Users of motorised wheelchairs and scooters had their first opportunity to try out a unique course in Hailsham this week with the launch of the Scooterbility programme.

Open to anyone who is considering buying or hiring a scooter, or for those who already use one, the free programme gives users the chance to hear from the police about what is and isn’t legal, plus to try out different types of motorised wheelchairs and scooters.

They also get to find out what happens when things go wrong.

Charlie Williams, who has not had a scooter before, said, “The whole morning was very interesting and I’ve learnt a lot from it.

“The most enjoyable thing was being able to practice and I was surprised at how manoeuvrable they are.”

Bu the course isn’t just for new users. Ted Marchant, who has used a scooter for some time added, “It was a very good morning and I would urge everyone to come along and support it.”

A specially commissioned film which showed what happened when scooter users didn’t take care when they were out and about brought a few gasps of surprise and laughter.

Over tea and biscuits, people were able to talk to the experts from A J Mobility and Sussex Police.

Sergeant Dave Price gave a talk during the session and surprised even the most experienced users in the audience with the legal do’s and don’ts.

He said, “This is fantastic opportunity for people to try out a variety of machines and to discuss the legal requirements.

“If anyone is thinking of acquiring one of these machines, I would strongly advise them to come along to a session.”

The courses are being organised and run by the Hailsham Action Team, which was set up after the killing of Gary Rae in May last year.

The team asked the general public in the town what their concerns were about crime and antisocial behaviour in the area and high on the list was the unsafe use of scooters for the disabled. A £4,000 bid was then made to the Safer Wealden Partnership for the programme which runs from February until July.

Laura Murphy, district councillor and member of Hailsham Action Team said, “This event covers everything that you would want to know about scooters and is the only course of its type in the south.

“It gives people the opportunity to try out new things in a safe, pressure-free environment.”

To book your free place on one of the courses, which are run once a month at the Hailsham Community Hall, contact Andy Roe at A J Mobility on 847250 ext 213.

Eastbourne Gazette 8th March, 2006