Tag Archives: mobility scooters

Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

You, Your Quingo and the Highway Code

It’s great to have the freedom and access a Quingo gives you over the winter months.

On the blog this week we wanted give you a refresher on the Highway Code for scooter users, so you can ride around this winter with maximum confidence!

The Highway Code offers essential guidance for your safety and the safety of others, and we will discuss the easy things to remember when out and about.

Using Pavements

A class 2 scooter that is restricted to 4mph, or a class 3 scooter that has been switched to the limited 4mph setting can both be used on pavements.

At all times, pedestrians have right of way on footpaths. You must always allow them to pass first, giving them ample space to move out of your way.

It goes without saying, but you must always exercise extra caution around both the elderly, who may have visual impairments or be hard of hearing, and young children who may not become aware of you as quickly.

Extra caution must also be taken when attempting to cross a road. The best thing to do is to find a drop down kerb, ideally at a pedestrian crossing. With standard scooters it is advised that you approach kerbs from straight on, however with a Quingo it is safe to approach at an angle of up to 45° – this is due to the stability of Quingo’s 5 wheel technology.

Mobility scooters must not use cycle lanes, bus lanes or motorways.

Quingo Scooter user

Using Roads

In order to use your scooter on the road, it must comply the specifications of a class 3 scooter. Class 3 scooters must not be used on the road.

Your scooter must be capable of more than 4mph and have an upper speed limit of 8mph. It must also feature a switch allowing the top speed to be limited to 4mph for use on footpaths and pavements.

The scooter must feature a headlight, rear lights, flashing indicators, a horn and a mirror.

It is important to consider that if you use your scooter on the road, you are more vulnerable as you are exposed and slower than other vehicles. But if you adhere to the Highway Code at all times – keeping to the left side of the carriageway, following all signs and signals and using your lights and indicators as appropriate – you should be good to go!

At junctions, remember to take extra care and ensure that there is no vehicle likely to cross your path. Remember to always look behind you before you pull out.

When turning right:

  1. Pull to the left hand kerb
  2. Make sure there is no oncoming traffic
  3. Look behind you, not just using your mirrors
  4. Ensure there are no vehicles coming from behind
  5. Execute your manoeuvre!

If there is a roundabout incorporated into your journey, try to find an alternative route. This is because they offer greater risks to the slower moving and less visible scooter. If this is not possible simply remember to exercise great caution.

Quingo Road 2
Quingo user driving on the road

Parking

The rules for parking your mobility scooter on public highways are similar to the rules parking a car. If you park your scooter on a footpath you must not obstruct the footpath and it must be clearly visible.

Being Seen

We strongly advise that you wear high visibility clothing in addition to having lights on your scooter, to ensure maximum visibility!

Some more advice for being seen on the roads can be found in our previous article on preparing for the darker evenings.

This information is for general guidance only – please check the UK Government website for more details.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Maintenance, Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Quingo in Winter

It is great to have the freedom and access a Quingo gives you over the winter months.

In order to keep your Quingo in tip-top shape there are some simple maintenance checks you can regularly undertake, these are to ensure safety and optimal performance of your scooter. As the winter fast approaches it is even more important that a few more checks are carried out more regularly.

There is nothing better than wrapping up warm and going for a ride on your mobility scooter in the crisp, clean winter air! So we wanted to share some tips and advice on a few aspects of the cold that can affect your Quingo, and how to easily prevent these.

Power

The chilly winter weather could affect your scooter’s power supply, but one way to stop this from happening is to store your mobility scooter in a heated area when it is not in use. This will ensure the battery remains in a good condition throughout the winter months.

If heated storage isn’t an option, all it requires is a bit of extra vigilance. Get into a routine of checking your power level before every trip, even if it was full last night. It goes without saying, but simply charging your battery regularly and taking your Quingo out for a spin most days will keep your battery ticking over. This will help to keep the power supply healthy and reliable despite the cold!

In winter, the cold weather can sometimes cause your mobility scooter battery to run down a little bit quicker than usual, but all you need to do is keep an eye on your scooter’s energy levels whilst you’re out and about, especially on longer trips.

We have also written a brief guide on battery care here in a previous post, and check out our guide for charging and getting the best performance out of your Quingo’s batteries here.

Tyres

Good traction is vital to your safety when out and about, especially so in the winter. Ice, snow, moisture and even dead leaves can cause slippery conditions. Quingo’s 5 wheel stability system makes the Quingo an ideal choice for these types of conditions, along with the wheels of the Quingo being covered in thick tread – so you shouldn’t have any problems at all!

While these tyres are durable and robust, natural wear and tear over time can reduce their effectiveness. Make sure you conduct regular checks to ensure the tyres on your scooter are in good condition and fully inflated – the correct pressure will give you added grip in slippy conditions. If necessary, replace your tyres before the winter sets in properly.

