Navigating a dropped kerb on your Quingo

If you’ve been keeping up to date with our blog, you’ll be aware that the Quingo team recently talked to Jackie of the Red Wheelies about the group’s retirement. When we asked her what she would like to see us write about on the blogs, Jackie said she’d be very keen to see a guide to dropped kerbs. Well Jackie, this one’s for you!

What is a dropped kerb?

Dropped kerbs, also known as lowered kerbs, are something you probably see most days, though many people are less familiar with the phrase. They are essentially pavement ramps which allow for easy passage from pavement to road for wheelchair users, pushchairs, pedestrians, and, of course, mobility scooters.

Dropped kerbs can often be found opposite the driveways to many businesses and private houses to allow for greater vehicle access. There are essentially two types of dropped kerbs: those found outside of private or business residence to allow access to the property and those found at – or close to – pedestrian crossings.

Applying for a dropped kerb

To apply for a dropped kerb, you can do so by identifying your local authority on Direct.gov.uk and following the instructions on screen.

Dropped kerbs which allow level access for wheelchair or mobility scooter users may be provided by your local council for people who are experiencing difficulties due to the height of the kerbs in their locality.

Are you allowed to park next to a dropped Kerb?

This is a question that many people ask – be they motorists, mobility scooter users or otherwise. It’s worth bearing in mind that parking adjacent to a dropped kerb may contravene the law.

Drivers of cars, mobility scooters or other vehicles that park alongside a dropped kerb not only must consider legal issues but also look at it from a moral perspective – would you be inconveniencing others who also need to use the kerb?

What if no drop kerbs are available?

Drop kerbs are always the best option if they are available but when they are not care should always be taken when ascending or descending normal kerbs. Quingos have the ability to handle kerbs even at angles, traditional 3 and 4 wheel scooters do not.

This means that you don’t necessarily have to search for a dropped kerb when making the transition from road to pavement. Most Quingo scooters can approach kerbs at a 45” angle of up to 3 inches in height. To find out the specific height for your specific Quingo model please refer to the table below or refer to your Quingo’s handbook and service manual.

Quingo scooter Kerb Climbing
Quingo Classic 7.5 cm (3””)
Quingo Air 5.8cm (2.2””)
Quingo Compact 4cm (1.6””)
Quingo Toura 10cm (4””)
Quingo Plus 7.5 cm (3””)
Quingo Vitess 7.5 cm (3””)
Quingo Flyte 7.5 cm (3””)

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