Your Ultimate Guide to Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Technology keeps getting better, especially for those who have trouble getting around.  

Electric mobility scooters for adults and wheelchairs are changing lives by giving people more freedom and the ability to move around easily.  

However, picking the right one is important because it affects your daily life and how you feel overall.  

In this guide we will cover all the essential things to consider about when you are choosing the perfect electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. 

Let’s get you moving! 

1. Electric Wheelchair 

Powered wheelchairs are battery-powered and are intended for those who require full-time mobility support.  

They are often utilized indoors or in more controlled conditions since they are intended to easily negotiate confined places.  

Here are some essential characteristics of electric wheelchairs: 

Electric Power 

Electric wheelchairs are powered by a strong electric motor.  

This dependable source of propulsion assures smooth and effortless movement, removing the need for manual pushing and decreasing strain on users.  

Customisable Controls 

Electric wheelchairs provide users with customised control choices, allowing them to discover the most comfortable and convenient manner to use the chair.  

Individual requirements are met via joystick controllers, button panels, and even head or chin control devices.  

Manoeuvrability 

Electric wheelchairs feature smaller wheels and a narrower turning radius than mobility scooters, making them simpler to manoeuvre in compact areas. 

Weight Capacity 

Lightweight electric wheelchairs are often built to accommodate a greater weight capacity than mobility scooters, making them suited for bigger persons. 

Convenience 

Electric wheelchairs feature enhanced ergonomic designs, incorporating adjustable armrests and footrests to ensure optimal comfort during extended periods of use. 

Safety Features 

Safety features on electric wheelchairs include anti-tip protection, seatbelts, and automated braking systems.  

These features improve user safety, offering both users and caretakers peace of mind. 

2. Mobility Scooters  

Mobility scooters, which are likewise powered by batteries, are intended for those who require mobility aid but do not require full-time help.  

Because they feature larger wheels and a more powerful motor, they are often utilised outdoors or in more open locations.  

Here are some major characteristics of mobility scooters: 

Ergonomic Design 

Mobility scooters are developed with the user’s comfort in mind.  

Adjustable seats, armrests, and handlebars allow for a personalised fit for each user. This ergonomic design eliminates pain during prolonged use. 

Long- Lasting Battery 

High-quality electric scooter for adults in UK come with long-lasting batteries that allow for more travel distance per charge.  

Users may go about their business without worrying about regular recharges. 

Speed 

For outdoor mobility needs, mobility scooters often feature a higher top speed than electric wheelchairs, ensuring optimal performance. 

Range 

Mobility scooters can travel farther than electric wheelchairs, making them perfect for people who need to travel farther. 

Stability 

On uneven surfaces, mobility scooters provide enhanced stability due to their broader base and lower centre of gravity compared to electric wheelchairs. 

Portability and Storage 

Some mobility scooters are intended to be readily dismantled for transit or storage.  

This function is very handy for individuals who need to take their scooter on excursions or have limited storage space at home. 

Final Thoughts  

Selecting the right mobility solution, whether it’s an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter, requires a personalized approach.  

It’s essential to take into account your specific requirements, such as your financial plan, lifestyle, and the surroundings where you’ll utilise your mobility vehicle.  

At Smart Scooters, we provide a diverse selection of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs in UK, crafted to cater to your unique necessities.

Top 6 Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in London

For physically impaired users, we develop and produce a variety of wheelchair ramps that they can use in their homes or even transport. 

As we know it’s critical to consider accessibility concerns when organising any day or weekend vacation, especially if you’re going to a bustling location like London. In light of this, we have created our London accessibility guide, which lists the top 6 attractions in London that feature ramps for lightweight wheelchairs in the UK or mobility scooters.

Access The British Museum with your Wheelchair

The British Museum is a fascinating site to visit if you want to get up close and personal with Ancient Egyptian Mummies because it is filled with beautiful artefacts from around the world. Every day from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, the British Museum is open, and all the cafes and eateries in the museum are wheelchair accessible. The building has level access at the Montague Place entrance and is largely step-free. Additionally, there are restrooms with wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and informative audio guides. The British Museum is surrounded by four underground stations, each of which is a 10-minute walk away. However, since Tottenham Court Road is the only station of the four that is entirely accessible, getting out at that location is your best bet if you decide to take the underground.

