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TGA MOBILITY’S NEW BREEZE S3 AND S4 WIN PRESTIGIOUS 2011 RED DOT INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD
Jul 12th
The new TGA Breeze S3 and S4 mobility scooters, which have won the 2011 Red Dot International Product Design Award.
TGA, the UK leading specialist in quality mobility scooters, is delighted to announce that its new Breeze S3 and S4 and the Israeli manufacturer, Afikim, have recently won the International Red Dot Product Design Award for 2011 in the category of Life Science and Medicine.
Alongside other successful world-class brands such as Apple, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls Royce, the TGA Breeze S3 and S4 mobility scooters were officially accredited as winners during the spectacular awards ceremony held at the Aalto-Theater in Essen, Germany on 4th July. The Red Dot Design Award is an international, commercial prize awarded by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen with categories for product design, design agencies, and design concepts. Since 1955, designers and manufacturers have submitted entries with successful products being displayed in the Red Dot Design Museum on the premises of the historical Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. Every year this awards scheme has more than 11,000 submissions from 61 countries and the Breeze was one of few successful entries in the Industrial Product Design classification. Independently tested in top-secret by the Red Dot panel of experts in Germany, the Breeze S4 underwent a series of extreme trials during December 2010 and January 2011 which resulted in the first mobility scooter winning in over 10 years. The assessment process involved rigorous examinations of all the components to ascertain manufacturing quality, testing of the scooter’s performance and comfort levels, evaluation of functionality and ease-of-use and finally an overall review of incorporated features.
Shachar Hillel, Marketing Manager for Afikim who manufacture the TGA Breeze S4 explained: “Afikim have operated from the second largest Kibbutz in Israeli since the early 1980’s and have always invested heavily in R&D. Product quality, reliability and ergonomics are so important in the design of mobility scooters to ensure the end user remains comfortable, can easily control themselves and ultimately experiences the smoothest ride possible. Every generation of Breeze scooter has pushed the boundaries in terms of product innovation and when our design team suggested we should enter the latest marque in the international Red Dot awards, I felt we had a extremely good chance of winning. The new Breeze had already won an industrial product award from the local Israeli Government Office in April, however this international platform was going to be a different level. Bearing in mind the world-leading brands that are associated with the Red Dot, the Breeze would have to impress on all levels to be successful.”
Shachar continues: “Our customers here in Israeli, the UK and across many regions of the world totally depend on their Breeze mobility scooter for independence outside of the home. Hence product design that delivers ease of use, durability and peace of mind is absolutely essential and this is why the Breeze S4 is so popular worldwide. When you consider the vulnerability of our end-users, ethically we have to ensure our products incorporate the very best in mobility technology which has resulted in over two million Euros being invested into the development of the latest Breeze S3 and S4. Winning the Red Dot award is an absolute privilege for us and I would like to thank the whole Afikim team for their hard work on this project. We will continue our mission to continually innovate in the mobility sector and hope that this independent esteemed award is a clear indication to all of how remarkable the Breeze is, in terms of product design, looks and overall user experience.”
Launched in the UK in April at Naidex National, the Breeze S3 and S4 have already proved exceptionally popular with TGA customers. Continuing the established and renowned Breeze heritage, these new models continue to lead the sector as they provide levels of freedom and peace of mind unsurpassed in the current marketplace. Now as an internationally recognised award winning, this trend is set to increase across the UK and beyond with the Breeze becoming first choice for hassle-free mobility in every respect.
Royal British Legion to support TGA Mobility’s 2011 Summer Showroom Sale
Jul 11th
Tim Ross, TGA National Sales Manager (left) with Simon Angel MBE on his robust Breeze 4 mobility scooter, which was especially sprayed in his Regimental colours for the epic fundraiser back in April.
Following their recent support of The Royal British Legion (RBL) and MS War Hero Simon Angel at the Mobility Roadshow in Peterborough, TGA have decided once again to invite members of the charity to collect donations at their Summer Showroom Sale with a percentage of TGA profits also going to the RBL. (Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury – 20th – 22nd July, 9am-5pm.)
