Over the past few months, Mobility Buddy have been hard at work with our new showroom in Nottingham. With our ever expanding range of Disabled Scooters it became difficult to effectively display all of the range online. We know that buying a disabled scooter can be a very confusing and long process and sometimes you just need that extra bit of reassurance that the Scooter is right for you. There are also some people that prefer to see a Scooter before they buy as lets face it, there's nothing quite like that feeling of being able to have that tactile experience of seeing the scooter for yourself.



We get a lot of customers who want to know a lot about the scooters available and sometimes it is difficult to provide all the information that people need. Being able to speak to someone first hand who has the experience and knowledge to help you is vital and this can be even more helpful to speak with someone in person.



To answer some of these questions, Mobility Buddy has extended our Showroom in Nottingham, to provide our larger range of not only Disabled Scooters but Wheelchairs, Living Aids and general mobility equipment. This has allowed us to increase the range without becoming too confusing for you. Just like our Online Store, the showroom is organised into the different scooter ranges of Portable, Pavement and Luxury Scooters.



To complement our comprehensive range of Disabled Scooters and Wheelchairs, Mobility Buddy has a wide selection of Living Aids. All designed to make like that little bit easier, all of our living aids have been specially selected to be ideal for all areas of the home. We have grab rails for all uses including the bathroom, the kitchen or around the home. Recently, we have increased our range of rise and reclining chairs for comfort and support. You can find a variety of rise and reclining chairs that have functions for comfort and disability.



Here at our Nottingham Showroom, we have many friendly and helpful staff that are on hand to answer all of your questions you might have on any of the products. We have over 20 years experience in the mobility equipment industry so we know our products well and also our customers needs. We understand that buying mobility equipment can be an important decision so we make sure that your needs come first.



Visit our showroom for some amazing in-store specials, for example the Kymco Micro Mobility Scooter at a special price of £475. We will be happy to talk to your about your needs and provide you with the right Disabled Scooter or living aid. Why not pay us a visit at our Nottingham Showroom and see how we can help you today.

Most people's searches for Disabled Scooters brings them to either the Pride Go Go or the Shoprider Sovereign. Both fantastic scooters with great features and ultimately reliable. Not a bad word to say about them really and I've blogged about how customers reviewed the Pride Go Go before here.



You can quite easily see that the Pride Go Go really ranks highly in not only popular opinion but also for the number of places to buy it. Likewise with the more expensive but more sturdy Shoprider Sovereign. This is a very popular model for its excellent all-round ability thanks to the larger 10" tyres. Both of these scooters positive reviews are well deserved and are easily found in stores and online. However, we often get people asking about other scooter ranges.



If you were to do a lot of research for a quality and reliable Disabled Mobility Scooter, you would most likely come across the two I have already mentioned. Dig deeper though, and you might come across other less known scooter that are just as good and really make a good alternative. Just like buying a car, there are many manufacturers that offer quality and reliability without the big named brand. Two fantastic scooters that are as good as the Pride and Shoprider are the Little Gem 4 and the Kymco Micro Mobility Scooters.

Sterling Little Gem 4

Made by Sterling, a brand of Sunrise Medical, the Little Gem 4 is one of the lightest portable scooters on the market thanks to its removable parts. The specifically designed 'Gem-Lock' allows you to dismantle the scooter and easily pack away in the boot of a car. Although super lightweight, this is a very comfortable scooter with a newly added soft padded seat and smooth to drive. The seat also comes with lift up arm rests to allow you to easily get on and off the scooter.



The Sterling Scooters have over 30 years of manufacturing experience and each scooter goes through rigorous testing to make sure they meet the quality standards. With this quality comes reliability so you can count on your Little Gem mobility scooter to be by your side where ever you go.

Kymco Micro Mobility Scooter

Maintaining the portable scooter theme, the Kymco Micro mobility scooter is designed for maximum comfort and portability. Also consisting of parts that can be easily dismantled, the Kymco Micro is one of the most stylish scooters around. This is emphasised with the extra features of puncture proof tyres and very user friendly operating functions making it easy to manoeuvre and very reliable.