Ramps, Ramps, Ramps at National Gallery

The National Gallery is a great site to visit and offers four step-free entrances for individuals who need a ramp. It boasts a fascinating collection of paintings that date from the 13th to the 19th Century. There are ramps for the disabled at the front of the theatre if you’re going to a talk. The closest station having step-free access from the platform to street level is Westminster Station on the Jubilee Line if you plan to travel by public transportation. Take buses 12, 24, 88, or 453 from there. Contact the National Gallery by phone at 020 7747 2590 or email at information@ng-london.org.uk if you have any additional queries or concerns.

Lift your Wheelchair to Tower Bridge

You might be shocked to hear that Tower Bridge, one of the most recognisable bridges in the city and a recognisable icon, is entirely accessible. You can begin from the bridge or the engine rooms because a lift connects them. Additionally, wheelchairs can be borrowed. Some darker areas in the tower might be challenging to travel through because some rooms in the building are only lit by natural light.

Free Wheelchairs at Buckingham Palace

This fully operational royal palace, which serves as the Queen’s residence, has a summer opening that must not be missed. If you need a wheelchair for your visit, you may reserve one for free, thanks to the Wheelchair and step-free entrance. In the Quadrangle, the Garden, and inside the Palace, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. Visit the “Access and Mobility” page at Buckingham Palace.

ZSL London Zoo, A Wheelchair friendly paradise

Who doesn’t enjoy a fun excursion to the zoo? It is difficult to top if it is as good as London Zoo. Wheelchair users can explore much of the zoo, and for the best vantage point, they can even take a lift up to a viewing platform over Tiger Territory. Wheelchair users can reach the Aquarium, the storied Lubetkin penguin pool, and the Land of the Lions. Additionally, there are six accessible parking spaces, and wheelchairs are available to hire for a deposit of £25 that will be returned to you after your stay. Due to limited availability, they advise that you reserve your electric wheelchairs in advance.

Plenty of lifts at The Shard

The Shard is London’s more recent and cutting-edge landmark. With lifts throughout, the 310-meter glass tower provides a step-free experience. From the street, elevators lead to the first-floor ticket office, the viewing platform on Level 69, and the outdoor Skydeck on Level 72. Additionally, you can rent a wheelchair there for the day. All of the staff is constantly trained in disability awareness so they can help you with any issues you might encounter. Registered caregivers are entitled to free admission along with guests with disabilities, who pay a reduced fee.
Read more: Types of Wheelchairs and Their Benefits

Folding Mobility Scooters in the UK- Helps you Maintain Independence

Folding Electric Mobility Scooter which is simply a mobility scooter that can easily fold up for easy storage or even travelling purpose. Folding mobility scooters have certain advantages in comparison to other mobility scooters. If you are thinking it will be heavy and much harder to carry. Then you are wrong because folding scooters are probably easy to lift and also it is easier to carry. 

Certain benefits of these type of scooters is 

• Can be easily stored wherever you want to.
• Can be pulled like a suitcase.
• Even easy to fold. 
• Easy to Transport 
• Inexpensive to purchase
• Do not look like medial equipment

Using a mobility scooter can surely allow one to exercise a greater level of independence with comfort. This enhances the quality of life and inclusion. The folding scooters are beautifully designed that when folded it seems like a suitcase on wheels. You can get these electric wheelchairs in the UK anywhere at shops offline and even online. 

Now talking further on types of folding mobility scooter. Two types of folding mobility scooter available.

• Manual
• Automatic 

Now, one must get confused regarding which one is better? Find the answer below 

Manual or Automatic 

What is a Manual Folding Mobility Scooter?

These scooters can be easily folded into smaller sizes, making them easier to carry. They are even easy for storage and transport purposes. Manual scooters are comparatively cheaper than automatic ones. 