TGA Mobility considers the work of the RBL absolutely essential which has compelled the business to donate 5% of all profits from the showroom sale to the charity. Collection tins will also be available for the general public to donate as they browse around the many quality mobility scooters on offer and whilst meeting several local RBL representatives. Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director comments: “Once again we are delighted to be working with the British Legion to raise funds for injured ex servicemen and women. Simon Angel’s 900-mile Rally for Remembrance on one of our Breeze 4 mobility scooters was a huge success earlier in the year and it is fantastic that fundraising momentum has continued following this epic voyage. In addition to members of the RBL being in attendance, our Summer Showroom Sale is always very popular with less able Suffolk residents as it provides an ideal opportunity for them to not only grab a bargain, but to discuss their mobility needs for free with our in-house specialists. With quality nearly new and ex-demo TGA mobility scooters from as little as £195, visitors to our showroom will be able to take advantage of some great deals. Our new Breeze S4 will also be on display which is the latest version of the mobility scooter that Simon Angel used to successfully travel over 900-miles without any hassle during his 30-day fundraiser back in April. Complementing this national favourite, the eye-catching funky TGA Vita, the compact and flexible car boot Eclipse scooter and the renowned ‘Harley Davidson style’ Supersport will be available for test drives.”
Simon Angel, aged 46 from Pembury, was a member of the Royal Engineers for 22 years and has served all around the world with front line experience in Northern Ireland and during the Gulf War, which lead to an MBE from The Queen in 2000. During a period of convalescence at Tyrwhitt House where he was treated for Combat Stress, he conceived the idea of his ‘Rally for Remembrance’ whilst talking to fellow ex-military personnel. Simon now lives with severe MS triggered by his wartime traumas however his medical condition did not hold him back from completing this remarkable achievement. During April this year, he travelled the complete length of Britain on a mobility scooter kindly loaned by TGA Mobility and raised nearly £10k for The Royal British Legion (RBL) and another military charity. Simon completed this remarkable journey ahead of schedule and managed to travel the whole distance in just 30 days. Since April, Simon has continued to collect donations and following his recent appearance at The Mobility Roadshow, his charitable funds have now topped £15k.
Daniel Stone concludes: As this special event promises to be very successful as it is every year, we felt it would be the ideal time to add to the total raised by Simon for the British Legion through our business donating a percentage of profits. The voluntary community fundraisers for the British Legion and the Poppy Appeal are a real inspiration and we thoroughly enjoyed supporting them at the Roadshow last week.”
The TGA Mobility Summer showroom sale runs from 20th – 22nd July, 9am-5pm at: TGA Electric Leisure Limited, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury Suffolk CO10 1WH. Telephone: +44(0)1787 882244 for further details
Etac experiences 30% increase in sales leads at the 2011 Mobility Roadshow
Jul 11th
Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director (left) with Matt James, Etac Product Specialist, experienced a 30% increase in sales leads at the 2011 Mobility Roadshow. They are pictured here with the revolutionary sit-to-stand Etac E890 powerchair.
Having successfully launched the E870 and E875, the latest models in their E800 powerchair range at Naidex National in April, Etac UK experienced an impressive increase in sales leads across their range on stand E16 at the recent 2011 Mobility Roadshow which was held at Peterborough’s East of England Showground, 30 June – 2 July.
Successfully capitalising on the momentum gained at Naidex National and the Kidz South exhibition more recently in June, Etac UK’s Managing Director, Ian Carter commented at the Roadshow: “The Mobility Roadshow has always traditionally been a solid platform for us to showcase our world-leading Scandinavian range direct to the end user. As the expenses associated with travelling to exhibitions continue to increase, it was pleasing to still see and meet so many visitors to our stand, which must be testament to the diversity of the Roadshow’s features and the quality of our products. Since their launch at the NEC the E870 and E875 have already proved a popular choice with end users, however it was other models from the Etac E800 and Etac Balder ranges which generated the increase in leads this year.”
Ian continued: “Visitors were particularly interested in the standing function of the E890 powerchair which does indeed take ergonomic functionality to another level. The Roadshow once again offered a fantastic opportunity for wheelchair users to see the outstanding range of movement and functionality in operation. As economic uncertainty continues to affect personal budgets, individuals are increasingly investment conscious and will only choose a specialist powerchair supplied by a proven name. Etac has been at the cutting-edge of assistive device technology for decades and I believe our success at the Roadshow reflects a continued trend towards us becoming first choice in specialist powerchair provision.”
