A DISABLED charity in Essex has welcomed calls to consider a mobility scooter driving test.

Richard Boyd, chairman of Disability Essex, said he was glad a group of MPs looking into the safety around mobility scooters said a fit-to-drive test had to be considered.

Mr Boyd gave evidence to the parliamentary committee last month.

He told MPs there should be a database recording all accidents and deaths involving mobility scooters and a proficiency test for drivers similar to the cycling proficiency test.

Both measures have now been recommended in the committee’s report. Last year a 90-year-old woman from Harlow died when she was hit by a scooter as she walked along a pavement on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Boyd said: “This is long overdue and we have been pointing out the dangers since 2004. The number of accidents is under reported.

“These are wonderful devices that liberate people and give them the freedom and dignity they deserve. But the problem is it’s unregulated and anybody can buy and sell them.”

Other actions Mr Boyd said were necessary were to make sure mobility scooters were covered by insurance policies, and regular checks of the vehicles’ road worthiness.

Scooters have a maximum speed of 8mph and weigh up to 150kg.

The Centre for Disability Studies, in Rocheway, Rochford, managed by Disability Essex, is already teaching people how to use their scooters on the roads safely.

Last month, the centre unveiled its own track where people can train to drive their scooters.

According to latest statistics, an estimated 330,000 people currently drive scooters in the UK.