Mobility Industry Supports Call for Better Assessment.

Buying a mobility scooter can be a positive and life enriching decision, offering freedom and independence to people unable to get out easily. Selling a mobility scooter demands personal care and professional consideration.

The BHTA – Britain's longest established trade association – represents retailers, both large and small, who abide by the terms of the BHTA Code of Practice - the only Code in this industry to have achieved full Office of Fair Trading approval.

The Code stipulates that before any vehicle is bought, the user must be properly assessed and instructed in its use. BHTA members take their responsibility to ensure this happens extremely seriously.

The Association believes the majority of mobility scooter users are responsible and courteous in the way they drive their vehicles. Scooters can travel at 8mph in the road, but the user must switch to a speed limit of 4mph maximum whilst on pavements and in pedestrian areas. Users who do not do this are far more likely to cause an accident.

We would recommend that potential buyers seek out a BHTA member company for peace of mind and professional assessment and training. These can be found on the OFT and BHTA websites.

We also provide a suite of Get Wise leaflets covering the main aspects of buying and using a mobility vehicle. These are available upon request from the BHTA by email: bhta@bhta.com or by phoning: 020 7702 2141