 Quingo

 Cleaning

Mud, oil and salt amongst other things can be picked up during your Quingo’s winter travels. Regularly cleaning your mobility scooter the best you can will help keep it not only looking good but working great too.

Regular cleaning will help prevent any corrosion that might occur such as rust on the metal parts and pitting on chrome surfaces.

For advice on your battery or anything else mentioned in this post, please complete the enquiry form or contact our customer service team on 01582 430 900. Keep these points in mind, stay safe on the roads and most importantly enjoy the winter!

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Nottingham

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

We’re carrying on with our festive travels and this week we’ve found ourselves in Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland!

This “Old England” themed event features a stunning ice rink, Christmas market cabins, two themed winter bars, a bandstand, rides, timber decked walkways, nativity scene, 100’s of real Christmas trees, snow dressing and much more.

The Christmas Gift and Craft Market

Voted one of the UK’S favourite festive markets, Nottingham’s Victorian-themed gift and craft market is full of festive delights! Enjoy some roasted chestnuts, cider and mulled wine and then embark on some carol singing!

Here you will find over 50 attractive Victorian style cabins selling a wide range of quality crafts, gifts and food. With both unique and handmade gifts on offer, there is plenty of choice for the eagle-eyed shopper.

This is the place to go if you want a gift that’s truly original and like no other, all the independent retailers have been hand selected in order to give the shoppers a vast selection of fun, handmade and festive items to choose from.

The entire ice rink and cabin area in the Market Square will feature a decked boardwalk with giving great views of the ice rink and add a truly romantic touch, as well as making it as easy as possible to get about on your Quingo.

The gift and craft market is on until Christmas Eve, and is spread over Smithy Row, Albert Street and Lister Gate. It is open 10am-6pm every day, except on Wednesdays when it is open until 8pm in line with Nottingham’s late night shopping.

 

Two Festive Bars

Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland has two bars to choose from.

On Long Row, the world’s only helter skelter bar will sell mulled wine, spiced cider and other hot toddies to keep you warm as you take a break from your Christmas shopping. There are also covered areas here if you want to get out of the cold for a while!

The Victorian winter bar has great views of the ice rink, as well as the bandstand where fantastic seasonal music will be performed – all with the comfort of covered seats. There’s a great range of ales and wines on offer to be enjoyed in the warm and cosy covered seating area. This year, Wetherspoons will also be serving real ale and soups from an area adjacent to the Winter Bar too!

The Grand Christmas Tree

The traditional Grand Christmas tree will be the fantastic centrepiece of the ice rink – It’s a traditional staple in Nottingham!

To keep the little ones happy there are also children’s rides including Santa’s Toy ride, a Helter Skelter and traditional carousel.

Bandstand

A 5m bandstand will feature in the Market Square this year and would extend an open invitation to local bands to come and participate in adding to the festive atmosphere.

 

 Transport

If you’re fancying travelling to Nottingham Winter Wonderland by car – good news! It’s only 50p to park all evening from 4pm-8pm if you want to peruse around the market in quieter times.  Experience Nottinghamshire advise that to take advantage of this offer you can use the RingGo app and the code 18906 when you’re parking in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Visit the website for more information.

Nottingham’s tram system is great for getting about too. This Christmas, groups of two adults and up to three children can travel together for £5 return before 4pm on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday – a great excuse to leave the car at home and enjoy a few mulled wines!

A similar offer runs on the buses in Nottingham this Christmas – groups of two adults and up to three children can travel together for £4.50 return on NCT buses. Park and Ride from the Queen’s Drive Park and Ride and Race course for just £3 per carload all day with last bus from the city at 7:10pm. A great idea if the whole family are going!

 

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Edinburgh

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This time we’re moving slightly further afield to one of the UK’s most famous Christmas Markets! Famous the world over for its hilltop castle, cultural festivals and Hogmanay street party, Edinburgh provides a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping, nights out and exceptional winter events.

Running from 20 November – 4 January, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers no shortage of things to see and do this winter. Similar to London Christmas Markets, there are a number of different things going on around the city of Edinburgh, and we’ve picked out some highlights.

 

Scottish Market in St Andrew Square

The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square is the place to be for the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer! Just some of the treats available here include:

  • Locally produced sausages
  • Fresh seafood
  • Unique chocolate
  • Delightful cupcakes
  • Gin
  • Scottish brewed craft beer
  • Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork

The market is open from 10am-10pm every day.

European Christmas Market in East Princes St Gardens

For the past 20 years in the heart of the city, the popular Christmas market has located in its picturesque setting below the Mound.

The European market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument. The Market offers a unique shopping experience for every type of visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and edible surprises for the foodies!

This market is also open from 10am-10pm every day.

