobility scooters, the futuristic transportation shows great appeal to anyone weather they suffer from a sever disability or a slight lack of mobility, with the potential to be used by everyone and anyone.
However we must not forget the importance and relevance of the electric wheelchair and power chair. Although they are often dearer and may feel a little hard to drive at first they offer the user a freedom that scooters could only dream of.
Power chairs and electric wheelchairs operate on a totally different concept. A mobility scooter uses one electric motor which has a forward and reverse motion, whilst the steering is operated by a tiller and handlebars.
This makes creates a large turning circle, whilst power chairs have independent left and right motors which are controlled by a joystick. This means they can be driven in opposite directions allowing the chair to pivot on its own axis giving a much tighter turning circle. The independant motors make power chairs very maneuverable and allows the user to be extremely accurate with the controls.
The down side to independant motors is that manufacturing costs are considerably higher, thus making the products themselves more expensive to buy than a mobility scooter. The increase in electrically operated items also drains much more power from the batteries meaning a scooter running from the same size battery of a power chair will generally allow a greater travel distance (usually around 30%).
For this reason power chairs generally appeal to people who have little to no mobility and rely 100% on the machine in these cases they are definitely worth every extra penny.
Like all of our products, there is no right or wrong solution as everybody’s disability is unique, if you require any help weighing up the best products on the market to suit your requirements then please dont hesitate to contact our customer services on 01472 488599 for friendly expert advice.
Posted under: Power Chairs |
October 25th, 2010
The winter nights are drawing in and the temperature is getting colder. Here are some top tips to help keep you safe this winter.
1 – Keep you mobility scooter battery charged up over night
This may seem like an obvious first point but if you are not using your mobility scooter regularly through the winter then the battery power will eventually drain. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use a tricle charger. The leading mobility scooter brands such as Pride Mobility have a tricle feature built into the charger so you do not have to worry about leaving the mobility scooter on charge over night and damaging the battery.
2 – Keep warm and wrap up if you decide to go out
The weather can soon take a toll for the worse during winter so we highly recommend wrapping up warm even if it looks sunny outside. Mobility scooter users can keep themselves out of the cold by using our mobility scooter accessories. The covers help keep the wind and rain off your body so you can get back home safe and dry. The mobility accessories are also a great Christmas present for a loved one.
3 – Keep a mobile phone with you all the time
Everybody has a mobile phone these days. Whether you use it on a daily basis or just for emergencies it is a very handy communication device. Keep your mobile phone charged whenever you are in the house and take it with you when you go out. There is usually a battery icon on the screen so you will have a rough idea with the state of the battery.
We highly recommend you add your next of kin into your phone under the name of ICE. ICE stands for Incase of Emergency and this is usually what the emergency services will look for if you ever need them.
4 – Heating your home
To keep warm at home during the day:
* set your thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF)
* heat all the rooms you use in the day
* if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
* set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
* in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
To keep warm at home during the night you should:
* try to keep a temperature of above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight
* if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation
* never use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself
* if you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night
* make sure your electric blanket is safe to use by getting it tested every three years (the Fire Brigade, Trading Standards and Age Concern can test your electric blanket for safety)
This tip was provided by the Direct Government Website
5 – Save money by purchasing online
Buying your mobility aids or general day to day shopping online can be much more cost effective than travelling to the local shops or town centre. If you are able to wait for the product to be delivered then you can usually save upto 30% on normal product retail prices. All of our web prices at Mobility Experts are competitively priced because we know how important it is to save your money for heating and other essential needs. Not only that you will minimise the risk of falling or suffering from the severe weather outside.
Posted under: Uncategorized |
October 21st, 2010
Next month 85-year-old mobility scooter user Edna O’Connor, BA(Hons) will graduate from the University of Worcester after spending her time at the University on a mobility scooter zipping round the university campus.
Edna is not afraid to weather the storm as last year she handed in her course work on time during the extreme big freeze (by taxi).
Edna left school at the age of 14 and always wanted to go into higher education. Nigel, her son encouraged her to take the course as a mature student. She now feels a great sense of pride as she gears up for the graduation ceremony on November 5th.
“It will feel like all the bonfire fireworks are for me,” Edna told the Mirror.
