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Many people on foot will be kind and helpful to the drivers of a wheelchair or scooter, but not everyone!
In a crowded precinct, market area, or footpath
It is your responsibility to ensure you do not run into anyone or do any harm with your Vita Lite. While many
people will make way for you, you cannot expect
everyone
to do so. Some will appear to not even realize you
are there. They will climb round and even over your Vita Lite rather than allow you room to move. Also be very
aware of people’s feet.
When climbing or descending kerbs
Your Vita Lite will mount lowered kerbs, but you should always approach a kerb at right angles (90°). If you are
going up you should stop just short of the edge and select full speed. Then drive until both front and back wheels
are on the pavement, then immediately lower the speed. Kerb climbing in any other manner will lead to your Vita
Lite becoming unstable and the risk of possible accident and injury.
Watch out for
:
Children
– They may well run in front of you without warning. You may only be moving very slowly, but you could
still injure a child.
Elderly People
– They may be unable to quickly move aside to let you pass. Give way to them
Disabled people on foot
– they too may be unable to quickly move aside to let you pass
People with visual problems or impaired hearing
– Give them space and time
Other motorised vehicle users
– You may be doing all the right things. This does not guarantee they will do
likewise
When you need help:
You may need to ask people to open doors for you
Most people are willing to help, if asked politely. Don’t struggle to do the impossible or even the very difficult
things when there are people around who would help if asked.
Driving inside shops and buildings
This is where you have the advantage over car users! Not many supermarkets would welcome a car driving
round their store. But bigger shops and even some quite small ones are accessible to wheelchairs and scooters.
Once inside the store it is
your responsibility
to drive slowly and safely and not damage the fittings or the stock,
or injure other shoppers or store workers. You may need to ask for help. Again in most cases people are willing if
asked politely. Don’t risk pulling down a whole display to reach the top shelf. ASK FOR HELP.
Speed in shops and buildings
Reduce it!
– Drive at the slowest speed to avoid any accident. Be especially careful if you need to reverse, that
your way is clear of shop fittings and people
Please ensure you have read and understood everything in this manual, it has been put together using many
years experience to ensure you will get the best from your TGA Vita Lite and that you will enjoy using it.
Best wishes and safe driving.
Daniel Stone
Managing Director
