‘Menacing’ mobility scooter riders accused of taking over footpaths
MELBOURNE: Residents of a beach community have hit out at “gran racers” which they say are wreaking havoc – on their mobility scooters.
Locals in the retirement hotspot of Orewa, north Auckland, said scooter riders “owned the footpaths”, and described instances when their feet were run over.
They were speaking out about what they described as “menacing” mobility scooter users after a little girl was run over last month.
The 5-year-old victim received minor injuries after she was hit by a 91-year-old on a mobility scooter on West Hoe Rd in Orewa on June 27.
The median age of the Hibiscus and Bays local board area, which included Orewa, was 42.4 years in 2013, higher than the regional median of 35.1 years.
Leeanne, who didn’t want her surname published, claimed she witnessed the incident.
She said an “irate” mobility scooter user drove up behind three school girls and repetitively sounded her horn, before completely running over one of them.
“She tipped the girl over and went over the top of her. It was actually quite scary.”
After giving a statement to police, the woman “took off pretty bloody fast” on her scooter.
Leeanne believed there were more mobility scooter users in Orewa than other parts of Auckland, and a licensing system would alleviate any out-of-control scooter incidents.
“It’s just like being in a car, you have to be able to react.”
A woman who worked in a shop on Hibiscus Coast Hwy said there are a few mobility scooter users who drive as if they’re on the motorways.
Another local, who did not wish to be named, said he once had his feet run over while he was dining outside a cafe.
“I was stunned and used a couple of words usually associated with road rage, whilst the culprit carried on driving like nothing had happened.”
Some mobility scooter users lacked regard for pedestrians and “believe they are invincible and have absolute priority,” he said.
“Too many frogs in too small ponds.”
Eighteen per cent of residents in the Hibiscus and Bays local board area, which included Orewa, were over the age of 65 in 2013, which was higher than the regional percentage of 12.
ACC claims for injuries caused by mobility scooters have increased each year since 2014, with four fatalities and 458 claims made in 2018. However, it was not clear whether the claimants were drivers or pedestrians.
The NZTA website states mobility devices powered by a motor of up to 1500 watts are considered vehicles under law, but did not require registration, a warrant of fitness or a driver’s license.
There are no speed limits for mobility scooters, however the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 states users must not drive at speeds hazardous to pedestrians.
A police spokesman said there was no enforcement action available for mobility scooter speedsters, but anyone who injured someone while driving in a reckless or dangerous manner could face assault charges.
He was unable to comment on the Orewa incident as it was still under investigation.