On Stand E16, Etac showcased a selection of Adult and Junior powerchairs from the established Etac Balder range and the Etac E800 series, the latter of which launched in 2010. Amongst the paediatric powerchairs on display, the specialist XP model was demonstrated to many visitors which combines the reliability of the Balder chassis and drive system with an advanced R82 X:Panda sitting system. This delivers one of the highest levels of adaptability on the market with a fully adjustable seat, which can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of children. With intelligent, ergonomic design, the Etac Balder XP represents and significant development in mobility for severely disabled minors aged 18 months to early teens.
Launched in 2010, the cutting-edge E800 series represents a revolutionary breakthrough in powerchair design. The Etac E890 and its counterpart, the E895 (for heavier users) incorporate a sit to stand function, seat raise/lower, backwards/forwards seat slide and side transfer functions in one sleek design and are capable of carrying up to 120kg and 150kg respectively. Special design features include height adjustable flip-up arm rests, controller with swing-away arm and an ergonomically improved pivot point closer to the hip to complement the natural movement of the body.
In addition both models offer whisper-quiet positioning, ultra-stable front-wheel-drive manoeuvrability and a level of control that is unsurpassed in the world today. With built-in intelligence from the on-board computer, the E890 can be specifically programmed to suit the needs of the individual and is available with an extensive range of accessories. Drive-from-wheelchair capability is also possible through the Etac Automatic Tie-down System.
Ian concluded: “In the past 12 months, the company has undertaken a number of enhancements to our service and we will continue to develop the UK business so that product innovation, personalised after-sales support and service provision is of the highest standard. Furthermore, new state-of-the-art Etac powerchairs continue to be developed by our Scandinavian experts and the UK team and myself, look forward to sharing these exciting innovations with the market soon.”
A magnificent Mobility Roadshow, say visitors
Jul 11th
A magnificent Mobility Roadshow, say visitors. The Etac team experienced a 30% increase in sales leads this year.
Once again the Mobility Roadshow has been heralded a huge success by visitors and exhibitors alike. Held last week (30th June to 2nd July) at the East of England Showground, Peterborough for the second consecutive year, there is no doubt that it has become a fixed calendar event for thousands seeking mobility solutions.
“Superb, an eye-opener”; “thanks for a wonderful show”; “we can’t wait for next year”; is the general theme of visitors’ comments flooding into Mobility Choice, the charity that organises this event.
Many were attending for the first time, including Helen and David Pell from Lincolnshire: “A great big thank you to you and your team for a fantastic event. The test drives all happened on time, advice was good and all the stand holders were happy to give their time to a newbie like me.“
Over 170 exhibitors showcased their latest products and services and on the test track was a selection of 60 adapted or converted vehicles to drive and compare.
VIP guest on the first day was Private Derek Derenalagi, one of the British soldiers who provided inspiration for the birth of the charity Help for Heroes. Derek lost both his legs in action and now with bionic legs is aiming for a place in the GB Paralympics squad. “This is the first time I have been to an event like this and I am so amazed at the technology we have to assist people like me,” said Derek as he explored the exhibitor stands and met visitors.
The Minden Band of The Queen’s Regiment delighted visitors on the first day with classic and modern tunes, looking resplendent in their ceremonial uniform – red jackets and bearskins.
“I am especially pleased that our new Design Zone and Mobility Information Service (jointly run by the Forum of Mobility Centres and Ricability) were big hits with visitors. Unique to the Roadshow, these are now firmly on our future agenda,” said Jacqui Jones, Executive Director, Mobility Choice. “We are delighted that the Mobility Roadshow has once again proved so popular and, most important, that so many said they rely on it each year as a valuable source for their future mobility needs.”
New Product Launches
As well as new vehicle conversions and adaptations, innovations being unveiled included what is thought to be the first powerchair that does not need a converted vehicle to transport it; an adventure bike said to be the first truly personal all-terrain vehicle and the world’s first upright Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system set to revolutionise therapy for disability recovery and fitness.
Also on the launch pad was a new lift solution for WAVs; a new joystick steering system from The Netherlands; a new automated transport and retrieval system helping powerchair users in and out of vehicles and a new electric locking wheelchair restraint retractor that includes the world’s longest webbing belt.
