A CLYDEBANK charity claim they are one of the only places in the UK offering service users an innovative new technology that will change how people use wheelchairs.
Margaret and Jackie Maceira, who help run the Clyde Shopmobility in the Clyde Shopping Centre, have received funding to purchase three new Trirides – a battery-powered piece of equipment that attaches on to the front of a wheelchair, turning it into a three-wheeled electric scooter.
It is designed to help wheelchair users become more independent when out in public, making the need to self ‘wheel’ themselves around or the need for someone to push them in their wheelchair.
And during a recent visit to the shop to test out the new equipment Jackie explained the Triride can be a game-changer.
He said: “What we realised was, younger people, they don’t want to be seen in them [traditional mobility scooter], they reckon they are old.
“Their mentality is, they are for old people.”
“But this, it opens up a whole world to them. Because now they can just hook it on and just go, no matter where they want to go.”
When fully charged, the Trirides can go a distance of up to 50 miles and Margaret described that the new kit was also far more practical for wheelchair users.
She said: “It is good for people who are wheelchair users already, that can’t transfer (to a mobility scooter)
“They don’t need to get out their own wheelchair, because it’s only the Triride fitting you have to put on to the wheelchair.”
Jackie added: “They are more for people who want to do things that might be more physical, not just a wee stroll along the pavement. More for like going along the canals or going up the hills.”
Anyone who could use the new attachment can rent from Jackie and Margaret at Clyde Shopmobility, and earlier this month the shop was recognised in the Scottish Parliament by Clydebank MSP Marie McNair.
She told Holyrood: “That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the innovative rental scheme, Clydebank’s Clyde Shopmobility are piloting with Tri-rides.
“The motion believes that the Tri-ride attachment for manual wheelchairs offers a unique experience in the wide range of electric mobility aids Clyde Shopmobility offer.
“It understands that this is the first rental scheme of its kind in Scotland and believes that Tri-ride attachments are particularly expensive for many disabled people already struggling financially, and applauds Clyde Shopmobility for what it considers is an accessible, affordable and trailblazing scheme.”
Jackie admits that hearing about the motion at the Scottish Government was a nice surprise and thanked Ms McNair for her words.
“It made us feel good. Because it's recognition in the parliament,” he said.
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