B: Yes it is.

A: We are investigating the problems regarding transport in the city and we would like to ask you some questions if you don't mind. Is that ok?

   B: Yes sure.

A: Have you had this long

   B: About three years.

A: Is it expensive?

   B Yes it bloody is. It costs about 3,000 to buy this.

A: Is this with the help of the NHS?

   B: No it's bloody not. Its all my personal savings

A: Oh really. I mean can you get this second hand or just brand new?

   B: Both. I bought this brand new.

A: It must be very useful for you to have this then?

   B Yes. It means I can get out.

A: You can socialise

   B: Yes I can socialise. I only go out a few times a week.
       I am in the pub today playing dominoes and seeing friends.

A: I noticed you came out of the pub rather quickly when you saw us.

   B: Yes. I have so many problems with vandalism and things

A: Tell us. What has happened?

   B: Well, some one has attempted to hot wire my scooter.
       One day I came out of the pub and found my scooter
       down there,next to the fruit and veg shop.

A: No. I cant believe it! Can you get scooters insured.

   B: Yes you can. Anyway, its bloody true. They took my scooter.
       Pushed it all the way over there. My carrier bag got damaged.

A: I can't believe people would want to do that!

   B: Yes it really does happen a lot. I have had my bumpers taken off.
       You would not believe it - all sorts of things have happened to me.
       Once, this man was right in front of me and I knew he was going
       to back into the scooter. So I manoeuvred away from him. I did what I could
       and he walked right in to the scooter. You could not believe
       the language he came out with. It was disgusting.

A: So you are legally allowed to have these on the pavement as well as the road?

   B: Yes. Its maximum speed is 6mph and that's within law.
        However, it is tricky getting on to pavements.
        Most of the time I have to ram against the curb to gain access to the pavement.

A: So its difficult to find spots where you can suitably get onto the pavement?

   B: Yes.That's bloody right.

A: I wonder - did you try out an electric wheelchair before getting this scooter?

   B: Yes - for what I need it for its no good. I tell you,
       with an electric wheelchair, if you reckon you are going to go
       over dog shit. Then you will.You can't get out of the way. It just gets
       in the wheels and when you go home it gets every where?

A: That's terrible. So is it different with this scooter then?

   B: Yes, this moves a lot better.

A: So where do you park it?

   B: Down the side of the house.

A: How far do these things go?

   B: There meant to go 25 miles before you need to charge them
        but that's bloody rubbish. I can only get into town and back and that's it.

A: Have you have any other transport problems.
 Of course, I only reckon you can't get on bus with this?

   B; I tell you. I wrote to the British Rail manager in Hull
        and complained that I cannot get on a train with the scooter.
        I used to like to go to Bridlington for days out.

A: What did he say?

   B: He didn't even reply!

A: That's typical!

 
 
I regret asking the following question:

What happens if you break down. Is there a sort of AA for scooters?
(Note - perhaps we could ring up the AA and see if they cover road assistance for scooters?)

Tracey Fletcher and scooters.

(Jack - powered chairs are quite manoeuvrable, I've avoided many walkers and walkers in shops take skill to avoid, more skill than a rally driver would need. Walkers follow no rules regarding their movements, reversing without looking being a particular problem)

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