At Quingo, we understand that accessibility is vitally important, which is why we encourage Quingo scooter users to visit ‘scooter’ friendly locations. We also want to hear about other locations or attractions that you’ve visited that offer a good mobility scooter experience. Continue reading English Heritage sites and your Quingo: Stonehenge
Papworth Trust says just “one in five” train stations fully accessible
The Quingo team recently wrote about a BBC exposé that found many companies and services in the UK which were not doing enough to make themselves accessible for those less able. We were glad to see that since the report many of these companies had taken action to improve their accessibility. Continue reading Papworth Trust says just “one in five” train stations fully accessible
Helpful information about the Government Blue Badge Scheme
Today the Quingo Scooters team want to talk about the ways you could benefit from the Government’s Blue Badge Scheme if you need to transport your Quingo by car.
What is the Blue Badge? Where can I get one?
The Blue Badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions for people with limited mobility who have difficulty using public transport.
Holders of a Blue Badge will be able to park their vehicle closer to a destination, either as a driver or a passenger. The Badge is valid when parking on-street, though it does not automatically apply to off-street car parks.
You can apply online where you can find further details of how your application will be processed before your local council makes its decision.
To renew or apply for a Blue Badge you will need to have the following:
- The details of your current Badge (should you have one)
- A digital or signed photograph
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of residency
- Proof of identification
You can ask your council to find out how long before the expiry date you should renew your Badge. There are different rules for the scheme depending on which county you live in the UK, so it’s useful to check gov.uk to find out how this affects you.
What are the concessions available to holders?
If you have a Blue Badge, you can park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, except where there’s a ban on loading and unloading or in parts of London (Westminster, Chelsea, Kensington and parts of Camden). If you’re a badge holder in Scotland there is no time limit.
Badge holders can park for free, and for as long as they wish, where on-street parking meters apply and in designated disabled parking bays.
Accessible Destinations
The Quingo team want to encourage scooter users to get out and about on their scooter. The Blue Badge scheme makes it easier for badge holders to park close to destinations, making trips out more accessible for those with limited mobility.
Mobility Scooters and the Highway Code – Part 2
In the second part of a two-part series on the Highway Code and mobility scooters, Quingo take a closer look at what the Highway Code says about driving on the road.
In our last blogpost we talked about the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles as well as driving your Quingo on pavements.
Mobility scooters and the Highway Code: Driving on roads
When driving on the road the Highway Code states that Class 3 vehicles should drive in the direction of the traffic, whilst Class 2 users should always use the pavement in situations where it’s possible. If you’re travelling at night, lights must be used and you should travel in the direction of the traffic so as not to confuse other road users.
It’s important to remember that you must follow the same rules about using lights, horns and indicators that apply to cars and other vehicles on the road.
You should be aware that other road users may not be able to see you as scooters are less visible than cars. For instance, you should ensure that you’re as visible as possible. You could do this, for example, by wearing a reflective jacket when driving your Quingo.
Dealing with junctions safely
You should take greater care at road junctions. The Highway Code points out that when you’re driving straight ahead, you should check to see that there are no vehicles about to cross your path from either the left or right, or overtaking you and turning left at the approaching junction.
There are a number of ways you can deal with right turns, particularly when turning from a major road. If you encounter a situation where moving into the middle of the road can be potentially awkward or dangerous, you can stop on the left-hand side of the road and patiently wait for a safe gap in the traffic.
Alternatively, you could negotiate the turn as a pedestrian by, for example, travelling along the pavement and crossing the road between the pavements where it’s safe for you to do so.
If the junction you want to navigate is too hazardous, you might wish to consider using another route for your journey. It may be safer for you to use the pavement for example. However, if you’re driving a Class 3 vehicle on the pavement you must remember to reduce your speed to no more than 4mph.
Parking your Quingo
As far as parking your Quingo goes, the Highway Code states that “all normal parking restrictions should be observed.”
Your Quingo 5 wheel scooter shouldn’t be left unattended in a place where it can cause an obstruction to other pedestrians – especially those in wheelchairs.
It’s worth noting that under the Blue Badge scheme, all vehicles that display a valid Blue Badge can benefit from parking concessions.
Mobility Scooters and the Highway Code – Part 1
Our customers’ safety and welfare is our main priority. In the first blog post of two parts, the Quingo team want to look at the Highway Code and what it has to say surrounding mobility scooters.
What is the Highway Code?
The Highway Code is a compendium of advice, information, guides and mandatory rules for all road users in the UK. Its main purpose is to promote safety on the roads.
The Highway Code applies to pedestrians, animals, cyclists, motorcycles, drivers and mobility scooter users. It’s prepared and updated by the Department for Transport and the Driving Standards Agency.
First published in 1931 as an 18-page booklet, the Highway Code has been regularly updated ever since to reflect the changing nature of Britain’s roads.
The difference between Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles
The Highway Code places mobility scooters into two separate categories: Class 2 and Class 3. Class 2 vehicles can’t go any faster than 4mph and are designed to be used on pavements.
Examples of Class 2 vehicles include the Quingo Classic, the Quingo Flyte, the Quingo Compact and the Quingo Air. Class 2 users should always use the pavement where it’s available. Where there is no pavement, due caution should always be taken.
Class 3 vehicles include the Quingo Plus, the Quingo Vitess and the Quingo Toura. These scooters have a maximum speed of 8mph and are equipped to be used on the road as well as the pavement. This topic is also included in the FAQs section of this website.
Mobility scooters and the Highway Code: Driving on pavements
When driving your scooter, you should be aware that pavements are safer than roads and they should be used when available. The Highway Code also observes that you should give pedestrians priority and show consideration of other pavement users.
If your Quingo 5 wheel scooter can go faster than 4mph, it’s important to remember that you mustn’t go any faster than this speed in pedestrian areas or on pavements. You might have to reduce your speed to adjust to other pavement users who might not be able to get out of your way quickly enough, or in situations where the pavement’s too narrow.
Special care should be taken when moving off the pavement onto to road. You should always look around and make sure it’s safe to join the traffic. When driving back onto the pavement, you shouldn’t try and negotiate a kerb that’s higher than the specifications outlined in your Quingo’s individual handbook & service manual.
Safety and mobility
Your safety when driving your Quingo is our main priority. That’s why we recommend to all of our customers to regularly refer to the Highway Code – the number one resource for road safety.
Keep a lookout for our next blog post in which we’ll be talking about what you need to consider when driving your Quingo on the roads.
