for the safety of all our customers

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Cecil Logan
7 years ago
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1 do you own or wish to own a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair?

2 At Incommunities we recognise the value that having an electric mobility scooter can bring to peoples lives. We also understand that for many people it is an essential part of their daily lives. for the safety of all our customers Permission will have to be given by us for electric mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs to be stored in communal areas. Charging of these vehicles will not be allowed. This is because Fire Service recommendations inform us that charging and storing electric scooters in communal areas increases the risk of fire and also creates an obstruction hazard to fire escape routes. Recent fire risk assessments have also identified that electric mobility scooters are a potential fire hazard when stored or charged in communal areas or escape routes. Our aim is to ensure that where possible we meet the individual needs of residents who use an electric mobility scooter in order to maintain their independence. At the same time ensuring the highest possible standards of fire safety within our homes for all our customers. 1

3 storage of electric mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs Incommunities has no legal obligation to provide storage for electric mobility scooters and we are required by law (Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005) to reduce the risk of fire in communal areas and to keep them free from fire related hazards (for example charging of scooters). This is why we must make changes to how mobility scooters are stored because: 4 storage and charging of electric mobility scooters in communal areas would pose a significant fire hazard 4 electric mobility scooters must not be stored in any part of a corridor or stairwell that might reduce the escape width, cause an obstruction, trip or fire hazard 4 a corridor recess may be suitable for storage only (not charging), subject to a risk assessment being carried out by the Scheme Co-ordinator or Housing Officer and agreed with Incommunities fire safety section The best way for storing an electric mobility scooter is in a communal store or garage. However we know that such facilities are limited and many schemes or blocks of flats currently do not have them. Where a communal store is not available, the scooter must be stored in your flat or home. 2

4 types of mobility scooter motorised wheelchairs: These usually look more like a traditional wheelchair, but with sealed batteries and an electric motor. They are mainly intended for use inside a building or the immediate area. They are normally stored and recharged in the customer s home. mobility scooters: These are vehicles with three or four wheels and steered using a bicycle style handlebar. They are mainly intended for use outside. 3

5 did you know? Powered mobility scooters are defined as invalid carriages under the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations The regulations divide these machines into three classes: 4 class 1 covers manual wheelchairs 4 class 2 applies to machines designed for use on the pavement, travelling at speeds of up to 4mph. They may also be used on the road to cross from one pavement to another or where no pavement is available 4 class 3 applies to machines that can be used both on the pavement where, like class 2 vehicles, they are limited to 4mph and on the road where they can travel at up to 8mph It is recommended that you purchase a class 1 or 2 vehicle as a class 3 is unlikely to fit into your flat. Class 3 vehicles are required by law to be registered with the DVLA for road use. These vehicles will be licensed in the disabled taxation class and display a nil duty tax disc. Insurance, for use on the road, is not a legal requirement. The Highway Code contains an extensive section of advice for mobility scooter users and we would urge any customer who owns one to read it carefully. 4

6 In some schemes or blocks it may also be possible to consider the following alternatives (subject to available budget): 4 locally agreed outdoor parking options 4 provision of outdoor charging and tethering points charging points would be paid for using e-cards 4 purpose built store or conversion of an existing part of the scheme or outbuildings (These options would be subject to funding being available and relevant local authority permission being obtained) 4 it may be acceptable that certain scooter types (e.g. ones with detachable battery packs) can be stored in suitable locations providing they don t pose an obstruction and battery storage is carried out in the flat 4 it may be acceptable that scooters which don t have detachable batteries can be stored in suitable locations as above, providing they are not posing an obstruction and are not being charged in that area 5

7 do I need permission to keep an electric mobility scooter? Due to the increase in the use of scooters and motorised wheelchairs and limited storage, you must get written permission from the Scheme Co-ordinator, Housing Officer or Leaseholder Manager before purchasing a scooter. Permission is dependent on the appropriate storage facilities being available and the vehicle being insured. This also applies to anyone who has acquired a mobility scooter prior to the adoption of the fire safety in communal areas policies. The criteria for application under section 4.8 of the communal areas policy will apply when considering applications. We will not unreasonably withhold permission and will explore options for storage and charging with you. Where the demand for spaces exceeds availability in sheltered schemes, the Scheme Co-ordinator will manage a waiting list as it becomes available. 6

8 important points to note: 4 if you already have a mobility scooter please speak with your Housing Officer or Scheme Co-ordinator as soon as possible 4 if you are thinking of buying a mobility scooter please speak with your Housing Officer or Scheme Co-ordinator for advice 4 a mobility scooter with a detachable battery pack is the best option because it can be removed from the scooter and charged within your flat 4 always seek permission if you want to make any alterations or adaptations regarding access into your home 4 if you own a mobility scooter please make sure you conform with all legal requirements and have insurance most importantly if you own a mobility scooter 4 please don t store or charge your mobility scooter in communal areas - unless you have received our written permission to do so 7

9 visitors to your home with a mobility scooter If you are living in shared accommodation you are responsible for ensuring visitors to your home adhere to the mobility scooter criteria in our communal spaces policy. All visitors must find a safe location to park their mobility scooter. It must be outside the communal or shared areas and must not cause any obstruction within the premises. effective from Our fire safety criteria regarding electric mobility scooters will be effective from September for further information or to view our policies please go to 8

11 If you would like this information in any other format including large print, audio CD/tape, Braille or translated into another language please telephone v, CD/ Improving lives Incommunities w w w. i n c o m m u n i t i e s. c o. u k V1 04/14 Incommunities Group Limited is registered in England with Companies House No Registered address: The Quays, Victoria Street, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 7BN

SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY DIRECTORATE TENANCY & ESTATE MANAGEMENT POLICIES MOBILITY SCOOTERS

FINAL DRAFT SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY DIRECTORATE TENANCY & ESTATE MANAGEMENT POLICIES MOBILITY SCOOTERS REVISION SHEET Revision Number Last Review Date Planned Review Date Key Changes