Mobility Bikes

[Lesley]

I know this is a post we have discussed before, but all leads have unfortunately been so far to no avail - but if anyone has a contact who can advise it would be most helpful? I have been emailing all winter various UK companies and Greek authorities to find a suitable supplier I can advertise to provide this much needed service but so far nothing......I receive via my website many enquiries but I have to say so far, no success.   Mickey, I work with in Sidari does hire out wheelchairs however I am looking for a Corfu supplier or a contact who will hire and provide a mobility scooter hire. Any ideas much welcome......

[vickyapts]

Hi Lesley,

George that lives in the apartments at Tsaros pool recently bought a mobility scooter.  I'm pretty sure he bought it in Corfu.  Might be worth asking him.  See you soon 

[Lesley]

Thank You Vicky Apts, Yes I believe you can buy them here, what I was hoping for was a supplier who would rent them out to visitors to the island so they would also service and maintain them.  So far can't find such a supplier but will keep trying.  Thank again for info.  Maybe one of the local Car Hire/Scooter/Quad companies would consider this as a service?

[tonyco1]

Yes - good idea - then Linda and I could rent one each for the week and stay up the hill!! LOL
(good idea seriously though - perfect for a bike shop)!!

[Lesley]

This could be not only be a good business proposition for someone, I mean how many more gift shops does one want, but a great service.  From my enquiries Crete does provide such mobility bikes for customers wishing to rent..  If there are none other on island, well I can't find) then it is a service industry to encourage visitors as well not only to the NW but all over the island. The major T.O's can't supply or don't have this service and always email myself or others for someone to assist/provide this service......I would be happy to advertise this service on my website for anyone providing their mobility mopeds and for for those requiring? Several hotels and suppliers of accommodation have now adapted rooms so I believe we can extend our service further.  Any ideas and contacts are much welcome.  You can always P.M. me.  Thanks

[cornishmaid18]

Having hired scooters regularly in Majorca we've looked around Corfu for the last two years since discovering San Stefanos - a manual wheelchair is hardwork, but doable - however, hubby hates being pushed up the steep bits of the village and we have never got further up the Romanza hill than Vicky's apts. This year we have bought a mobility scooter that fits in the boot of a car but companies ie Thompsons will not allow battery scooters on their transfers, even though it collapses and comes apart..flight yes, transfer no!
Consequently we have booked a taxi through Noula but are planning trips up the big hill in both May and August. He'll be fine, I hope I will be!

[Lesley]

But such a pity someone here in our village can not provide this service for you and others who would consider such.........

[tonyco1]

You can buy a couple of mid-range Mobility Scooters for the price of three mopeds,
I think it would be a good business idea for Spiros Bikes!

[Richard/Jackie/Nathan]

Why does this thread make me cringe and think of Benidorm?

[cornishmaid18]

I know you're only jesting and please don't shoot me down in flames, but it's probably because you've not been affected by the frustration of no longer being able to walk or having to be pushed or push someone you love in a wheelchair!

[Richard/Jackie/Nathan]

You're right I was only jesting and meant no offence!

[Lesley]

No really it is a serious thread and it would be fantastic if someone in the village could provide a (what is now in other resorts) a basic/simple request. I have been trying for almost 2 years to get a local moped company or others as I do receive requests via my company to provide a service for Corfu.  I just need someome who has the necessary paperwork/insurance and also foresighnt to be able to provide this so we can encourage our guests to come to this wonderful island and experience the local life which some of us take for granted. I am just feeling that to send after an email request 'sorry we cannot provide this here in Corfu' - not an option in 2011.  As before anyone with any contacts please p.m. me.

[Jimbo]

Just be doing a bit of research about this. I didn't realize there was such a vast variety of chairs and scooters available.

Looking at some disability sites - one problem is the highly variable needs people have -some can't use a forward steering column, for example. So it might be difficult to get a one-size-fits-all solution. If I were a care-hire company I'd be inclined to look at the issue and decide that only a specialist centre could cater for the range required.

According to the UK Government website, airlines are now required under the regulations to carry electric wheelchairs etc for no charge provided that the batteries are solid-state or can be sealed. This seems to me to an excellent bit of enlightened legislation.

A lot of modern mobility scooters will disassemble and fit in a car boot.

I know it's second best, but my suggestion would be to locate a taxi firm in Corfu that has at least one suitable vehicle for carrying scooters and chairs, and offer a guaranteed booking service. Also I'd be inclined to check up on the facilities for the disabled at Corfu airport, and if necessary kick arse. Then there's the slight matter of charging points - but that surely must be easy to organise; if a car/bike company could offer over-night charging for a modest cost, this would look nice and friendly, and not need vast capital expenditure. Or you could provide external charge points at properties.

But you've probably done all those things already. Keep us posted!

[cornishmaid18]

One or two points as unfortunately we deal with these issues on a regular basis.
Our experience of Corfu airport with Thompsons x 2 is that they are excellent..very helpful and accommodating - unlike Exeter! It remains to be seen whether Easyjet are as good - we will see!
Airlines will carry the scooters, but Thompsons will not allow tham on their transfers, even ones that come apart - hence our taxi booking..Noula didn't seem to think it would be an issue if it goes in the boot.
Scooters that are transportable are not, on the whole as powerful as others so it will always be a compromise and we are getting good at sussing out the gradient of a slope! - The Romanza hill may be a challenge though.
Charging isn't a problem as you just remove the battery and use a normal socket inside, though I have to confess security is a bit of a worry if leaving it outside, however we are downstairs at Margarita's so it will actually live indoors overnight. I'm just looking forward to walking at a normal pace this year...
it isn't until you have to push a wheelchair that you become aware of even the slightest slope or (even worse) the camber of a seemingly flat path - we had the family with us last year and took it in turns pushing up the path at Theodosia's!
Roll on half term and August!

[Gavlah1973]

Cornishmaid......

Make sure you get up to the Romanza one night for a meal as the sun is setting......superb food and a great location!