Where can mobility scooters be stored?
Storage within the home
Where it is possible, residents must store mobility scooters in their own flats/homes. This option may be limited to those with smaller scooters and where the layout of the accommodation is suitable.
Residents who store scooters in their flats/homes must ensure the scooter does not block fire exits. Scooters and chargers must also be maintained in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Storage in mobility scooter ‘buggy’ stores/designated communal areas
Where H21 has been able to provide purpose built storage for mobility scooters, we will manage and allocate provision as follows:
- Each court will have its own waiting list that details the issues particular to that court. For example, some storage facilities are not suitable for the larger models of scooters and buggies now available on the market. Residents should take this into account when considering purchasing a mobility scooter.
- Residents can request that they be added to the waiting list.
- Residents who are registered disabled will have priority over those who are not and storage will then be allocated based on date order.
- Residents may only store scooters in designated communal areas (outside of buggy stores) following a risk assessment (court and fire). Once these are completed, residents will be given written permission showing exactly where they can store the scooter.
- Residents with access to mobility scooter storage must use it for this purpose and failure to do so may result in the storage being offered to the next person on the waiting list. Anyone who no longer needs storage must advise their Court/Extra Care Manager.
- Residents must carry out an annual portable appliance test (PAT) on batteries and chargers and maintain the scooter in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Scooters must never be stored in a way that blocks or restricts escape routes (i.e. communal corridors); the main entrance to communal blocks or the main door to their property.
- Power leads must never cause a trip hazard, be trailed across floors or put through the letterbox of a property.
- Any residents advised to move a scooter from an area that is deemed unsafe must do so and failure to comply will be considered a breach of the consent agreement.
Alternative storage options
Where it is not possible to store scooters in residents’ homes or in communal stores/areas, and where there is a wait for purpose built storage, residents may want to consider alternative storage options.
Anyone considering purchasing alternative storage must seek written permission from H21 and meet the cost of this themselves.
Other options available include:
External waterproof covers
This option will depend if there is space outside which will not cause an obstruction and where a power lead will not cause a trip hazard. An external socket outlet would be required and H21 would need to carry out a risk assessment. Manufacturers offer a range of external covers but these can be limited in extreme weather conditions and do not offer protection from theft.
Manufactured scooter storage units
These are small, secure units with built in battery chargers. Normally for this type of storage, planning permission is not needed although residents will need to agree the location with H21 ensuring that they do not obstruct windows or block access paths. A secure power connection will be required and a level paved surface available.
Any external storage solution should be fully risk assessed and consider arson, location, fire spread, access/egress and maintenance.
