Freedom 2023

FREEDOM

Thinking about getting abroad with your mobility scooter? We’ve got the complete guide

Introducing our new range of walking sticks and our award winning Amble shopping trolley

Competition: WIN an official Lake District National Park water bottle

Welcome to the latest edition of our Freedom newsletter

Since the last issue, we’ve been working hard with our transport partners, Northern Trains and Transport for London as we uncover accessible travel routes opening up across the country. In every corner of the UK, a world of accessible travel awaits and we hope to be your compass to navigate it all. There are memories to be made whether that’s picturesque landscapes, cultural landmarks, or hidden gems that have been made accessible.

Enter our free competition, discover the awe-inspiring beauty of our beloved Lake District National Park and find inspiration for your next adventure on page 17. If you’re thinking of going

abroad, we’ve put together a guide to understanding air travel with your mobility scooter on page 4 and we are offering free scooter passports to help make the process a little bit easier. But this issue is not just about destinations. In our customer stories section, we shine a spotlight on the individuals whose lives have been transformed by the power of mobility scooters. We hope these stories will inspire you to get out and enjoy all this summer has to offer.

On page 8 we celebrate the unique bond between scooter users and their four-legged friends. Discover charming tales of dog walks in the countryside,

unforgettable adventures, and the unwavering loyalty that our canine companions bring to our lives.

We’ve also just launched our new range of mobility aids including walking sticks and our Amble shopping trolley, with an exclusive discount for Freedom readers to provide you with even more mobility options.

We hope you enjoy reading and have a unforgettable summer.

Best wishes,

Daniel Stone TGA Managing Director

Air travel with your mobility scooter

You can travel abroad with our Minimo, Zest and Whill product range.

Air travel is becoming more and more popular for mobility scooter owners. Thanks to our Minimo, Zest and Whill family, you can tackle big airports with confidence and commonly drive your scooter or powerchair right up to the plane.

On arrival at your destination, you have the advantage of using your own familiar scooter with no need to hire a product that may not be entirely suitable. This means your independence is maximised whether you are on holiday, visiting family and friends or on a business trip.

However, it is important to plan well in advance of your flight to ensure the experience is positive and seamless. This needs to involve ‘pre-notifying’ the

Special Assistance department of your chosen airline and potentially the airports you intend to use outbound and inbound. By doing this you will also be able to understand what support services are available.

Assistance can be booked with the airline so on arrival the appropriate staff will be prepared and ready to assist you. Your airline will need to know details of your mobility scooter before flying to check it will be accepted on board. So, weeks before you fly, here are a few tips to complete so your journey is seamless and stress free:

Check with the airline and airports

• Talk to your airline well in advance of your holiday so they can arrange special assistance

• Ask your airline to explain the complete transfer process from arriving at the airport to embarkation

• Check the location of the special assistance receptions

• Enquire about fast-track security and special assistance waiting zone when airside

• Ask how and where your scooter will be stored on board an aircraft

• Supply your airline with the specification details they request regarding your scooter – model type, size, weight, battery type etc

• IMPORTANT – check which type of battery they allow on board

• Contact the airports you intend to fly

from and land at, to see if any special assistance must be pre-booked

• Research and review accessible parking facilities at the airports.

Checking your scooter before flying

• Make sure your scooter is in full working order or book a service

• Ensure your battery is fully charged and take your charger with you –check it works with different voltages. If not, you may need to purchase a voltage converter

• Locate and photocopy your battery certificate which will have been supplied with your manual

• Contact your insurance company to see if your scooter is covered abroad

Bring to the airport

• Attach a tag (such as our free scooter passport) to your scooter displaying specifications such as battery type,

scooter weight and size.

• Attach a print out of the folding instructions for baggage handlers

• A copy of your battery certificate

• Your scooter instruction and specification manual

• Your travel bag – an optional accessory for the Minimo

Additional tips

Tryb4uFly

This service operated by the QEF charity provides information and advice for children and adults with disabilities who are thinking about travelling by air. It provides individual cabin assessments, free information about flying with a disability and hire equipment to help make journeys easier.

Your rights to assistance

According to European Law 1107/2006, you have the right to assistance from the time that you arrive at the airport. This can include getting from a nearby hotel to the terminal entrance. Take time to look at airport maps before you travel so you are familiar with your intended route and can locate the special assistance receptions. Free travel tools

Get in touch with us for a free mobility scooter passport. You can attach to your scooter and it will display all you scooter specifications such as battery type, scooter weight and size.

