Just got back from a family cruise in the Caribbean and I couldn’t help but notice how many mobility scooters there were on board. What a great facility for someone who cannot get around that quickly – as honestly the cruise ships these days are just getting bigger and bigger. Special ramps onto the decks maybe everywhere on the ship pretty accessible – a plus for those who have limited mobility but still want to tour the world!
But it seems that everything that is good in life will at some stage be compromised and have people taking advantage of it. Here’s an example – courtesy Bruce Parkinson of Open Jaw.
“Spanish tourist hotspot Benidorm has banned people from using mobility scooters, electric scooters and Segways on pavements.
The ban applies to residents as well as tourists, who have been criticized for using the vehicles to get around even if they don’t physically need them.
The move is part of a crackdown on what has been dubbed ‘uncivic tourism.’ Barcelona and Madrid have already introduced similar legislation and other towns and resorts, including Majorca’s Palma are considering following suit.”
I couldn’t quite believe this so I did some digging and found this update on one of the Spain news networks –
“Rulebreakers face fines of up to €500 for riding mobility scooters on Benidorms pavements.
The civil chiefs of Benidorm are now bringing in new laws to ban battery powered vehicles such as mobility scooters from the pavements of the popular resort. Furthermore, anyone caught going faster than 12mph on a battery-powered vehicle will now face a fine of up to €500. This will include mobility scooters, segways, hoverboards and electric unicycles, even if the individual is riding in a cycle lane.
Furthermore, under the new rules, battery-powered vehicles will also need to be insured and come fitted with a bell before cruising the streets of Benidorm. While the laws were first suggested two years ago, they have finally been voted for in the seventh time. The next step involves a public consultation before it is written into law.
The rules come in a bid to ensure the safety of pedestrians in the area as there have been several accidents involving pedestrians in Benidorm. Furthermore, Alicante has issued similar moves. Consequently, Mallorca is considering a similar scheme.
The scooters have been known to cause fatal accidents including a 93-year-old woman who was knocked down by an electric scooter in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona. Another woman died after falling off a scooter and then being run over by a truck.”
Wow – so it seems that things are getting out of hand there. Shame for the people who really need a mobility scooter rather than these lads …
and these
So a few idiots have spoilt it all for the people who really have mobility challenges and want to see the world. 😦
The Travel Lady's Blog 
Sad for the people that need them. Some hotel resorts also have scooters for those that require them.
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Very true – the people who really have to use them get penalised because of idiots…. 😦
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Pity these cities couldn’t license the vehicles like we do for disability parking tags hanging on the dash. Doctors verify the need, and have stickers maybe to qualify the need for the scooters? Total ban seems really over kill. Lesley having just gotten off the cruise, did you also notice that alot, not all, seem to think they have the right of way? can just scoot in the buffet line, bypassing the que? and often really quite grumby? after 17 cruises, I have really noticed this way too often…Too bad a few idiots have ruined it for the lovely people that really need the scooters, so they can also enjoy their vacations.
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Hi Joyce, yes unfortunately like anything else in life you are always going to get the few rude people (disabled or not) who spoil it for everyone else. I guess it is just human nature. I did find that too on occasion with some people using scooters. But then again there were people not in scooters with all their faculties who would push in, skip the line and never ever say please or thank you…. oh my goodness – the human race today !!! 😦
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