As always at this event there were several new wheelchairs and scooters, cycles and bikes being unveiled and a new electric vehicle. A US company showcased a new ‘control bar’ concept to make driving a powerchair much easier.
Back in the UK especially for this event was the ReWalk™ ‘bionic’ walking system that allows paraplegics to walk and even climb stairs.
Hands-on experience
As well as vehicle test drives, visitors were able to discuss adaptations and conversions with specialists, try wheelchairs and scooters for comfort and safety, compare aids for the home, explore accessible travel and leisure, and gain valuable information and advice from support organisations.
The Cyclefest zone attracted more special needs cycles than ever – from tiny trikes to companion and wheelchair cycling, with advice from experts. The Go Kids Go! wheelchair skills sessions tailored to the needs of disabled children were also well attended.
Better by Design
Mobility Choice partnered with specialists Enabled by Design and Such and Such Design to introduce the new interactive Design Zone. It was a huge hit and now a permanent feature of the Mobility Roadshow. Here designers, innovators and visitors exchanged ideas about looks and functionality of current and future concepts for independent living products. The results of the ‘people’s choice’ Cool Wall votes will be announced shortly.
Accessible sport and leisure
The Sports Arena was abuzz throughout the three days featuring football with the England Wheelchair Football Team, basketball, tag rugby, dancing and sledge hockey; plus the accessible climbing wall, archery, laser clays, remote-control cars, a giant Scalextric, Nintendo Wii, and simulated flying. Visitors applauded the popular Red Wheelies Scooter Formation team display on the Saturday.
A new national photographic competition in partnership with the Disabled Photographers’ Society (DPS) was announced and the DPS stand was busy with visitors gleaning hints and tips on how to achieve great pictures.
Expert advice
All Meet the Experts informal drop-in sessions were well attended, some over-subscribed. They included Blue Badge and parking, assessment and adaptations, safe carriage of wheelchairs in vehicles; air passengers’ rights and ‘meet the actors’ with Julie Fernandez (The Office) and David Proud (EastEnders). Meet the Experts is here to stay.
Guest appearances
On Thursday and Friday another war veteran, Simon Angel MBE, was sharing his experiences on the TGA stand.
Celebrating National Young Disabled Persons’ Day (2nd July) David Proud announced the winners of the schools and clubs national Ready Willing & Mobile competition to help disabled people. With her bright idea for a young person’s woodland backpack 11 year old Zainab Khan, a pupil at Perry Hall Primary School, Bromley was announced outright winner from a field of over 300 entries.
TV presenter and Desperados and Dancing on Wheels star, Ade Adepitan, delighted visitors young and old with a special guest appearance on the Invacare stand on the final afternoon.
Keep in touch with news of the date and venue for the Mobility Roadshow 2012 at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk
2011 Mobility Roadshow – Zainab is top of the ‘tree’ with her woodland pack
Jul 6th
With her bright idea for a young person’s woodland backpack designed to be fun, exciting and educational, 11 year old Zainab Khan, a pupil at Perry Hall Primary School in Bromley was announced outright winner from a field of over 300 entries in two aged groups: 7-11 and 12-16 years.
30 June 2011 – Today at the national Mobility Roadshow taking place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough, the winners of the national schools’ Ready Willing & Mobile competition were announced by disabled Desperados and Eastenders actor David Proud.
The competition, organised by charity Mobility Choice, aims to encourage young people from the age of seven to think about those less able than themselves. In this its seventh year, a new outdoor theme was introduced, seeking ideas to help people with disabilities to gain easy access to and maximum enjoyment from our woodlands and forests.
With her bright idea for a young person’s woodland backpack designed to be fun, exciting and educational, 11 year old Zainab Khan, a pupil at Perry Hall Primary School in Bromley was announced outright winner from a field of over 300 entries in two aged groups: 7-11 and 12-16 years.
Extremely close as runner-up was 12 year old Becky Costello, a student at Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in Upminster. Becky impressed the judges with her concept for a brightly coloured, informative pack of bird watching cards that incorporated both touch-button audio and Braille descriptions for blind people.