We can also send you a free flight checklist to help make the whole process more straightforward.

Call one of our friendly experts on FREEPHONE 0800 540 4343 or email at info@tgamobility.co.uk

We’re working on accessibility with TfL

We’ve partnered with Transport for London to encourage independent and accessible use of the TfL network.

With careful planning, you can have an accessible day out in London, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere.

To help build confidence, TfL provides a free Travel Mentoring service that offers guidance and support to disabled and vulnerable people travelling around London. The goal is to empower individuals to travel on one or multiple modes and to develop their confidence to become an independent traveller.

In addition, there is a Mobility Aid Recognition Scheme which helps anybody with a permitted mobility scooter who

wishes to use TfL buses. They provide instructions and guidance on around getting on and off buses safely, enabling scooter users to travel with confidence.

TGA scooters approved for travel on the TfL network:

Suitable for TfL buses: Minimo, Minimo Autofold, Minimo Plus, Whill C2, Whill F

Suitable for the Underground, TfL

Overground and Tram Network: Minimo, Minimo Autofold, Minimo Plus, Whill C2, Whill F, Maximo, Maximo Plus, Zest, Zest Plus and Vita Lite

TGA team up with Northern to promote accessible travel

We are thrilled to be partnering with Northern who are providing greater accessibility on the rail network and opening up travel to areas in the North of England that may not have previously been possible.

Through its commitment to inclusivity, Northern is currently making more stations and trains accessible to passengers who find it hard to walk or use a mobility product.

By removing steps and barriers and increasing lifts and ramps, people can now travel from over 160 stations, on 28 routes, using their scooter or wheelchair. Whilst all powerchairs and wheelchairs can be taken on accessible routes, only certain Class 2 mobility scooters are permitted which include our Minimo and Zest scooters.

10% off scooters and powerchairs for Parkinson’s UK members

TGA and Parkinson’s UK are partnering to help Parkinson’s UK members maintain a sense of independence with our range of scooters and powerchairs.

Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. In the UK, around 145,000 people are already living with Parkinson’s. That is why TGA are proud to support every single one by offering 10% off new and approved used scooters and powerchairs.

As an extra thank you, we will make a payment to Parkinson’s UK for every scooter purchased to support their good work.

Keep moving at events nationwide with charity, Event Mobility

At TGA, we are proud to sponsor Event Mobility, a charity providing access and mobility at events nationwide.

Event Mobility provide hundreds of scooters for loan at events all around the country throughout the summer including Glastonbury Festival and Badminton Horse Trials. You may recognise the man in the photo from last year, and he was back again at Badminton this year!

Make sure your reserve your mobility scooter (£30 per event) or wheelchair (£10 per event) online to avoid disappointment.

To view all available events which will be running until the end of the year and to book your loan product, please visit eventmobility.org.uk

Scooters and animal companionship

For many people, mobility scooters mean they can independently own and walk their dog

It’s no surprise that 34% (10 million) of UK households own a dog. Our four-legged friends offer company and friendship, with studies showing that dogs can alleviate both stress and anxiety.

Many scooter users have discovered that their dogs give them a reason to get out. Despite walking difficulties, Karen Foxton (pictured above) has opened her world up to countryside peace and tranquillity thanks to a Vita X.

She says “My Vita X is a dream to drive. I go out on my own or with my brother. I always take the family dog Mojo, a twoyear-old red fox lab. Mojo loves running next to me when I’m driving either on or off the lead – he’s got used to my scooter quickly. Having a dog gives you a reason

to go out which is important.”

Lisa Vesty is another dog owner who uses her Vita S to explore locally. She spends time walking her two cocker spaniels away from other people in remote areas and woodlands.

Lisa explains: “For me, getting outside in nature is a huge part of my pain management, mental health and wellbeing strategy. We now go out every morning and enjoy the more rural and isolated public footpaths across fields and bridal ways. Absolute bliss.”

It’s not just Lisa and Karen who have expressed how vital it’s been for them to get out with their dogs. Lots of other TGA scooter owners have shared with us the positive change it’s made to be able to get out with their canine companions.

Lorraine with her dogs, Katie and Sophie

Trixie with her dogs, Seamus, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby Mick with his dog, Sasha

“Being outside, hearing the birds singing, breathing fresh air, it all takes you to a positive place. My dogs, Katie and Sophie got used to walking next to me on my Breeze really quickly, they weren’t bothered at all as it is quiet.”

