Mobility scooters

To complete the ACCC-NRMA mobility scooter user survey, click on this link to be taken straight to the online survey.

Click on this link if you would like to order a printed copy of the survey from the ACCC.

Mobility scooters usually have three or four wheels attached to a frame supporting a chair and a steering wheel. People who are mobile enough to operate mobility scooters but are challenged when walking distances generally use these products. Mobility scooters are also known as motorised wheelchairs, motor chairs, buggies or gophers.

Most mobility scooters are safe if used appropriately. But there is an emerging trend in Australia of death and serious injury associated with the use of mobility scooters, particularly among older people. Death and serious injury can occur when users do not have the necessary strength, physical ability and understanding to operate and manoeuvre mobility scooters safely, including:

• enough hand strength and movement to use the controls, steer and turn the scooter
• the ability to turn turn their head to look to the side and behind
• balance when riding on bumpy or rough ground
• the ability to sit for periods of time and change the position of their body when going up and down inclines
• sound vision and hearing to notice vehicles and pedestrians approaching and to judge distances
• the ability to concentrate for the entire period of the journey and to react quickly enough to stop and turn suddenly if necessary
• knowledge of safety procedures and the ability to exercise patience in crowded areas such as shopping centres.