On the road again

Journalists are often required to do something a little out of the ordinary – and here at Bettercaring, it’s no exception.

But jumping behind the steering column of a jumped-up go-kart masquerading as a mobility scooter is perhaps my strangest assignment yet…

The thing is, everything about a mobility scooter is presented in an over-earnest way. Some people would even go as far to say they’re stigmatised as being a sign of age. And with names completely disassociating it from its major use (as in getting someone from A-to-B), they are probably right.

However – and this may sound perverse – I actually had FUN testing it. A mobility scooter is a rare thing that is both functional and enjoyable. And although people who are losing mobility might not find much fun in being confined to a scooter, it does have its advantages.

For example, 4mph on the pavement is nothing to grumble about, and you can even crank some up to 8mph on the road if you’re feeling adventurous.

And just think of the joy you can get by indiscriminately running over those miserly folk who’ve spent the last five years moaning that you walk too slow on the pavement (although for legal reasons, you probably shouldn’t do this – maybe just threaten to…).

Better still, it even comes with a horn, meaning you can toot at all the young ladies as you pass by. And everyone can appreciate the fun in that.