“I would have liked to go to university when I was younger but it just wasn’t possible,” she explained.
She even had to step in during lectures occasionally to set her tutors straight on a few issues.
“To me some of it doesn’t feel like history because I lived through it,” she told the Mirror.
It just goes to show that you are never too old to learn something new. If you have an inspiring story like Edna, please get in touch.
Posted under: mobility scooters |
October 15th, 2010
A UK plumber has set a world record by modifying an old mobility scooter (which we believe is a Pride Celebrity – no longer maufactured). The 31 year old, Colin Furze took 3 months to adapt the mobility scooter and install a 125cc motorbike engine which has a top speed of 69mph. The mobility scooter is said to run at 10MPG so it is not the most cost effective way to go shopping.
Mr Furze is now going to take the mobility scooter to Santa Pod Raceway, Northants and hoping to gain an official place in the Guinness Book of Records.
“I will be wearing full leathers and a crash helmet for the record attempt,” he said. “My aim is to hit 70mph – that would make me really happy.”
Unfortunately these will not be put into mass production so we will not be able to test drive one.
Picture taken by: GEOFF ROBINSON
Read the full article on the Telegraph.co.uk.
Posted under: mobility scooters |
September 28th, 2010
We are pleased to announce we now have the entire range of the all new 2011 Days Medical wheelchairs, including models such as the Days Swift Lightweight Wheelchair, Days Link Luxury Wheelchairs and the great value Days Whirl economy wheelchairs. among many more.
The new wheelchairs from days are the cheapest wheelchair prices we have seen in a long time for the quality of build. making them a very cost effective purchase. Available in a wide range of widths to suit users of a wide range of size and shapes. All chairs come with a comprehensive guarantee from Days Medical.
Posted under: New Products, Wheelchairs |
August 23rd, 2010
A regular mobility scooter user would know and appreciate how much their scooter helps make everyday life easier and more independent. To make life with a scooter even more convenient, we stock various Mobility Scooter Accessories these are products that are tailored to fit most mobility scooters, these range from mobility bags to mobility scooter storage covers.
Mobility Scooter Shopping Bags
Most mobility scooters come with a front basket ideal for your daily shopping. Scooter baskets are often limited in space and we are regularly asked if we can supply large scooter baskets. In most circumstances we recommend a scooter user to invest in a mobility bag that fits onto the seat of the scooter.
These bags can often hold more weight than a standard front basket. Simplanex is one of the leading manufacturers of mobility accessories they offer products including the Simplantex Scooter Bag, this is a strong, durable bag designed to fit to the back of a scooter with or without headrests. The Simplantex Scooter bag has very spacious storage compartments and a canvas zipped box lid. This bag also comes in a crutch/walking stick carrier version, this has two side holders which can accommodate your crutches or walking sticks.
Outdoor Mobility Scooter Covers
Mobility scooters generally needs cover from the elements to keep them in tip top condition, but leaving them indoors is not an option for many scooter users. An ideal solution for this problem is the Simplantex Scooter Storage Cover, it is a lightweight and fully waterproof scooter cover which secures with elasticated corners, perfect for protecting your scooter from rain and dust. A more heavy duty option is the Simplantex Deluxe Scooter Storage Cover, this cover has a shape tailored to that of a scooter and an easy but secure fastening system which make securing the cover easier. Although these covers are designed for outdoor scooter storage we always recommend storing your mobility scooter indoors, in a shed or in a garage.
For further advice on available mobility scooter accessories please contact our mobility experts on 01472 488599.
Posted under: Disabled Living Aids, Mobility Information |
July 15th, 2010
The annual budget was introduced in June 2010 with one of the main topics being VAT raised to 21% in Janurary 2011. This change does not affect anyone who is VAT exempt. You will still be able to claim for VAT relief with any mobility aid product if you suffer from chronic illness or disability.
The VAT relief covers all of the mobility aids such as mobility scooters, shopping trolleys, electric wheelchairs, rise and recliner chairs and all small aids.
Products that are not VAT exempt include Grab Rails and Footstools.
If you are still unsure whether you can claim for VAT relief and wish to buy a product from our online store, give our friendly customer helpline a call on 01472 488 599.
