Mobility scooter use concerns

Owning a mobility scooter gives people freedom, but they also need to know the appropriate etiquette.

Road policing Sergeant Colin Wright said he recently had a meeting with the Mobility Scooter User Group and the issues around their use on a road or footpath.

Some of the issues they face are vehicles being inconsiderate at pedestrian crossings.

Mr Wright said the group is also concerned that some who were not members of the group were giving mobility users bad press by riding their scooters on the road rather than on the footpath.

"The law says that mobility users must use the footpath where it is readily accessible. However, where there is absolutely no other option but to use the road, they are to keep to the left hand side of the road as close to the edge of the road as possible.

"There are some users who consistently use the road and the user group have asked that police stop these riders and advise them of the law." Some riders might not know the law.

"A mobility device is not a motor vehicle, but the laws around its use is you can't be drunk in charge of a mobility scooter, or commit dangerous riding," Mr Wright said.

Riders do not need to be licensed.

In March Whanganui police held the annual Mobility Scooter Education Day at the Wanganui Sports Centre at Springvale Park. Horizons Regional Council road safety co-ordinator Glenda Leitao and Whanganui police Constable Dave Hiroti attended, with support from the WDHB's Ora Nyman and ACC's Sue Stewart.