Mobility Scooters. Guidance Notes for Tenants

Transcription

1 Mobility Scooters Guidance Notes for Tenants

2 Mobility Scooters Guidance Notes for Tenants This leaflet provides a summary of our policy. A copy of the full policy is available on request from your local Housing Support or Neighbourhood Management Officer. It is also available on our website. The information relates only to electric scooters or electric wheelchairs designed specifically for outdoor use. It does not apply to lightweight wheelchairs suitable for indoor use. Shropshire Housing Group appreciates that tenants are entitled to a quality of life that includes the provision of full mobility, which embraces the right to own a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters were introduced to provide local outdoor mobility for people with disabilities who might otherwise be confined to their home. Due to the increase in the use and availability of motorised scooters, there are now increased issues in premises, which are not designed to accommodate such vehicles. What should I do if I need to get a mobility scooter? Tenants considering getting a scooter should seek the advice of their Housing Support or Neighbourhood Management Officer who can advise on such issues as storage and charging arrangements. They will also signpost other sources of advice and information, 2

3 including potential alternatives and can explain the process to seek permission. The demand for storage and charging space for scooters is increasing, and the identified space is increasingly limited, we cannot guarantee that a safe communal space can be made available when one is requested. Tenants who then wish to progress to have a mobility scooter that is designed for outdoor use must apply in writing to obtain permission to use and store it within one of our developments. An application form is at the end of this leaflet. What happens when I apply? Every effort will be made to accommodate all requests to have a mobility scooter in a development and permission will not be withheld unreasonably. However, as a landlord, we have a duty of care to all people who enter our premises. Therefore, before granting permission, we must carry out an assessment to ensure a safe, suitable area can be identified for storing and charging the scooter. The preferred option will always be storage in your own property, however, if this is not possible, we will try to identify an alternative safe storage area. 3 3

4 What does an assessment involve? The assessment will address issues including: Can the scooter be stored and charged within the user s property? If not, can adequate, safe and secure storage and charging facilities be provided within the building? Will the storage, charging and use of the scooter in the development present any risk, including fire hazard, to anyone in the building? Is the storage, charging and use of the scooter in the development likely to cause damage to the association s property? How long will my application take? The assessment will be undertaken by the Housing Support Officer or Neighbourhood Management Officer. If necessary, the local fire officer, or other relevant agencies will be asked for advice where appropriate. Any requests will be dealt with in a timely manner. Will I need insurance? Yes, this is essential. For permission to be granted, we require that Accidental Damage, Theft, and Third Party insurance cover is taken out by the owner/user. Evidence of this cover must be made available to us when requested. Failure to take out insurance will result in permission being refused. 4

5 Are there restrictions on using a scooter? We consider a scooter to be an outdoor vehicle. Use of these vehicles within our premises is restricted to access between the main entrance of the building and a tenant s flat or other agreed storage area. Only in exceptional circumstances will scooters be allowed to be used within premises i.e. corridors. You have a duty to exercise special care at all times when using the scooter in our grounds or premises, you should use the scooter in its lowest setting in these areas. What are the conditions if I am granted permission? Permission will be subject to an owner/user signing a mandate agreeing to the following terms and conditions: 1. You must exercise special care and attention at all times when using the scooter in our grounds and premises. 2. You must comply with the restrictions on the use of the scooter within our premises, as stated previously. 3. You must take appropriate Accidental Damage, Theft and Third Party insurance cover and provide evidence of this to us, at the time of permission being granted, and thereafter as requested. 5

6 4. You must maintain the scooter in accordance with the manufacturer s requirements, and only sealed batteries must be used. 5. You must charge the scooter in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. 6. You accept that use and storage of the scooter within our premises or grounds is entirely at your own risk. 7. You understand that we reserve the right to withdraw the permission for an area to be used for storage should it be required in the future for alternative use. 8. Permission may be withdrawn should a user fail to adhere to these requirements or should any subsequent risk assessment carried out at a later date indicate that the use and/or storage presents an unacceptable risk, and an alternative cannot be identified by us. 9. Permission may be withdrawn should any inspection undertaken by a competent authority e.g. Fire and Rescue inspections request the removal of such equipment from that location and an alternative location cannot be found by us. 10. If you cause damage to our buildings, you will be charged for any repair costs. 6

7 Application To Keep a Scooter Name:... Address:... Why do you need to use a scooter? Please tell us where you propose to keep the scooter and charge it: When do you want to purchase the scooter: Signed... Date... Please do not purchase a scooter before we have been in contact with you to approve this request. We will be in contact with you to discuss this soon. Once completed, please either hand this to your Housing Support Officer (if you live in a sheltered scheme) or send this form to: Shropshire Housing Group, The Auction Yard, The Gateway, Craven Arms, SY7 9BW 7

8 Equal Opportunities statement We recognise the damage that disadvantage and discrimination can cause. We are committed to equal opportunities and will take positive steps to ensure that you will not be treated less favourably than anyone else in your dealings with us because of race, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, class or age. Access for all... This document is also available in: Large Print Audio CD Braille Other Languages Translations available in: Traduction disponible Cyfieithu sydd ar gael Tłumaczenie dostępne Traduzione disponibile перевод доступный Contact Tel: South Shropshire Housing Association The Gateway, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9BW Meres and Mosses Housing Association Edinburgh House, New Street, Wem SY4 5DB Online Follow us on Facebook Shropshire Housing Group consists of the following organisations 01/2015