Tag Archives: UK

Days Out, News, Public Transport, Quingo Scooters

Uber Offer uberASSIST – Improving Accessibility

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re passionate about finding new tools and discovering how they can make travelling with your mobility scooter that little bit easier.

Back in October last year, the increasingly popular taxi company Uber launched a new feature to their London services. uberASSIST is a ‘transport option to provide additional assistance for disabled riders and others with access needs, including those who may just feel more comfortable with an extra hand when getting from A to B at the tap of a button.’

Getting around the city can be a struggle for anyone, so it’s great to know that at the tap of an app you can relax knowing that your every need is being taken care of whilst travelling around the city.

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uberASSIST

Uber created the service as they weren’t impressed with the accessibility of London’s transport network. Only 24% of London’s underground stations have step free access, and new research suggests that those who are disabled use taxis and other private hire vehicle services more than those who are not disabled.

Uber have worked with Transport for All to develop uberASSIST, making sure that it offers the same convenience, reliability and safety features of standard Uber journeys – all at affordable prices.

Uber reassure that you will have complete ease of communication, driven by a driver that has completed a disability equality course delivered by Transport for All and Inclusion London. Uber’s vehicles can accommodate most folding mobility scooters, and are hoping to add fully accessible mobility scooter vehicles to their service this year.

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How to request uberASSIST

If you live in London, and would like to try the uberASSIST service next time you require a taxi, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Uber app and create your account
  2. Add the codeASSISTUK into PROMOTIONS
  3. Move the icon on the slider to ASSIST
  4. Set your location and request your ride

Affordable accessibility

Robin Hindle Fisher, Chair of the Extra Costs Commission, said of the service: “Life costs more if you are disabled. Research shows that this adds up to an average of £550 per month. I was pleased to chair the Extra Costs Commission which set out to identify ways to drive these costs down. We heard time and time again from disabled people that they are paying far too much for private hire vehicles and taxis.

“That’s why we are pleased that Uber have taken on this challenge by launching uberASSIST to better train their drivers, increase the accessibility of their vehicles, and drive down these extra costs disabled people face.”

Share your experience with Quingo!

If you’ve tried the uberASSIST service with your Quingo, we’d be delighted to hear about your experience. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service 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. 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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Blackpool

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re always encouraging users to get out and about and visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

In this instalment of our Accessible Attractions series, we’re heading to one of the most popular British seaside towns, Blackpool. As March begins and spring is almost in sight, it won’t be long before it’s the perfect weather to spend a day by the sea. And even if the weather is its usual unreliable self, we’ve got some attractions to share that you won’t want to miss!

Blackpool offers something for everyone and all ages. The attractions we’re going to share are all fully accessible for your mobility scooter, giving you the confidence to explore Blackpool to your heart’s content!

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Madame Tussauds

Visit Madame Tussauds to have your chance to get up close and personal with all the A-listers (well, their waxworks anyway!). From music stars and sports stars to the cast of Coronation Street (including the actual street) there’s someone that everyone will want to have their photo taken with. New for this year, music mogul Simon Cowell will make an appearance at the famous waxwork exhibition.

The majority of the facilities at Madame Tussauds are accessible, as there is a lift between the floors, and staff available to help at all times. Admission for guests with disabilities is charged at the normal admissions price, however one helper is welcome without charge. Due to space only 3 mobility scooters can gain access to the exhibition at any one time, but you can call the dedicated booking team on 0871 282 9200 before you go to help plan your visit.

Blackpool Zoo

This is the place to go if you want to see an extensive collection of exotic animals. Blackpool Zoo offers everything from Animal Experiences to Keeper School Courses. The newest addition to the zoo was in December 2015, when the only Hartmann’s mountain zebra became the first one to be born in the UK. Other highlights include the Red Panda, African Pygmy Goat and the Aardvarks. There’s also an active Sealion pool, which is the biggest in the UK and is definitely not to be missed!

The site is generally level throughout, and all areas are mobility scooter friendly. The toilets, gift shop and café are all fully accessible. There is also word that in the Amazonia Jungle section of the zoo the cheeky monkeys take a shine to mobility scooters and will try to use them as a climbing frame!

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Central Pier

You can’t have a trip to Blackpool without exploring the pier. There’s always something going on – from the illuminations in the autumn and winter to enjoying the arcades and seaside views of the summer. The modern tram system is the best way to get to the central pier, and it’s fully accessible.