Winner, Zainab, also had partially-sighted children in mind when devising her backpack, which included bright, bold alphabet badges featuring woodland creatures; butterfly and pond nets and a collection pot, together with a magnifying glass to aid identification. The judges were impressed with her entry, which they felt was ‘very practical and something that many young people would be very pleased to have and use; not only those partially-sighted’.
Presenting the prizes David Proud said: “It is wonderful that through the Ready Willing & Mobile competition, hundreds of young people in schools and clubs throughout the UK have wanted to help people with disabilities. Having joined the judging panel for the first time, I was particularly excited to announce this year’s winners, keen to learn if the entry that gained my top mark had won outright.”
Jacqui Jones, Executive Director, Mobility Choice said the charity was delighted that over the years many schools has used the competition to reinforce issues such as social integration, disability awareness and inclusive communities. “The creativity of young people seems boundless. Each year we are amazed at the variety of ideas put forward and the desire to help others.”
As outright winner Zainab bags for her school the top prize of £1,000 cash for equipment, £300-worth of STAEDTLER art and crafts materials, £100-worth of Penguin books and a year’s school membership of the Woodland Trust Nature Detectives’ Club. For herself she wins an overnight stay for four at a Holiday Inn in London with a trip on the London Eye.
Both girls have already won a digital camera, Penguin books and the Woodland Trust Nature Detective’s Club membership as reward for winning their relevant age categories in the competition.
The Ready Willing & Mobile 2011 competition is supported by Aspire, DisabledGo, Holiday Inn, Penguin, Phab Kids, the Royal College of Art, STAEDTLER, Vauxhall and the Woodland Trust.
VEHICLE CONVERTORS DISPLAY MORE Q’STRAINT WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS THAN ANY OTHER BRAND AT 2011 MOBILITY ROADSHOW
Jul 6th
The Q’Straint Sales Managers met with high numbers of new and existing international customers at the 2011 Mobility Roadshow. Pictured from left to right – Alex Roth (Sales Manager – Benelux & Southern Europe), Phil Stratton (Sales Manager - UK and Ireland) and Heidi Kainu (Sales Manager - Scandinavia and Northern Europe).
For the first time at The Mobility Roadshow (Peterborough 30 June, 1 & 2 July), the presence of Q’Straint wheelchair and passenger restraints had risen to around 50% of all safety tie-downs displayed throughout the show, enhanced by a successful launch of the new QER 4000 Electrical Retractor on Stand E19.
Based in Kent, Q’Straint is renowned for providing the most universal and concise range of wheelchair restraint systems in the world for use in accessible vehicles from private WAVs and minibuses to coaches and public transport. Its brand values of quality, innovation and technical excellence have always been focused on one core benefit – to provide universal and easy-to-use restraint solutions. As a worldwide business supporting over 50 countries, The Mobility Roadshow has always been a traditional platform for Q’Straint to invite many international professionals to its product showcase. As around 50% of wheelchair safety restraints within accessible vehicles throughout the show were also Q’Straint, these international attendees were able to discuss with convertors why Q’Straint is the leading supplier of restraint systems to the private mobility sector in the UK.
Phil Stratton, UK and Ireland Sales Manager explained: “As we supply direct to the trade, our attendance at The Mobility Roadshow is predominantly focused on supporting our valued customers – the UK vehicle convertors and international distributors. The Q’Straint team and myself were delighted to see such a high number of our safety systems being demonstrated this year by leading accessible vehicle specialists such as Allied, Atlas, Brook Miller and GM Coachworks. It was also great to witness Q’Straint QRT retractors in action in less mainstream applications such as Draisin wheelchair/bicycle tandems. Through our unique international client base, 25-year heritage, world-class product design and renowned high levels of after-sales service, Q’Straint is growing its market share in the UK which was reflected in the number of QRT based systems on show at this year’s event. There is no compromise when you consider solutions that can save the lives of wheelchair passengers and hence, the majority of UK convertors are choosing the Q’Straint brand for trusted reliability, life-value and ultimately end-user peace of mind.”
Complementing the in-situ displays of Q’Straint wheelchair tie-downs, Stand E19 showcased the complete range of market-leading QRT retractors and hosted the launch of the latest Q’Winch and QER 4000.