“My Breeze allows me to go out on my own. Just Sasha, my scooter and I. Sasha needs lots of exercise so I drive around the local trails every morning. Being in the fresh air and enjoying the sunshine on a dog walk is such a tonic.”

“When I’m not in the arena dog training or competing, I can walk all four dogs on my scooter no problem and when pup Ruby gets tired, she jumps on the footplate. I simply couldn’t fulfil my life without a Supersport.”

“I can take my Breeze with confidence where I like, Skyla is able to trot alongside me. It’s great to watch her trot alongside my scooter, she really gets in the zone, almost like she sees the Breeze as another dog, so she’s part of a pack.”

“We were not getting out as much as we should. Now with my Whill C2, everything’s changed, I can take him on a lead around the village and let him off in the woods at the back. I drive my Whill with one hand and hold his lead with the other.”

“Before owning a mobility scooter I had been stuck indoors for over 10 years. Not any more, my absolutely brilliant Breeze has changed all of that. I can now walk my dog Molly 2-3 miles per day in Frith Wood.”

Poppy with her dog, Skyla Helen with her dog, Rolo Malcolm with his dog, Molly

to

when buying a mobility scooter

It’s perfectly normal to feel like you don’t quite know where to begin, or what questions to ask. You might be feeling uncertain about what’s involved in planning, and whether now really is the right time. And that’s okay.

Disabled GP, Dr. Hannah BarhamBrown suggests you “think big” when considering the options available. “What are the craziest things you can think of? Even if it seems completely unlikely at this stage, because a lot of us come to mobility aids at challenging times in our lives when it feels like everything’s kind of shutting down around us,” she says.

What are your must-haves? What are your nice-to-haves? Do you want something

that folds up? Or a mobility scooter that can go for long distances, on different kinds of terrain? Write down everything that comes to mind and see how it shapes up on paper.

There are lots of reasons why people decide to get a mobility scooter: wanting to maintain independence in your daily life; getting tired easily; not being able to walk long distances for yourself or with assistance; or finding that steps or stairs have become difficult.

When you’re thinking about your new mobility product, don’t forget the little things that can make a big difference in your daily life. Think about how often you take public transportation, how far away

What

consider

Important factors you should keep in mind

from home your appointments are, and how much weight you’ll need your mobility aid to carry for you.

Are there any inconveniences or obstacles you’d like a scooter to help you overcome?

Maybe this means taking an afternoon drive through the countryside, to a National Trust property, or on an active holiday abroad.

If you could have a feature or accessory, what might that be? Try a range of options first.

“I think one of the great things about TGA is they bring the products to you to try,” says Hannah. “So you’re not just travelling to a showroom and going that looks shiny, I will try that one, please.”

Speaking to a knowledgeable advisor can help you understand the options best suited to your lifestyle. TGA will bring a range of models to your home to try, with zero-commitment involved.

“That really helps you work out whether

it’s the right thing for you, because it is a very personal choice.”

Think about your environment

Think about where you’ll be taking your scooter. A three-wheel model is more manoeuvrable in tight spaces around town, while the bigger 4-wheel options are better suited to travelling further afield.

Consider whether you need it to go over different terrains such as grass, gravel, and mud. Do you need to travel on pavements or roads? How flexible does it needs to be in terms of charging? Are you able to charge at home?

Answering these questions will help you select the right option.

Stay in control

Next, think about how much effort is required for steering and operating the controls on a particular model. You may want something that requires minimal effort because it’s easier on your hands

or arms such as a wig-wag or a joystick control.

It’s important to make sure your controls are set up properly for you. Can you see all of the controls on your scooter? Are they easy to reach? Do you understand what each of the controls do?

Powering up your mobility scooter

How often you use your scooter will affect the life of the battery, as well as how far you travel each time.

If you’re just running errands around town or taking a short trip to the shops, you should have plenty of power. But if you’re commuting longer distances or travelling overnight, it’s a good idea to stop with some extra charge left in your battery so you don’t run out.

The batteries in most mobility scooters take between 8 and 12 hours to fully recharge. It’s important to charge the battery before using it again since extended use without a full charge can lead to damage.

The Breeze S4 has restored my independence and not wishing to over dramatise events, has given me my ‘life’ back.

I have already completed over 100 miles on my Breeze since getting it only four weeks ago. It has proven as good as its name... it quite literally ‘breezes’ its way through everything that it encounters.

I have been able to do so many more activities, that not so long ago were beyond my reach and physical ability. From supporting my local rugby team to joining the Warrington history society and not least attending my grandchildren’s school activities, life is full once again. My mobility scooter continues to revive my self-esteem and has shown beyond any doubt to be a most dependable travel companion.