Posted under: Disabled Living Aids, Mobility Information |
June 30th, 2010
(5 star rating)
Days Medical have recently redesigned there entire range of Strider mobility scooters. Introducing the Strider ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5 and ST6. Everything from ultra lightweight portable travel scooters to luxury heavy duty mobility scooters and everything in-between. The model we are reviewing today is the Days Strider ST1 Lightweight Travel Scooter, This is the Days Strider entry model which we have only just received (about 2 months behind the other striders in the range). The Strider ST1 was designed to be lightweight, easily transported, comfortable and competitively priced. Lets see how it does.
We have been eagerly awaiting this scooter after confident promises from Days Medical, especially after been very impressed with the rest of the range. The Days Strider ST1 did not disappoint us.
The Strider ST1 is a modern looking 4 wheel scooter, which comes complete with solid tyres all round, and impressive 18 stone weight capacity and an approximate range of about 10miles. The finger controls seem comfortable and responsive and the well padded seat swivels.
Dismantling the Strider ST1 Mobility Scooter
We are delighted to report that the Strider ST1 is one of the lightest most manageable mobility scooters we have ever come across, all this without compromising on stability and quality. The seat lifts off easily and is light weight, the battery pack is very light considering it houses 2 x 12v 12 Ah batteries, the front tiller folds down and the chassis can then easily be split in half for easy transportation,
Strider Comfort
Considering that this scooter is designed for the budget lightweight scooter sector it doesnt lack comfort, from the controls, the seating position and overall ride all seem of quite a good standard, nothing in comparison to that of machines such as the Pride Go-Go Elite Traveller Plus
(5 star rating)
Posted under: Product Reviews, mobility scooters |
June 1st, 2010
(4.5 star rating)
Days Strider are fast becoming a household name across the UK for “Solutions for Independent Living”, offering a full range of quality mobility aids including quality mobility scooters.
Days have recently refreshed their Strider range of mobility scooters, replacing the old range with an all new line up including portable travel mobility scooters such as the Days Strider ST1, Strider ST2, Strider ST3, and luxury 8mph scooters including the Strider ST4, Days Strider ST5 and the Strider ST6. An impressive new range which we expect to become very popular this season.
Days Strider ST4 is a Luxury compact 8mph disabled scooter, this attractive machine from Days Healthcare comes with full suspension, is designed to be maneuverable and comfortable, offering a 25stone weight capacity and 2 x 12v 50ah batteries offer an impressive 25 mile range
Now we have our hands on the all new strider 8mph scooter its time for us to let you know what we think!
The Days ST4 is a compact 8mph scooter, slightly smaller than the shoprider cadiz or the Rascal 850 mobility scooter but sitting in the same size class.
Sitting in the Strider scooter seat is comfortable and offers good back support, the arm rests may seem a little high but still very comfortable. The seat also swivels and can be moved backwards, forwards and reclined to suit the riders position. The tiller is easily adjusted meaning in seconds we were left in a comfortable driving position, despite its compact size the Strider ST4 is spacious and we feel can handle a user of any size. Leg room is not an issue, the front shroud has rubber foot matt allowing you to sit with your feet out in front of you, all in all a very comfortable experience.
The Days Strider ST4 has large wheels offering excellent ground clearance and the clever design means despite this you still have a low centre of gravity which is very noticeable when cornering at speed as it leaves the scooter feeling sturdy and stuck to the road which is pleasantly surprising for the size of the scooter. The controls are easy to use, perhaps lacking in quality slightly compared with machines such as the Pride Celebrity X-Sport 8mph Scooter However don’t let this put you off, the Strider ST4 8mph Scooter may lack some aesthetic quality but mechanically our engineers assure us its a quality built machine and we are expecting great things from the New Strider ST4 mobility scooter.
Strider ST4 Review Summary
After closer inspection and a long test run we feel the Days Strider ST4 really does deserve the rating we have given it, A quality mobility scooter, that handles well and is extremely comfortable all for a price tag below that of the leading brand rivals within its class. If luxury quality finishing touches are important to you then perhaps consider the Rascal 850 instead, But other than that this scooter really does do it all at a brilliant price.
(4.5 star rating)
Posted under: Product Reviews, mobility scooters |