What is an Automatic Folding Mobility Scooter?

These scooters fold with the flick of a button automatically.  Automatic scooters have more features than the simple manual model and thus higher the price, giving more comfort and convenience. So for those who lack strength to fold mobility scooters themselves automatic will be the better choice. 

Choose the Right Scooter For You Keeping in Mind These 6 things:

1. Check the weight by carrying these foldable scooters whether you would be able to easily carry it or not. 
2. Lightest foldable scooter may have a weight of 31-32 kgs.
3. Don’t forget to check the seat width and accordingly choose the best and comfortable one for you. 
4. Armrests can be a good support while driving a mobility scooter, so even check that while choosing. 
5. Before finalizing which one to opt for, make sure to keep in mind all of your requirements in cinderation. 
6. Buy the scooter where you can easily store it. 

While using a Scooter 

Here are eight things one need to take care of and better to keep in mind while using mobility scooters in the UK,

1. It is not allowed to carry another person on a mobility scooter. 
2. One does not need insurance for a mobility scooter. But it is highly recommended to have something at time of damage to scooter or cause any injury etc
3. Lightweight mobility scooters are not for use on roads except for some exception points.
4. It is best managed on flats and can be cope up on hills by inclining the equipment on 10 degrees. 
5. Mobility scooters should be regularly serviced to get best out of it and prevent accidents or any kind of ultimate breakdowns. 
6. It is much recommended to keep the scooter covered or under a canopy is essential as water on a mobility scooter can cause both electronic and mechanical damage to a scooter 
7. The most common breakdown problem with a mobility scooter is the battery so take care of it properly.
8. Also, the ignition switch is a part which may need attention so it is better to check once in a while.

Tips to choose a comfortable powered wheelchair

An electric or power wheelchair is appraised as a magnificent way for enhancing the mobility and the people will get independence to use them. The electric motor or battery integrated into the power chairs can be easy to manipulate by using the joystick. It was designed with a seat, motors, wheels and an electronic controller for improving the convenience level of the users. The mobility furniture company has manufactured the wheelchairs that can be customized to your requirements.

As there is a wide range of wheelchairs are available in today’s market, so you have picked out the one in accordance with your needs and budget. While going to buy the power wheelchair you have to analyze some important categories that are mentioned below:

Understand Your Needs:

At home, most of the peoples are a walk with his or her assistance and the power wheelchair may be needed while going out of the house. If you decided to buy a wheelchair, better you have to go and visit an occupational therapist, who has the ability to provide you a professional assessment. They will give you the right advice for determining the best power wheelchair.

The features and specifications integrated into the wheelchair will promote the users to sit, stand and walk. 

Looking For A Travel/Portable:

Are you going to buy a power wheelchair for travel or portable purpose? Nowadays, there are wide varieties of advanced features are available in the market, you have to check out the one according to your health condition. If you cannot able to stand and walk for a short distance, you have to prefer the power wheelchair with extra features. Nowadays, the travel electric wheelchairs are introduced with front or rear-wheel drive that can be easily folded by removing the base, seat, and battery.

Wheelchair With Additional Features:

The people, who are all spending most of their time on a wheelchair, have to invest some extra amount for buying the additional features electric wheelchair. They must have excessive padding and support for relieving pressure on muscles and joints. In these days, you can able to find out the ideal powered wheelchair with a lot of backrests, cushions, supports, and seats according to your preferences and needs.

Full-Sized Electric Chairs:

A full-size electric wheelchair is considered as the better choice for the people, who cannot able to stand and walk. It has been manufactured with footrests, extra padding, armrests as well as footrests for comfort. If you have a plan to travel for a long distance, the battery should be recharged fully before going out.

Analyze Your Height And Weight:

Initially, you have to make sure about your height and weight accurately for buying the right electric wheelchair. The need for the wheelchair may get varied by your physical appearance. Then you have to analyze the drive self-propelled Lightweight wheelchairs UK for maintaining your stability and balance in the chair.

Where To Store?