When you hear people say the WHILL has changed their lives, it’s true, mine have given me back my independence.

I have called my Whill C ‘Aurora’, as it is a new beginning, and my Whill F ‘Pegasus’ as it has given me wings. Get a powerchair and get a life, that’s what I say.

My Whill powerchairs give me freedom. Something as simple as not having to ask to be taken to the toilet when going out for a meal. It probably doesn’t sound much but it is, if it’s happening to you. And you are sort of abandoned when the person you’re with goes and buys stuff. The other thing that gets me is when you’re being pushed in a wheelchair, people automatically talk to the pusher. Not with the Whill. Through the Whill, we’ve made loads and loads of friends as people have got to see us out and about.

Bob Littler, Breeze S4

Bob Littler

Carol Coley

Carol Coley, Whill F

My cool scooter means the world to me, it really does. It’s the most comfortable one I’ve ever sat on, honest to God.

I’m king of the road. Even though I’m fairly young, I don’t think about being on a mobility scooter. The looks are so modern I don’t feel embarrassed to be driving it. I’ve never had a scooter so good as this Vita E. My other one before my TGA used to bang and jolt me about especially as the potholes are so bad here. Once you’re stuck at home, you get stuck in a hole that’s very hard to get out of. There is nothing better for your mental health than being out in the fresh air. I think without scooters a lot of people would be worse off. Scooters are literally lifesavers. It’s a lovely walk around Landkey, we do about four to five miles a day. We wouldn’t be able to walk the dogs without it.

I’m over the moon with my scooter as it makes me feel ‘as happy as Larry’ because I can get out with my dog, Larry, on the footplate!”

A Breeze does exactly what it’s called – it ‘breezes’ you around. It opens up your world. I live on my own, however my daughter comes round regularly. We walk together and let both our dogs off to play. I wouldn’t be able to go with my daughter into the woods without my Breeze as it’s quite a way and bumpy and rough. The scooter soaks all the bumps up and there’s no problem getting through mud; I love the power. I drive around 2 to 3 miles each day and meet other dog owners who I chat to. A scooter, if you’re on your own, gives you independence to talk to people. I could go to the gate at home and wait for someone to come past but I’m not that sort of person. I find everyone on a scooter always waves back at me; it’s like being in a club.

Bernie Riley, Breeze S4

Bernie Riley

Roy Dyer

Roy Dyer, Vita E

Introducing our new range of Mobility Aids

Available instore and online at: www.tgamobility.co.uk

For over 30 years we’ve committed ourselves to providing quality mobility products of the highest standards to help our customers not just get by, but thrive. Which is why we are delighted to announce the launch of our latest range of mobility aids, which includes the awardwinning Amble shopping trolley and versatile range of walking sticks, including Jaunt, Roam and the foldable Yonder which folds down to just 36cm.

With these new additions, we aim to empower our customers with even more options to live life to the fullest.

Our lightweight and versatile Amble shopping trolley is the perfect mobility aid for any trip out.

With a weight capacity of up to 100kg and suspended wheels for sturdy seating,

you can rest comfortably, whenever you need. Easily attached or detached from the frame, the water resistant bag can carry up to 30kg at a time. Available with a white or black frame and four unique bag colours.

Our range of modern walking sticks are made from high quality lightweight aluminium and designed with the user in mind so you can have complete comfort, safety and support. Our sticks enable you to find your perfect fit with fully adjustable lengths. The anti-slip base provides stable traction and the use of high grade aluminium ensures its quality and longevity for many years.

Available online and in our TGA Showrooms in Sudbury, Suffolk, and Farnham, Surrey.

Jaunt £29 Roam £29

Yonder £45

Your stories: James O’Neill

Football fanatic scores for Diabetes UK with game-changing mobility scooter

Retired football stadium manager and Type 1 Diabetic, James O’Neill, 54 from Northampton, is continuing to volunteer and fundraise for Diabetes UK thanks to his TGA Vita S.

James used to be duty manager at Northampton Town Football Club until Diabetes complications stopped him. He’s even met George Best when Manchester United played Northampton in the FA Cup. However, 40 years of diabetic complications have taken their toll on James so walking is rather impossible. “I use my Vita pretty much every day to go to the gym. Even though I am disabled, I go to the Gym a few miles away on my scooter and do a lot of training. It’s enabled me to fundraise £4,500 for Diabetes UK at the gym and plan for

future sponsored events.”