24 Doors of Advent

A real life advent calendar! Each day from 1 – 24 December, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will open its doors, and it’s all completely free. Here’s how to decide when to visit depending on what you want to see:

1 Dec: Botanic Cottage
2 Dec: Edinburgh Gin Distillery
3 Dec: Gracemount Youth and Community Center
4 Dec: St Giles’ Cathedral
5 Dec: The Victorian School Room
5 Dec: National Museum of Scotland
6 Dec: Coburg House
7 Dec: Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
8 Dec: Leith Registrars Marriage Suite
9 Dec: Scottish Tourist Guide Cannongate door tour
10 Dec: Rock House
11 Dec: Cockenzie House and Gardens
12 Dec: Customs House
13 Dec: Mansfield Traquair Centre
14 Dec: Assembly Rooms
15 Dec: Gilmerton Cove
16 Dec: Forth Bridge
17 Dec: New Register House
18 Dec: The Biscuit Factory
19 Dec: Talbot Rice Gallery
20 Dec: The Glasite Meeting House
21 Dec: Dovecot Gallery
22 Dec: The Real Mary King’s Close
23 Dec: The City Chambers
24 Dec: St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church
24 Dec: Dalmeny Parish Church

 

Santa Land

Santa Land is a pop-up, outdoor children’s venue located in East Princes Street Gardens. It features:

  • Santa’s Grotto
  • Christmas Tree Maze
  • The Santa Train
  • Children’s market,

And family-friendly rides:

  • Christmas Tree Slide
  • Race-a-Rama
  • Swan Lake
  • Reindeer Ride
  • Rollercoaster

The activities range from £1-£5, so it’s nice and affordable too.

 Accessibility

The walkways of Edinburgh’s Christmas have been made as even as possible, and there are ramps where needed. However there is advice to note that due to the temporary nature of the site, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12. But that shouldn’t be a problem on your Quingo Scooter!

In terms of parking, there is pay and display available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place. This is free for blue badge holders with no time limit. Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website or you can call them on 0131 469 3891.

Edinburgh isn’t overwhelmingly large in size, which makes finding your way around a lot easier. Buses are the most popular form of transport in the city, and information about timetables and access can be found on Lothian Buses website. The other popular option are the trams, they can take you along the length of the city too. Additionally there are numerous taxi ranks located around the city.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: London

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

Continuing with our merry Christmas Market series, this week we’re in the capital. London is a buzzing, vibrant place at the best of times, so in the run up to Christmas you definitely can’t miss the festivities!

London is a big place with a lot of different Christmas markets, but we’ve picked the one that we think is the most famously exciting – the family favourite Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park! Winter Wonderland is open 20th November until 3rd January, 10am-10pm every day (excluding Christmas day)

 

The Market

The Christmas market at Winter Wonderland is full of arts and crafts trinkets, jewellery and decorations that make perfect presents for friends and family. Also good to explore the Angels and Yuletide market, where charming wooden chalets are overflowing with festive goods.

There are more than 200 fairy lit Bavarian style wooden chalets in the market, with something for everyone. Entrance to the market part of Winter Wonderland is free. The market is located in the famous Bavarian village, where you can tuck into bratwurst, sup a stein of German beer and watch live oompah bands perform.

Other Activities

As well as the Christmas Market there are other exciting attractions not to be missed to get you in to the Christmas spirit!

  • Magical Ice Kingdom – Described as “an awe-inspiring walk through a fantastical world of real ice and snow”. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and created especially by Winter Wonderland, young and old will be enchanted by this kingdom of ice, full of fairy-tale magic!
  • Santa Land – Something for the little ones. Explore the land of Santa, see his workshop, meet the elves or ride on the Santa Express. An enchanting experience with children’s rides, games, eateries and all the magic of Christmas!
  • Bar Ice – And something for the adults! Immersed in a truly arctic setting, enjoy the glow of the glistening ice. On arrival, you are handed a special winter cloak and gloves to keep you warm, then you’ll be served drinks in your own unique ice glass!
  • Circus Shows – Zippos Circus shows are performed in the Mega Dome, and it is the newest and biggest circus tent in the UK. It offers a warm and comfortable theatre style atmosphere, and the show itself will leave you amazed!
  • Giant Wheel – soar 60 metres into the London sky in the comfort of enclosed pods. Experience spectacular 360˚ panoramic views over Winter Wonderland and beyond!

 

Accessibility

Winter Wonderland have made the walkways and public spaces as even and wide as possible. There are ramps to the bars and cafes where possible, and there are spaces in the circus shows as mentioned above designed to accommodate mobility scooters as well as an accessible pod in the Giant Wheel.

Disabled toilet facilities are available on site, and there is Pay & Display parking available on West Carriage Drive and in car parks at either end of Serpentine Bridge. Disabled Badge Park free of charge but are subject to 4 house maximum stay Monday to Saturday. After 6.30pm the 4 hour maximum no longer applies.

Tickets

Winter Wonderland offer a 2 for 1 carer ticketing scheme, to provide disabled visitors who require full time assistance with a free ticket for a partner, accompanying friend or personal assistant for all pre-bookable attractions.

All attractions have separate tickets. To prebook these and for more information on the disabled ticket scheme visit the Winter Wonderland website.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.