The new QER 4000 Electrical Retractor encompasses the longest webbing belt in the world. This latest version of the world-class QER electric locking retractor now has an impressive 4m webbing belt which enables wheelchair passengers to be secured outside a vehicle on flat ground. This provides essential flexibility for use in M1 and M2 type vehicles where space is limited and securing a wheelchair can sometimes be hampered. Enhanced by simple J-hooks for efficient, universal attachment, the new QER 4000 system allows obstruction-free securement of a wheelchair following which the passenger is manoeuvred into the vehicle with the front belts already attached. The need for additional tensioning is eliminated as the belts are self-tensioning, which reduces manual handling, whilst increasing safety and stability for the passenger when the vehicle moves off. The QER 4000 from Q’Straint is expertly engineered with a zinc casing which is lightweight yet extremely durable and encompasses an extra lateral support bar for superior strength. To ensure efficient installation, the Q’Straint QER 4000 is compatible with all 12v vehicle electrical systems and can be integrated via one simple connection. Combined with one-bolt fitting and stress capabilities that far exceed current safety standards, this latest QER 4000 will be a leading choice for accessible vehicle convertors everywhere. A lightweight plastic cover is also available and other options include Tongue and Buckle attachments or Karabiners.
Mike Simmonds, Q’Straint Managing Director concluded: ‘The 2011 Mobility Roadshow has been a complete success for Q’Straint this year. Not only have we met many new and existing international customers from regions such as Asia, Europe and America, we have strengthened our relationship with UK-based vehicle convertors and raised brand awareness to the general public. Key Q’Straint figures have attended from abroad including Board Directors Jean-Marc and Eric Girardin, all of whom found the exhibition very rewarding. They also thoroughly enjoyed the exclusive Q’Straint annual drinks reception at the Orton Hall Hotel on the Friday evening, which delivered a professional, yet entertaining networking opportunity for many key figures across the industry. I would like to thank the exhibition organisers – Mobility Choice, the Q’Straint team and all our valued customers for making this 2011 event such a success.”
MS War Hero Simon Angel MBE tops £15k of donations supported by TGA and Royal British Legion at 2011 Mobility Roadshow
Jul 5th
MS War Hero Simon Angel MBE (centre), who travelled from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a TGA Breeze 4 Mobility Scooter to raise funds for injured troops, appears at The 2011 Mobility Roadshow with members of the Peterborough Royal British Legion and Judith Armstrong, RBL Eastern Regional Fundraising Manager (right).
With the support of TGA Mobility and British Legion members from Peterborough, Simon Angel MBE has now raised over £15k for injured troops from his 900-mile TGA mobility scooter challenge during April and his recent appearance at the Mobility Roadshow (30th June, 1st and 2nd July, East of England Showground, Peterborough).
Simon Angel, aged 46 from Pembury, was a member of the Royal Engineers for 22 years and has served all around the world with front line experience in Northern Ireland and during the Gulf War, which lead to an MBE from The Queen in 2000. During a period of convalescence at Tyrwhitt House where he was treated for Combat Stress, he conceived the idea of his ‘Rally for Remembrance’ whilst talking to fellow ex-military personnel. Simon now lives with severe MS triggered by his wartime traumas however his medical condition did not hold him back from completing this remarkable achievement. During April this year, he travelled the complete length of Britain on a mobility scooter kindly loaned by TGA Mobility and raised nearly £10k for The Royal British Legion (RBL) and another military charity. Simon completed this remarkable journey ahead of schedule and managed to travel the whole distance in just 30 days. Since April, Simon has continued to collect donations and following his recent appearance at The Mobility Roadshow, his charitable funds have now topped £15k.
Simon explains: “TGA invited the Royal British Legion and myself along to the Mobility Roadshow as they felt my Rally for Remembrance and the charity’s invaluable work would be of great interest to the many visitors who attend the event. Throughout the whole endeavor back in April, I would say that myself and my support vehicle driver were not the heroes, it was the RBL members who were fantastic the whole voyage and of course my trusty TGA Breeze 4 Mobility Scooter. Considering the challenging terrain and weather we encountered from John O’Groats to Land’s End, plus my medical condition, I was extremely impressed with the reliability and comfort of the Breeze, as it didn’t break down once. Travelling up to 34 miles per day on one charge and completing a grueling 900 miles with only one puncture – if you are looking for a scooter that has passed an extreme product test with flying colour – this is it! Whilst sitting back on my TGA Breeze 4 at the Roadshow, with its body molding specially sprayed in my Regiment’s colours, all the memories came flooding back as I relayed my experiences to the visiting public. I would like to thank both TGA Mobility and the RBL for all their support during the Rally for Remembrance. Without their help I’m pretty sure the challenge would never have become a reality and these funds would never have been achieved. It was a real pleasure working with them all and I am already thinking about my next challenge to raise money for fellow injured service men and women.”
