Mobility scooter safety under the spotlight
Research is being conducted into the useability and safety of motorised mobility scooters following reports of hospitalisations and fatal injuries.
Motorised mobility scooters are often used by older persons as a way of maintaining an independent lifestyle, often after ceasing to drive a motor vehicle. They have been identified as an important aid to mobility and independent living for older persons.
The group conducting the research, Monash University Department of Forensic Medicine and Accident Research Centre, together with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), are looking for people to be involved in the study.
As well as examining current trends in injuries, this research aims to conduct telephone interviews with current users of scooters 70 years of age or over to understand the reasons behind purchasing a scooter, the advantages and disadvantages of using scooters and any problems users have encountered.
If you use a scooter or gopher and would like to participate in telephone interviews contact Fiona Kitching – (03) 9684 4419, Fiona.Kitching@monash.edu; or Katharine Gibson – (03) 9252 1528, Katharine.Gibson@monash.edu
