Her Clydebank-based business is helping elderly and disabled folk do just that by selling second-hand mobility equipment — and providing an affordable repairs service for scooters and electric wheelchairs.

Recycle Mobility Scotland is the first company in the country to do so and has been a lifeline for elderly and disabled people who were unable to pay for new equipment or have their old ones fixed.

Since being set up in Clyde Shopping Centre eight months ago, Elaine has created three jobs and has ambitious plans to set up a mechanical and electrical training school.

The wheels are now in motion for the business to expand after recently being awarded a £20,000 grant from First Port — which backs social entrepreneurs.

Elaine, 50, told the Post: “West Dunbartonshire has the highest disability allowance in Scotland with nearly 8,000 claimants alone. With the recent changes to eligibility there are a lot of people in need of affordable mobility equipment. We repair and buy second hand and we are the first of our kind in Scotland to do so.” Recycle Mobility Scotland has previously received funding from West Dunbartonshire Council and the lottery.

Elaine revealed the recent £20,000 grant from First Port will be invested into creating a training facility which will educate students to a Scottish Vocational Qualification 2 level in mechanical and electrical repairs. She has already taken on an engineer from Dalmuir to deliver the mechanical training.

She said: “The training unit is in the very early stages but we hope to get six trainees through their qualifications and we’re working hard towards becoming a branded learning service.” Already looking further ahead, Elaine has unique plans for reaching out to prisoners interested in learning mechanical and electrical skills.

The Glasgow woman explained: “Once we have become branded we would like to take the training to Low Moss Prison and help the inmates develop their skills. We have spoken to Kenny Macaskill about helping ex-offenders but it is still at the early stages of development. Once we have met some criteria we can apply after six months. Taking training to the inmates is definitely in the plans.” She added: “There are so many things we would like to do, such as becoming a Zero Waste Scotland business and working in partnership with other West Dunbartonshire businesses and groups.”