The electric wheelchair should be placed in a dry and secure place, where you can charge your battery easily. The storage location of the wheelchair has been the same as that of the mobility scooter. While keeping your electric wheelchair in the outside world, it should be covered with a waterproof cover for protecting it from wind or heat.

It may have a chance to get damaged if you keep it in the rain or heavy wind. The wheelchair used for the outside world will be designed with high durability and quality materials, so it has to be keeping it in a shed.

Make use of this information, if you want to know the guidelines for choosing the right electric wheelchair.

Here are some great folding electric wheelchairs for your car you can consider

With the help of technology, you can now roam about independently wherever needed, irrespective of your mobility issues. One way that is possible is with the help of folding electric wheelchairs that can fit in the boot of your car. You can get one based on your requirements and can travel wherever you want to go with it. Here are some electric wheelchairs that you can use to keep yourself mobile and enjoy life just as you would if you didn’t have mobility issues.

Compact Folding Electric Wheelchairs

If you want an electric wheelchair that can be used daily and also be taken on holidays, then the Drive Smart 4 Folding scooter is the best option for you. This can be folded or unfolded in a matter of just 12 seconds and is extremely compact and easy to carry. You can also use this scooter to carry it in the boot of your car as it weighs only about 27.5 kilos. With this wheelchair, you can go on day trips wherever you want. This wheelchair can be charged using any traditional plug.

Lightweight Foldable electric wheelchairs

For those of you who prefer having a wheelchair that is comfortable yet sturdy, you can opt for the Pride i-Go Folding Power Chair. This is a little bigger sized lightweight electric wheelchair but it can be folded into a size that can fit into the boot of a car. It features front suspension, under seat storage, durable seating system and much more. The Pride i-Go Folding Power chair can handle weights of people upto 120 kgs.

Electric Wheelchairs that can be taken apart

In the market, you will also find electric wheelchairs that can be taken apart and reassembled wherever needed. This wheelchair has all the electronics in one box and can be stored away to be used whenever the need arises. These wheelchairs too, can be placed into the boot of the car whenever needed.

Folding Mobility scooters that can fit in your car

Till now, we were talking about Electric Wheelchairs UK. However, there are also mobility scooters that can be folded into the back of your car. For those who are confused, mobility scooters are generally used outdoors while electric wheelchairs are generally for domestic use. For those of you who like to go on long trips, you can look at a foldable mobility scooter which you can carry in a car. These can be really handy especially in places where you need to travel long distances.

Having said all of this, you can get the best electric wheelchairs here in the UK from Smartscooters, the best online retailer for mobility devices and other accessories. Now, going on a long drive will never be difficult for those who have mobility issues.

Buying an electric wheelchair? Here is what you should consider

In the market these days, there are many types of electric wheelchairs that you can choose from. However, you need to ensure that you get the right wheelchair just according to your requirements. This is because an electric wheelchair is a big investment- it has to be according to your requirements. If you get one which isn’t, you may not be comfortable with it or the wheelchair may malfunction if you do not use it properly. To get the right Lightweight Electric Wheelchair you can follow these points and check everything in the list to ensure that you get the right wheelchair for yourself.

Wheelchair dimensions

The wheelchair should be able to accomadate your body. You should look at its dimensions carefully to know whether you can fit in it comfortably or not, especially if you have a heavy bottom which will necessitate a wider width chair. The Wheelchair should also be able to move across all doors and hallways.

Weight capacity

All wheelchairs have a specific weight capacity. You should ensure that the wheelchair that you choose is able to carry your weight and also the weight of some of the goods that you add to it. Choose a wheelchair from a reputed model which comes with a warranty.

Battery range

If you are going to use your wheelchair a lot throughout the city, you need to ensure that you have one with good battery life. This varies greatly between models fluctuating widely between 10-25 miles per charge. However, there are many variables that can affect the battery life, so do inquire about this beforehand so that you can take proper care of your electric wheelchair.