James’ footballing days might be over, but he is now an ambassador, guest speaker and fundraiser for Diabetes UK, sharing his experiences on TV and in newspapers.

“People at the gym say: ‘I like your scooter, that’s different’. I love it because it gets people talking. I want people to see that TGA scooters are for everyone and that you don’t get any stigma. I also use my scooter to go to the shops, the garden centre and the park; it is my car. I have flexibility to go offroad and see nature. My Vita is out of this world, it purrs, and it doesn’t bat an eyelid going through mud and gravel. It’s higher than most and the wheels have big chunky tyres.”

Your Stories: James O’Neill

COMPETITION: Win an official Lake District water bottle

To enter, sign up for free online at: bit.ly/feelmoved

At TGA, we are proud partners with the Lake District National Park to encourage mobility scooter users to enjoy places they previously thought weren’t accessible.

The Lake District National Park provides 50 ‘Miles without Stiles’ inclusive walks for people who use mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids or who just want a lowlevel walk. We have scooters and powerchairs that will handle all types of terrain, including the Breeze S4 and Vita X. Awe-inspiring views, tranquil lakes and remote rugged landscapes are all accessible with the right scooter and the right advice.

Many TGA scooter owners have already discovered the joys of the Lake District such as Mychaela Green who says: “I really didn’t want to go home after visiting the national park with my friend, dog Nova and Vita scooter. I also took my Autofold scooter. It was amazing. We did over 45 miles in one week and visited everywhere – we shopped around Keswick, picnicked by Ullswater Lake, saw the stunning Aira Force Falls and even had a go over rocky terrain near Rydal Cave.”

To celebrate our partnership, we’ve got some Lake District Klean Kanteen water bottles to giveaway to 3 lucky winners! To enter, sign up to our mailing list online: bit.ly/feelmoved or you can email us with your full name and email address at social@tgamobility.co.uk and we can sign you up manually.

We have the perfect scooter to suit every need and budget

When it comes to finding the right scooter, there is so much to consider. Buying a mobility scooter isn’t an everyday experience, and if you’re just starting to investigate it, we know it can feel overwhelming. What do you need it for? Where will you take it? What level of comfort are you after? These are just a few questions that will guide you to your ideal choice.

Compact, foldable scooters are transportable and easy to store. They have lightweight, removable batteries for easy charging like the Minimo and Zest range. You can also fit them in the car boot, take them on a trip to the shops or even away with you on holiday.

Mid-size scooters offer more comfort and a longer range. The Breeze Midi range, for instance, offers all-round suspension and a front and rear lockable box as standard –perfect for storing shopping. The Maximo, meanwhile, is unique in this category in that it is foldable but has the comfort and leg room of a larger scooter.

Finally, our large scooters offer the most advanced comfort and with the most amount of space. These models are just as much at home on rough terrain as they are on the open road. You can even add a solid canopy for extra weather protection as well as many other options and accessories to tailor the scooter to your needs.

To find out more about any of our range, give our advisors a call on 0800 540 4343

Compact & transportable scooters

Minimo Autofold

• Max weight 18 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 10 miles

Minimo Autofold is the perfect fit, folding itself in one simple automated action, ready to load on a plane, train or car.

Mid-size scooters

Vita Lite

• Max weight 21 stone

• Max speed 6 mph

• Range 20 miles

The smallest and most compact of the Vita range, ideal for getting around town.

Maximo

• Max weight 18 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 12 miles

Offers the best of both worlds, compact folding practicality with full-size scooter comfort.

Zest Plus

• Max weight 25 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 20 miles

A perfect portable companion with excellent suspension. It easily disassembles into manageable sections.

Large scooters

Supersport

• Max weight 31 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 35 miles

With a proven track record over 30 years, the Supersport remains a loved classic with unique style and capability.

Breeze Midi 4

• Max weight 23.5 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 34 miles

The Breeze Midi brings you a host of high quality features and equipment including all-round suspension and a fully adjustable, rotating seat.

Vita E

• Max weight 23 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 25 miles

With an outstanding level of comfort thanks to its all-round suspension, ergonomic seat and pneumatic tyres.

Breeze S3 and S4

• Max weight 31 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 34 miles

The award-winning Breeze S brings you the ultimate in advanced comfort, performance and looks. Available in 3 or 4 wheel versions.

Scoozy

• Max weight 23.5 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 60 miles

Scoozy is a unique, modern take on the mobility scooter and powered wheelchair combined that can tackle a variety of terrains both on and off road.