All-Terrain Mobility Scooter
Did you know you can hire a Tramper mobility scooter, and scoot your way around the great outdoors?
Me neither! A helpful person at a Peak District information centre told me about hiring Trampers when I made an passing comment about my health. So when I had a flare up a month later I decided to give it a try. It’s been such a relief knowing that I can still get outdoors when I’m not well. It felt liberating!
There are a few charities that you can hire Trampers from, and some organisations such as National Trust have starting hiring them out at a few locations. I’ve linked all of these below, and will continue to update the list.
Countryside Mobility is a not for profit mobility equipment hire scheme base in the South West region. You can hire mobility scooters in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Wales.
You do not need to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use them, but you do need a membership. This is either £2.50 for two weeks, or £10 for the year. Countryside mobility says most of their partner hire locations do not charge a fee, but some locations may charge up to £2.50 an hour. Take a look at the hire locations here.
Lake District Mobility is a mobility equipment hire scheme that offers Tramper hire at locations in the Lake District and North York Moors. Similarly to Countryside Mobility, you need to purchase a membership of either £2.50 for two weeks, or £10 for the year. You can sign up and book online.
Morecambe Bay Partnership is a charity dedicated to getting more people in nature, and to connect with the heritage and culture of Morecambe Bay. You can book by using their online form, which you should send off at least 48 hours before hand. Their website also has a few routes you can go on.
Access The Dales was founded by Debbie and Andy North who have been advocates of disability access in the Yorkshire Dales for many years. The charity aims to break down barriers for people with disabilties getting outdoors by making all-terrain mobility vehicles available to borrow at different spots in the Yorkshire Dales.
The manufacturer of Tramper mobility scooters has a big list of public sites, stately homes and parks where they can be hired, including a postcode and telephone number.
And I found this really helpful map made by Jo Southall, an independent OT with Hypermobile EDS, Postural Tachycardia and Visual Stress.
A good tip - On cooler days, wrap up warm. Your blood isn’t pumping as much as when you’re moving. Don’t forget your gloves!
Have you tried using a Tramper? How did you find it?
