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.
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.
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:
- Download the Uber app and create your account
- Add the codeASSISTUK into PROMOTIONS
- Move the icon on the slider to ASSIST
- 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.