Just like a quality built car, you want to be assured that not only will you have a comfortable ride but that your scooter has all the reliability to get you to your destination every time. advanced features of a larger scooter. This reliability comes from years of Kymco manufacturing quality motorcycles so you know that every part is assembled to the highest quality and robustness. With a range of up to 13 miles you can be assured that this is no occasional scooter and can be used whenever you need to get out and about locally.



Not to dismiss the Pride or Shoprider scooters at all, but sometimes a bit more research can uncover some hidden gems. What is also to note is that the price tag doesn't always have to be high as well. Mobility Scooters come with a variety of different features and it is simple to get the right one for your needs. For starters, portable scooters don't come any better than the Little Gem 4 and the Kymco Micro.



If you're still having problems considering which is the best scooter for your needs, Mobility Buddy have a huge selection of disabled scooters together with helpful friendly advice. Visit us in store or online at www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk/disabled-scooters.

One of the news stories that has dominated all of the news pages recently, and might I add all over the world, is that of 90 year old Stanley Murphy on his scooter. Poor old Stan was found driving down the A27 on his Disabled Scooter doing around 8 mph in lane 1. He was later flagged down by a motorist and found that he 'took a wrong turn on the way to buy a newspaper'. It was a luck escape and highlights the need for awareness of the mobility scooter. Read more about this in this news article.

8mph Luxury Scooters

Disabled Scooters fit into one of four categories; portable scooters that are designed for quick use and being transported around, Pavement Scooters are more robust than the portable scooters and are designed for frequent use. Luxury Scooters come with far more features and designed to have a little bit extra and Heavy Duty Scooters that are suitable for prolonged use or carrying more weight.

Each of the different categories of scooter have features associated with them. Most notable is the speed that they are able to travel at. Portable and Pavement scooters require the scooter to travel at a maximum speed of 4mph. This is for obvious safety reasons and so that the user does not pose a danger to anyone on the pavement.

Luxury and Heavy Duty Scooters however, come with a switch that allows them to travel from 4 to 8 mph and therefore on the road. There are of course legal requirements for driving on the road, such as headlights, break lights and indicators. This also requires the user to be proficient in the highway code and of course not allowed on the motorway as in the article above!

For more information on the legal aspects of Disabled Scooters, read this page or Mobility Buddy's guide to Choosing Disabled Scooters.

New Luxury Scooters

With the weather warming up for Spring and the snow melting, we can look forward to the sunshine and getting out and about. That's why Mobility Buddy have introduced some exciting new Disabled Scooters to the range, from Kymco and TGA.

The Kymco Maxi is a fantastic luxury scooter designed for road and pavement use. It comes equipped with adaptive suspension providing great comfort and reliability, whilst taking the driver around for up to 25 miles. A must for anyone wanting to get around in comfort both on the road and around the shops.

Probably the most advanced and comfortable scooter around at the moment is the truly magnificent TGA Breeze 4 heavy duty scooter. Boasting features such as integrated electronics, active adjustable suspension and large leather seat, this scooter is suitable for all conditions and is strong enough to cope with a variety of different road conditions. A must for everyday use and flexibility and stable enough whilst on the road at 8 mph.

Remember a disabled scooter comes in a variety of different models and categories so if you are needing to drive on the road, make sure you have the scooter that is designed to do so!

Find out about our other new additions to the Disabled Scooters range at www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk

Three articles in the world of disabled scooters attracted my attention this past week. What is mostly interesting about them is they are very abstract and are based around three completely different situations but all involving a mobility scooter.

I take a lot of time to research new developments on our scooters that include reviews, press releases and of course articles from users of the scooters. On our site, we have many reviews that we like to provide to help people understand the scooter. These include detailed product information, customer reviews and some demonstration videos. The latter are usually from the manufacturers who demonstrate the scooter's features and how it can be used. I was amazed however, to find this video of a demonstration of a different kind for a Rascal Scooter:

Rascal Scooter Tricks

There was an interesting psychological study published recently, that described the effects of different types of training for using a mobility scooter and a user's ability to use the scooter. The details can be found in this brief synopsis. Although it did bring up that the type of training given can directly influence the ability of driving a scooter, it made me think about the need for what is similar to a driving school for scooters. I have blogged about this before (see this post) as there have been numerous articles in the press about accidents involving scooters seen here, and here. Although there is obviously a number of accidents involving scooters, to enforce a strict 'driving licence' for users could quite possibly put more restrictions of people's mobility. Users of mobility scooters are given a lifeline and freedom that they might not have and by making an enforced driving licence might restrict this freedom even further.