There is an accessible toilet part way down the pier, it’s very spacious and has plenty of grab rails. The main floor area is level right along the length of the pier.

Blackpool Tower

You can’t say you’ve truly seen Blackpool until you’ve taken a trip up to the top of the Tower! Opened to the public in 1894, the Blackpool Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s 158 metres tall and is the 103rd tallest freestanding tower in the world. At the top of the Tower you can try out the ‘Walk of Faith’ glass floor panel for some really exceptional views of Blackpool below. Afterwards you can take tea in the Tower Ballroom and why not try to catch an attraction such as the circus, the aquarium or the clown exhibition?

The entrance to the Tower is fully accessible and there is a mobility scooter friendly lift to all floors. The café and shop are also fully accessible and there are accessible toilets on levels one and five.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service 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. 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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Cadbury World

One of the best things about getting around on your Quingo Mobility Scooter is finding places that are interesting or unusual, especially places you didn’t think were accessible enough.

In our new accessible attractions series we’ve been taking you around the country to exhibitions, attractions and days out that have been given superb ratings for accessibility. Today it’s something for those who are mad about chocolate – which is pretty much everyone isn’t it? As Easter fast approaches we explore the tasty world of Cadbury.

Suitable for any age (as long as you’re open to sampling some lovely warm melted chocolate!), Cadbury World is in Bourneville, Birmingham, and has different zones to cater for different ages and interests.  It is situated next to Bournville train station, which is approximately a 12 minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station.

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Here are some of the highlights of Cadbury World that you simply won’t be able to resist, and are recommended for either before or after the fully accessible main exhibition areas:

4D Chocolate Adventure

This is definitely not to be missed – the motion seats in the 4D Cinema Experience will dunk you into a bowl of liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk, give you a ride on the Crunchie Rollercoaster, and allow you to pilot a Cadbury Creme Egg airship along with the Caramel Bunny!

There are two mobility scooter spaces in the cinema, and there are also non-moving chairs available if 4D isn’t your kind of thing.

Cadabra

Popular with all ages but especially with the kids, this ride in the Beanmobile will guide you gently through a chocolate wonderland full of Cadbury’s familiar characters. One of the Beanmobiles can accommodate a wheelchair or mobility scooter with room for another passenger, so everyone can experience the chocolatey good-ness!

Chocolate Making

Arguably everyone’s favourite bit of Cadbury World – the chance to watch the chocolatiers make handmade items for the Cadbury World gift shop. The smell alone is heavenly and you can try some melted chocolate for yourself and you get to pick a treat (from marshmallows to popping candy) to add to your delicious pot!

The world’s biggest Cadbury shop

The perfect end to your visit is a trip to the world’s biggest Cadbury shop, where you can snap up some of the merchandise for yourself! With plenty of special offers that you won’t find anywhere else, the Cadbury shop has a special Factory Zone where there are unbelievable bargains and bulk-buys.

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Accessibility

Cadbury World is almost fully accessible, and it is mostly flat throughout with gentle slopes. Upon arrival there is a low-level reception counter and certain exhibits are low-level too. Throughout the exhibitions there are ramps and lift access. On each floor and throughout the exhibitions there are also fully accessible toilets.

There is only one small part of the factory exhibition that isn’t accessible due to steps, but there is a video you can watch instead so you don’t miss out.

There are plenty of parking spaces for blue badge holders located near the entrance to Cadbury World. Staff are on hand and are happy to help through every part of the tour.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service 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. 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, Days Out

Mother’s Day: Quingo Accessible Attractions

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re always on the lookout for some great places you can visit on your mobility scooter with ease.

As Mother’s day approaches us this weekend (Sunday March 6th) Quingo take a look at some spots up and down the country that are the perfect accessible attraction for this day of appreciation. Whether you want to treat your own mum, or you are a mum who wants to drop some not-so-subtle hints – here are some great ideas for a day out.

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Spa Day in Surrey

A spa day is the perfect way to spend some bonding time with mum. One of the best accessible spa’s is The Spa at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey. Here you’ll find a peaceful getaway just 45 minutes from London, situated in the grounds of the historic ivy-clad manor house. The hotel also has a two Michelin starred restaurant if you fancy treating Mum to a bite to eat after your spa treatments.

The deluxe Spa changing rooms have a lift and feature a wheel-in shower in each. The treatment beds are height adjustable, and there is level access to the sauna and steam rooms. Also accessible via a lift is the gym, situated on the lower level of The Spa, and members of the gym team are always on hand to assist you with your workout.