Speed

If you are planning to take a wheelchair where you are going to move long distances, you do need to see how fast the wheelchair actually is. You can opt for a model which offers a speed of 8.5 miles per hour or something in that range which can help you get around quickly.

Portability

If you want a wheelchair which can be transported easily, there are many options in the market where you can assemble and disassemble the electric wheelchair whenever needed. These are great if you want to travel a lot and use your wheelchair wherever you go. Do check the wheelchair and how it can be assembled and disassembled so that you can carry it whenever needed. There are many brands which offer such electric wheelchairs, do take a look and choose one based on your requirements.

Turning Radius

The turning radius means the amount of free space the wheelchair has to make a complete 360 degree turn. There are many features that can affect the turning radius from the footrest to the size of the seat. There are three types of electric wheelchairs- front, mid and rear wheeled ones. Generally, mid and front wheeled drive chairs have a turning radius between 20 to 30 inches while rear wheeled ones have 40 inches or more.

Having said all of this, once you check all the features of the electric wheelchair and then choose one based on your requirement, this will be one of your biggest investments and also your biggest convenience. If you are still unsure about your Mobility Chairs do consult an expert who can help you choose one based on your requirements.

In the market these days, there are many types of electric wheelchairs that you can choose from. However, you need to ensure that you get the right wheelchair just according to your requirements. This is because an electric wheelchair is a big investment- it has to be according to your requirements. If you get one which isn’t, you may not be comfortable with it or the wheelchair may malfunction if you do not use it properly. To get the right Lightweight Electric Wheelchair you can follow these points and check everything in the list to ensure that you get the right wheelchair for yourself.

Wheelchair dimensions

The wheelchair should be able to accomadate your body. You should look at its dimensions carefully to know whether you can fit in it comfortably or not, especially if you have a heavy bottom which will necessitate a wider width chair. The Wheelchair should also be able to move across all doors and hallways.

Weight capacity

All wheelchairs have a specific weight capacity. You should ensure that the wheelchair that you choose is able to carry your weight and also the weight of some of the goods that you add to it. Choose a wheelchair from a reputed model which comes with a warranty.

Battery range

If you are going to use your wheelchair a lot throughout the city, you need to ensure that you have one with good battery life. This varies greatly between models fluctuating widely between 10-25 miles per charge. However, there are many variables that can affect the battery life, so do inquire about this beforehand so that you can take proper care of your electric wheelchair.

Speed

If you are planning to take a wheelchair where you are going to move long distances, you do need to see how fast the wheelchair actually is. You can opt for a model which offers a speed of 8.5 miles per hour or something in that range which can help you get around quickly.

Portability

If you want a wheelchair which can be transported easily, there are many options in the market where you can assemble and disassemble the electric wheelchair whenever needed. These are great if you want to travel a lot and use your wheelchair wherever you go. Do check the wheelchair and how it can be assembled and disassembled so that you can carry it whenever needed. There are many brands which offer such electric wheelchairs, do take a look and choose one based on your requirements.

Turning Radius

The turning radius means the amount of free space the wheelchair has to make a complete 360 degree turn. There are many features that can affect the turning radius from the footrest to the size of the seat. There are three types of electric wheelchairs- front, mid and rear wheeled ones. Generally, mid and front wheeled drive chairs have a turning radius between 20 to 30 inches while rear wheeled ones have 40 inches or more.

Having said all of this, once you check all the features of the electric wheelchair and then choose one based on your requirement, this will be one of your biggest investments and also your biggest convenience. If you are still unsure about your Mobility Chairs, do consult an expert who can help you choose one based on your requirements.

Now, You Can Vroom Around Town In A Cabin Car Mobility Scooter

Now, you can vroom around town in a cabin car mobility scooter

For those of you who are immobile due to health reasons, now is a time to rejoice. Mobility Solutions, a world leader in the manufacture of products for the immobile, has just launched and delivered its first ‘cabin car’ Portable Mobility Scooter.

