Information about powered wheelchair and mobility scooter assessments
Book a Scooter Assessment
If you have a physical impairment and you want to try driving with a different method of vehicle control, you will be given the opportunity to drive vehicles fitted with adaptations.
Powered Wheelchair / Mobility Scooter Assessment Information
About the Assessment
Your assessment will normally be conducted by an Occupational Therapist (OT). If you have someone who you would like to accompany you, then please invite them to come along. On the day of the assessment, you will be greeted by the OT. You will then be taken into a private office to discuss your mobility requirements.
Assessing your needs
The OT will take the opportunity to have a chat with you regarding your medical condition / disability and how this may affect your functional ability with regards to the physical use of a powered wheelchair / mobility scooter, and loading such equipment into a vehicle, if appropriate.
Identifying areas of difficulty
To be able to use a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter safely, you require both physical and cognitive / mental skills. It may be appropriate for the OT to carry out some simple table-top cognitive tests with you in the office. This would identify any areas of difficulty that you may have when using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Equipment proficiency
Once the office based discussions have taken place, the OT will then take you outside to Herts Ability’s car park area. Initially, you will be asked to read a number plate from the recommended distance of 12.3 metres/40 ft, using glasses if necessary. Then you will have the opportunity to sit on the powered wheelchair or mobility scooter and use it under the close supervision of the OT, within a relatively quiet area. The OT will demonstrate the different parts of the equipment and then give some instruction about how to use it.
Assessing control and observation
Once you reach a safe and confident level of competence, you will then be asked to complete an assessment route in the vicinity of Herts Ability, on local pavements. The OT will be assessing your physical control of the scooter and your cognitive abilities. This will include your ability to increase/decrease speed, steer accurately, position safely on the pavement, decision making related to safe places to cross roads and general level of observation and awareness.
Feedback
On return to the Mobility Centre, the OT will then give some feedback on your performance and an appropriate recommendation regarding the suitability of a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
The OT will not sell you a scooter following the assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently no visitor refreshment facilities at Herts Ability so please bring any drinks and food required with you.
No, the assessment is offered free of charge.
This depends on the complexity of each client’s circ*mstances, but most are completed in one hour.
No, as Herts Ability no longer has an equipment centre.
Herts Ability does not loan out equipment. Meadow Mobility in Potten End Hemel Hempstead can arrange powered wheelchair and mobility scooter rental. Their phone number is 01442 865588. This can be a good idea, to check that such equipment is the right solution for you, before taking the significant financial step of purchasing one.
Class 2 scooters can only be used on pavements. Class 3 scooters, which tend to be larger with a longer range, can legally be used on roads. NB It is the professionals’ opinion at Herts Ability, that it is generally unsafe to take scooters on any roads except quiet residential ones, because of the volume, speed and size of other vehicles.
“I know I am safe and able to drive without causing any danger to myself or others and that my abilities as a driver have been reviewed and assessed constructively. I would definitely recommend Herts Ability to others; their team is very friendly, professional and reassuring – with a great way of addressing any anxiety!”
Ram Gulrajani
“Before the stroke I had been driving for 32 years. I had two refreshers following Herts Ability’s recommendation and now I can safely drive again! For those wanting to get back to driving, I say give it a go – you are looked after by a very supportive team. Passing my assessment and getting back on the road is an important step towards normality.”
Phil Ahern
“My assessment went well, and I am relieved with the outcome. I found the assessment fun and exciting. I was driving an automatic car, as I have lost movement in my right leg. I would definitely recommend Herts Ability to my friends as the staff are very friendly and their driving centres are very convenient in terms of accessibility.”
Adrian Marlow
" I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was thrilled to pass my assessment...For me, the ability to get driving again was one of my main goals. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to do the same and give it a go. I would thoroughly recommend Herts Ability, they were very friendly and exceptionally helpful."
Lisa Hall
"Learning to drive again has increased my confidence and given me a new lease of life despite the challenges.I would say to anyone considering vehicle adaptations to give it a go! My sincere thanks go to everyone at Herts Ability for their patience and professionalism and I can’t recommend them highly enough!”
Anthony Morris
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