This is great for the Mums who never get chance to chill out, relax and have some ‘me’ time.

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Shopping Spree on Oxford Street

The Capital’s Oxford Street is famous for its collection of all the best high street and designer brands. For the Mum who loves her fashion, this would be the perfect surprise. Oxford Street is accessible by bus, with the accessible bus station at Green Park – where you can catch many routes – just 15 minutes away.

Selfridge’s is London’s most famous department store and is definitely one to tick off the list on your shopping spree, where you can get everything from jewellery to kitchenware. You’ll find step-free entrances via Duke Street, Oxford Street, Edward Mews and Orchard Street. There are automatic doors via the Orchard Street entrance and accessible lifts throughout.

If high-street fashion is more your thing, Oxford Street’s Topshop is the London’s ultimate flagship store. Kate Moss caused chaos when she made a surprise personal appearance in 2014 to showcase her Kate Moss for Topshop collection. With a step-free entrance, lifts throughout and an accessible toilet in the basement you can shop till you drop! It’s quite big, so plan some time for this one!

Be a Chocoholic in York

For the Mum who absolutely adores chocolate, what better way to spend Mother’s Day than in a world of chocolatey goodness! York’s Chocolate Story is a tasty guided tour taking you through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their spectacular creations. Here you can find out how to make it for yourself and most importantly, how to taste chocolate like an expert. You’ll even discover some best kept secrets about the worldwide famous Chocolate Orange and KitKats. The exhibition is fully accessible with lifts throughout, but they do require you to book in advance as due to health and safety reasons only one mobility scooter is allowed at any one time.

After you’ve become an expert in all things chocolate, don’t forget to spend some time browsing the delicious delights of the shop and bring home some souvenirs. Whilst you’re in York you could even visit the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms (who have ramps and lifts to make it fully accessible) for some afternoon tea and tick that one off the list too!

Share your Mother’s Day with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any of these places on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service 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. 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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Here at Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about and to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

Over the last few blog posts we’ve been sharing some really interesting days out, places and attractions that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter. We are excited to move into to the world of witches and wizards this week as we look at the Warner Bros. studio where the magical masterpieces were made.

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Discover the world of wizardry

The behind the scenes tour is an absolute must for all fans of Harry Potter, as the magical world you’ve seen on the screen comes to life right before your eyes.

It features authentic sets, costumes and props from the most successful film series of all time, so you can get up close and personal with the same surroundings that the famous wizard trio did. The biggest Harry Potter fans of all will be blown away by some of the best kept secrets from the set, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made the films so ground-breaking. You’ll find the studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

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What you’ll experience

Here are just a few of the things you’ll be lucky enough to see whilst making your way around the studios:

  • The actual Great Hall
  • Dumbledore’s office and never before seen treasures
  • Diagon Alley – including the shop fronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium.
  • Iconic props from the films – including Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid’s motorcycle
  • The Gryffindor common room
  • The boys dormitory
  • Hagrid’s hut
  • Potion’s classroom
  • Professor Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic

Depending on what time of the year you go, there are exclusive exhibitions showing. You can check which one is on before you go to ensure you get to see exactly what you want to! The next offering is Half Giant Hagrid and runs from 25 March to 17 April. Here you’ll learn all about how the lovable giant was brought to life on screen, as well as a look at the prosthetics of another mystical character: the goblin of Gringott.

Accessibility

The vast majority of the Studio Tour is accessible for Quingo and other mobility scooter users, with lots of room and automatic doors. The studios are split into two, the first one is where you’ll find the Great Hall. This is level and completely accessible to mobility scooter users. The second building has a few sets of stairs, but ramps are in place for your scooter.

The only part of the tour that wouldn’t be suitable for mobility scooters is Diagon Alley, due to its cobbles. But as it’s also tricky to navigate for those on foot, you may be more comfortable taking a break and sipping on a glass of Butterbeer instead!

There is a restaurant on the ground floor which is nice and big, the chairs are not fixed to the tables enabling you to situate your mobility scooter easily. At the front of the car park there are ample parking bays for Blue Badge holders, with easy level access to the ticket offices.

On Warner Bros. Studio’s website there is a great video on accessibility around the studio, which is definitely worth a watch before you go. It’ll enable you to really make the most of your visit!

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service 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. 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.