This scooter, delivered to a Mrs. Jordan in Knightswood, Glasgow, UK is the world’s first mobility scooter that lets you see the rear of the vehicle with the help of reverse camera parking sensors. However, this is not just any regular mobility scooter. It is a mobility scooter with all the comforts of a car like a central heating system, remote central locking and others. In fact, many people may mistake it for a small car at first glance.

Let us see why this new cabin car is a great way to stay independent for those with mobility issues.

why opt for a cabin car?
The cabin car has been designed to perfectly meet the needs of its target audience i.e., those with mobility issues. It comes with a range, ease of control, upgraded batteries and other features that makes it one of the best options for a mobility vehicle.

How does it improve your life?
The small cabin car mobility scooter has been specifically designed to solve all the issues faced by those with mobility issues. It also has extra large mirrors and reverse cameras so that the user does not need to exert himself while using the car. With the help of the heater, the user does not need to worry about temperature induced illnesses or conditions anymore.

For how long can the cabin car be driven?
The electric powered cabin car mobility scooter can be driven for a total of 22 miles on a single charge. You can upgrade this to 30 miles if you opt for 100Ah batteries as against the 75 Ah batteries available currently. The cabin car mobility scooter is powered by a powerful 1400w motor.

What kinds of discounts/rebates can I get with this cabin car mobility scooter?
As this is designed as a mobility scooter from the start, you can avail of the Class 3 Regulations for mobility products. This essentially means that you do not need a driving license, do not have to pay tax or pay insurance for the product.

In the end, this is a vehicle that can be a great boon for anyone who lives independently but has mobility issues. He or she can stay safe and use the vehicle for running short errands and using the vehicle lightly. This is a great alternative against buying a car and spending on taxes, insurance and parking for it.

Getting Truly ‘smart’- How Cities Are Making The Disable’s Lives Better

Every city in the world is aspiring to become a ‘smart city’. This means using cutting-edge technology and products to make their citizens lives much better. They do this in many ways- improving the transport system of the city, identify and improve the drainage systems, ensure all citizens get access to electricity, water and sanitation and so on. Many cities are also ensuring that they are able to make all types of civic services accessible to all citizens, even to those who are disabled or have mobility issues.

The concept of smart cities has been around since the 1980s, with many cities trying to solve common civic issues with the help of technology. Nowadays, with technology being readily available and much accessible, it is expected that there will be a 30 percent rise in the services for smart cities by the end of 2025 across Latin America, Africa and Europe.

Helping disabled people to be independent

There are many ways in which a city can help the disabled and mobility impaired to be independent. One way cities ensure that those in Mobility Chairs UK are independent are through special buses which lower itself and which allows those on wheelchairs to board the bus with the help of ramps.

To ensure this, cities across the world are buying special buses which are disabled friendly and which can do what was done in the example stated above. For those with mobility issues, cities are allowing them to use Portable Mobility Scooters around the city based on the type and model of the scooter. If the model is high end, then the mobility scooter can even be driven on the roads while lower end models can be used on the sidewalks.

Other ways cities are ensuring a disabled-friendly environment is through the use of smart kiosks which can be used to get information of the city and to pay utility bills. These kiosks, which have been installed in many cities like Kansas City, Missouri have special text to talk features which can help visually impaired people use it. The kiosks also come with audio jacks if these people want to use it to listen to the instructions better. The kiosks are also height adjustable which means that those who are in a wheelchair can use them easily.

Like this, there are many ways in which cities have been ensuring that their amenities are disabled friendly. If this is done, only then will the city in question be truly a ‘smart city’. There are many start-ups and large Multinational companies who are developing technology that can help cities become truly ‘smart’. It is in the hand of the civic authorities and the local governments to ensure that they take steps in the right direction to ensure the disabled can have life without having to struggle a lot.

Planning To Go On A Cruise? Here Is What You Got To Keep In Mind If You Are Wheelchair Bound

For those who are wheelchair bound, going on a cruise can be a great way of exploring the world. Here, you are sure to get a lot of help from the cruise ship’s staff who have special arrangements for limited mobility guests.

