Mobility Scooters

Acquiring a mobility scooter can provide increased independence for a person who perhaps can no longer drive a car or whose mobility is poor.

The Aspire Canterbury Mobile Service is able to offer a scooter demonstration (with the opportunity for test drives) to community groups and groups within retirment villages. If this is something your group are interested in, please contact our Co ordinator - Richard Blakeborough - P: 027 588 9700 / 03 366 6189   E:mobileservices@aspirecanterbury.org.nz to find out more or to arrange a demonstration. Richard can provide information relating to scooter purchase and assistance with funding options.

 Some Funding Opions

• Applying for a grant to assist with the cost of a mobility scooter - the Making it Happen Grant is available for individuals. There is an upper limit so it may not cover the entire costs of a scooter, but may provide a contribution if a grant assessment is successful. Click here for more information about this grant.
• Lottery funding may be applied for by Individuals with Disabilities.  The maximum grant for a mobility scooter is usually about $4000 (+gst). Click here for more information about this grant.
• Organisations who may be able to assist with a low cost loans or provide financial assistance - Paraloan is an organisation which can provide financial assistance/loans to aid people with physical disabilities. The Paraloan Office is located within the Aspire Canterbury complex at 314, Worcester Street, Linwood - P: 379 5983
• Organisations who may provide equipment. Enable NZ provide equipment to those people who meet their criteria. There is a need for an assessment to determine criteria. Contact your Doctor or ask for a Needs Assessment. Click here for information relating to Needs Assessments.

Some factors to consider prior to purchasing a second hand scooter

• Mobility scooters are often advertised on web sites and in newsletters. If you are thinking about a second hand scooter you may wish to check on the maintenance schedule and also on the condition of the battery. If you are thinking of purchasing a second hand scooter and want to know it's condition it may be worthwhile getting a pre purchase inspection undertaken from a mobiity scooter service centre.

Safety

• The number of accidents in Christchurch involving mobility scooters indicates a need for safety education. Age Concern Canterbury run a two hour course which gives participants a greater understanding of safety issues related to mobility scooter use. Click here for a link to the Age Concern web page.
• If you are looking to purchase a high visability flag for your scooter click here to find them on our shop page.
• The NZ Transport Agency produces a useful document  -  Ready to Ride - keeping safe on your mobility scooter. Click here to access this document.

Mobility Scooter hire in Christchurch

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens - free hire of mobility scooters (three are available) for use in the gardens and Hagley Park. Contact the Information Cantre: 03 941 7590
• Northlands Mall (Papanui) - has one mobility scooter (which can be hired for a maximum of 3 hours) - they also have three wheelchairs which can be hired. Phone: 03 352 6535
• Westfield Riccarton - hires out mobility scooters for up to three hours. Phone: 03 983 4500

         If you are thinking of hiring a scooter, it is recommended to book in advance and a photo ID is generally required