It is my view that the manufacturers and suppliers of scooters should provide all the help and advice that is needed to opperate the scooters effectively and confidently. When buying a disabled scooter, shop around for a supplier that can offer advice, a demonstration or even instruction on how to use a scooter. Many scooter suppliers often have a showroom, so go and visit them.

Last but not least is was this quite amazing story of a drunken woman who stole a disabled scooter from Asda and then tried to drive it nearly 10 miles to her home. After breaking a heel of a shoe on a night out, the scooter obviously looked like an attractive option for the rest of the journey home. Police later stopped her for driving erratically after 2 and a half miles where it was recorded she was two times over the legal limit for alcohol. Quite the disreagard for people with disabilities. Read the full article here.

MobilityBuddy not only provide a comprehensive range of disabled scooters, but also a sympathetic and understanding of our customers needs. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk.

It has been a busy week around the web for news on Mobility Scooters. One of the biggest stories is that MPs are now insisting on drivers of Mobility Scooters. It seems that the number of accidents involving mobility scooters has prompted the government to take notice and consider scooter owners to take driving lessons. Under new proposals, owners of scooters would have to 'prove' that they are capable of handling the scooters and that they would not pose a threat to the public.



Despite the media concentrating on the reporting accidents and at worst fatalities, the charity Help the Aged however, have responded to MPs that is was 'largely a creation of the media'. This was also echoed by the Department of Transport who maintained that it was not a major problem. You can read more about the article here or here.



On the lighter side of things, Charnwood Borough Council has purchased an all terrain Mobility Scooter in order for more people to enjoy a popular beauty destination around Loughborough, UK. Now the Helen Jean Cope Trust has bought a second scooter to allow even more disabled people to get around the 110-acre site of Special Scientific Interest. This is great news for people to get out and about to see tourist destinations. You can read the full story here.



One of the most popular pavement scooters has made an appearance on the popular video site YouTube. Pride Scooters are a great way of getting about and this short video below really shows how versatile and easy to drive they are:









Mobility Buddy have a wide variety of Mobility Scooters in their current sale including the most popular Pride Scooter. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk and get the perfect scooter for you.

In response to my previous article, about Trains and Mobility Scooters, things have developed even further with Human Rights activists getting involved. What all sparked this was a ban on Mobility Scooters on trains after a series of events a few months ago.



Details from The Chronicle newspaper, comment on how Human Rights activist Nancy Porter has claimed that the ban is in conflict with human rights and disability discrimination laws. The ban means that all people who have any kind of mobility scooters will not be able to travel on the trains. A spokesman for Metro trains, commented that they stood by the decision for safety reasons and don't believe it to be discriminatory.



There have been numerous incidents up and down the country recently where mobility scooters have fallen on to the lines and Metro trains believe that the ban will help to reduce the numbers of accidents on the trains. They have however, motioned to review the ban in six months time after a series of investigations into which scooters might be at higher risk for users and passengers as well as training for the Metro staff for assistance. Read the full article here.



Mobility Buddy provide a wealth of information and advice on Disabled Scooters to help find the right scooter for your needs.

One of the most frustrating things to happen in SEO and Online Marketing is seeing all the hard work suddenly disappear. There are so many factors that can be attributed to this that its hard to see which once could possible be the reason for the change.



Following all the rules so closely is a must for any SEO professional but the problem that we encounter every so often is that the rules can change or suddenly something that did have high value no longer has. The other problem, sorry I mean 'Challenge', is digging deep to find out what the cause of the change is.



I have a big client who is targeting the keyword 'disabled scooters'. This keyword had a great deal of success in the SERPs with a top 10 ranking in Google, MSN and Yahoo! In particular this keyword was continually improving until last week it suddenly disappeared! Frustrating to say the least and very worrying as it meant I had to analyse everything about the site, links and web analytics and seek out advice. However, thanks to a post here, I found it.