However, not all cruise ships provide you this facility, many of them also do not have the disabled friendly rooms and restrooms in their ships. Therefore, you got to do your homework so that you can choose a cruise ship that will cater to your specific demands.

Room size

The sizes of the rooms vary from ship to ship. Some ships have nice and big rooms while others have smaller ones. Before you book your cruise, you need to ask the cruise operator what size room they can provide so that you can move around with your wheelchair in the room. You should also ask whether they are providing a wheelchair friendly toilet and bathroom or not. The room should also have charging points for your electric wheelchair if you are using one. To ensure that you do not have any nasty surprises, do tell the cruise operator the dimensions of your Lightweight Electric Wheelchair so that they can provide you with the best accommodation.

Getting Around on the cruise ship

In cruise ships, the gangways, corridors, and walkways can be pretty narrow. You can embark on the ship using cruise piers which are level or through an elevator. However, at many ports, tenders and gangways are used, and if you cannot climb the steps to the tender, you might not be allowed to disembark. Do confirm this with the cruise operator first before booking your tickets.

Getting help onboard the ship

The cruise operator can do as much as needed for you to have a great time for your holiday. However, it is also your responsibility to ensure that you tell the operator of your specific requirements so that they can arrange that for you. This has to be done well in advance so that there is no misunderstanding and nasty surprises when you are on the cruise.

This is especially true in the case when you are traveling solo. If you have someone with you, this can be a great way to make things easier.

Going on shore with your wheelchair

Agreed, the cruise liner ensured that you had the best of times with the best of disabled friendly arrangements. However, you might not be able to go on all shore excursions as these ports will use a cruise pier that will have steps. If there are tendons and gangways used then it will be quite difficult for you to disembark from the ship. To know of the complete details of each place that the cruise ship visits, you can contact the cruise ship operator who will let you know which places you can go to visit which allows you to disembark.

For those of you who are eager to see new places through a cruise ship, it can always be a great way to relax after all that you have been going through back home. Even if you have limited mobility, you can have a great experience on the cruise ship for your holiday, just ensure that you do your research well in advance.

Getting Truly ‘smart’- How Cities Are Making The Disable’s Lives Better

Every city in the world is aspiring to become a ‘smart city’. This means using cutting-edge technology and products to make their citizens lives much better. They do this in many ways- improving the transport system of the city, identify and improve the drainage systems, ensure all citizens get access to electricity, water and sanitation and so on. Many cities are also ensuring that they are able to make all types of civic services accessible to all citizens, even to those who are disabled or have mobility issues.

The concept of smart cities has been around since the 1980s, with many cities trying to solve common civic issues with the help of technology. Nowadays, with technology being readily available and much accessible, it is expected that there will be a 30 percent rise in the services for smart cities by the end of 2025 across Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

Helping disabled people to be independent

There are many ways in which a city can help the disabled and mobility impaired to be independent. One way cities ensure that those in Mobility Chairs UK are independent are through special buses which lower itself and which allows those in wheelchairs to board the bus with the help of ramps.

To ensure this, cities across the world are buying special buses which are disabled friendly and which can do what was done in the example stated above. For those with mobility issues, cities are allowing them to use Portable Mobility Scooters around the city based on the type and model of the scooter. If the model is high end, then the mobility scooter can even be driven on the roads while lower end models can be used on the sidewalks.

Other ways cities are ensuring a disabled-friendly environment is through the use of smart kiosks which can be used to get information of the city and to pay utility bills. These kiosks, which have been installed in many cities like Kansas City, Missouri have special text to talk features which can help visually impaired people use it. The kiosks also come with audio jacks if these people want to use it to listen to the instructions better. The kiosks are also height adjustable which means that those who are in a wheelchair can use them easily.

Like this, there are many ways in which cities have been ensuring that their amenities are disabled friendly. If this is done, only then will the city in question be truly a ‘smart city’. There are many start-ups and large Multi national companies who are developing technology that can help cities become truly ‘smart’. It is in the hand of the civic authorities and the local governments to ensure that they take steps in the right direction to ensure the disabled can have life without having to struggle a lot.