Google Webmaster Tool is essential for any website and SEO. Not only does it help with problems Search Engines have with the site but it gives a wealth of information about how the site is indexed and the problems that exist. From the blog post I rediscovered the feature of requesting the re indexing of a site in Google. A simple feature that can prompt Google to 'have another look' at your site. More details on this feature can be found here.



Having done this right away I also spent a few hours housekeeping on the site to check that all the content was OK, which keywords were performing well and checking for Title and meta tag errors. Despite the initial annoyance of all the hard work on 'disabled scooters' going astray, I found it such a useful experience to keep on top of the indexing stats and also to make sure that Google is happy.

Here at Mobility Buddy we're completely honest and open about our products and services, choosing to rely on quality of service rather than pressure-selling techniques. It seems that everyone else isn't quite so ethical however...



According to the August/September 08 issue of Assistive Technologies magazine: "Some companies are using high-pressure and unlawful sales practices to sell expensive and unsuitable mobility aids to vulnerable customers."



Which? secretly filmed reps from 11 different companies selling disabled scooters, adjustable beds and bath lifts to a 72 year old woman. Of the 11, 1 was rated good and 5 rated poor with a string of complaints such as offering discounts for buying straight away, free gifts as incentives and even advising on fraudulent insurance claims!!



Roy Hodgkinson, Director General of the British Healthcare Trades Association commented: "This highlights the need for members of the public to be alert to obtaining a good assessment, shopping around to find out prices, and to looking for businesses which do adhere to a Code of Practice like the BHTA Code which sets out standards."



We've been selling direct to the public for over 20 years now and pride ourselves on our caring, sympathetic and understanding approach. We never resort to these kind of high-pressure techniques to sell our products, have a read of our Customer Reviews to see what our customers have to say.



Echoing the above, if you are looking for a new disability scooter or wheelchair, shop around, find a company that you are happy with and talk to them directly about it. Any reputable company will have a direct line that you can call to talk things through... give us a call on 0800 107 8445 and see for yourself!

We were all quite distressed at Mobility Buddy when we read this article on the guardian.co.uk website.



As with every industry, there are always a few cowboys that are just our for making quick sales with no care or morals about their customers. The featured company the The Guardian article are obviously one of those that you'd expect to see on the Rogue Traders TV programme.



This kind of company should not be used to make all customers of mobility scooters put off purchasing one. After all, the mobility aids industry is all about caring for people and providing the means to make life easier. To help people through this mine field, we've proposed a 'Buddy' check-list of the things that should help people when thinking about purchasing a mobility scooter:

1. It can be a big decision to make and you need to feel comfortable with your scooter but also reassured that you can live with it long term. You need to know that the people you speak to are not pressuring you into a sale. Having a salesperson calling can be very intimidating, especially if they are on commission and have a limited selection of scooters.
   
   
2. Shopping on the internet can be a bit daunting for people. Knowing where to start and how to find what you are looking for can take a long time. However, there is a comprehensive amount of information available, including advice, help and product information about the scooters. It also means you can shop around and find the best price for your needs.
3. Once you've approached a scooter outlet, make sure you ask or find out about the level of service available to you. can the staff at the outlet help with finding the right scooter? Do they know the product range and is it extensive enough for you? Is there someone to call and speak to personally about your needs and can they help you buy rather than make the decision for you? Do they have a showroom available for you to see and try the scooter?
4. Once you're ready to buy a scooter you needs to find the best purchase option. Service levels vary but you need to find out if there is a cancellation policy and check the delivery prices or for any hidden costs. Buying a disabled scooter or powerchair can be very confusing. Prices seem to very enormously from company to company. Beware! Often the cheapest prices only come with a very basic warranty.
5. What is the after sales service like? This is a very important issue for you as you need to be assured that if something is to go wrong with your scooter, you can contact the outlet and they will make the repairs or servicing for you. When paying such a high price for a scooter this should guarantee an excellent aftersales service - many places do not offer this so always ask about this before you buy.
6. Above all, see how much they care about you finding the right scooter and how much care once you've bought it.

Disabled mobility scooters have helped improve the quality of so many people's lives. Making such a big decision needs help and care - something that any good shop will take pride in.



Mobility Buddy excel in their customer care and after sales service for disabled scooters and mobility aids. Mobility Buddy has a caring, dedicated, sympathetic and understanding team with over 20 years experience in supplying mobility aids.