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director comments: “I continue to admire both Simon Angel and the RBL in terms of their positive and get-up-and-go attitudes. Without their vital efforts, many valued war veterans would not be able to experience rehabilitation or improved quality of life which is so important for all concerned. Along with Simon and his wife, we were delighted to welcome all the RBL volunteers from the Peterborough branch to our joint outside stand this year and to meet Judith Armstrong (RBL Eastern Regional Fundraising Manager). Inside the main exhibition hall, our main stand was as busy as ever with high levels of interest in our product showcase which included the new version of the mobility scooter, which delivered 100% reliability to Simon – the TGA Breeze S4. A great show all round and I wish the very best of luck to Simon and the RBL with their continued fundraising activities.”
Judith Armstrong, RBL Eastern Regional Fundraising Manager concludes: “It never ceases to amaze me how people like Simon come up with these wonderful ideas to raise money for the Royal British Legion. It really is amazing that with health problems of his own, he is still prepared to spend time and a great deal of effort raising funds that will be used to support many of those returning from Afghanistan that request help from the Royal British Legion. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Mobility Roadshow this year and meeting Simon face-to-face – he is a true inspiration to us all.”
TGA TO SHOWCASE UK-LEADING MOBILITY SCOOTERS AT FREE COLCHESTER MOTABILITY EVENT
Jun 29th
TGA offer the widest range of quality mobility scooters in the UK. Four examples from this range will be on show at Motability One Big Day, Weston Homes Community Stadium Colchester, Thursday 28 July 2011, 11am–4pm.
Renowned mobility specialists TGA from Sudbury are delighted to announce they will be displaying several of their market-leading scooters at the free Motability One Big Day event to be held at Weston Homes Community Stadium Colchester, Thursday 28 July 2011, 11am–4pm.
Hosted by Motability, the organisation that provides funding assistance with cars, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs for disabled people, this One Big Day event is part of a series of free exhibitions that have taken place each summer for the past three years. Over 12,000 people to date have enjoyed the many features these events offer which include the opportunity to see, test and compare a wide range of cars, adaptations, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs all available through Motability. Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement can simply exchange this weekly payment – currently around £50 a week – for a new car, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair through Motability. This free Essex event offers disabled people the opportunity to meet local dealers, Motability advisors and professional driving instructors first hand along with mobility scooter specialists such as TGA. Based only a few miles from Colchester, TGA will be displaying four example models from their extensive UK-leading range that include the new feature-rich Breeze S4, eye-catching funky Vita 4, ever-popular ‘Harley Davidson’ Supersport and the flexible Eclipse car-boot scooter.
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director explains: “TGA believes the Motability scheme is vital for so many less able people as it gives them an easy way to regain invaluable independence. We are delighted that Motability invited us to exhibit at this particular event and feel confident the TGA range being showcased will prove popular with visitors as they continue to do nationwide. We plan to display four models that span our extensive range which include the recently launched next generation Breeze 4 which pulled in the crowds at Naidex National back in April. The TGA team looks forward to personally discussing individual mobility needs with visitors and under the guidance of Motability, we feel this event should be a success.”
Every visitor to the One Big Day event in Colchester will receive a free copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain as well as family entertainment, free tea and coffee and the chance to win £500 of ‘Love2shop’ vouchers. Parking is free at each event and mobility scooters and wheelchairs will be available for hire.
For further details, visit: www.motabilityevents.co.uk/onebigday
Better by design …..at The Mobility Roadshow
Jun 22nd
The concept for foldable wheels was created by Duncan Fitzsimons at the Royal College of Art
Design is a strong feature of this year’s Mobility Roadshow – we have partnered with two organisations, Enabled by Design and Such and Such Design, to introduce a new interactive Design Zone. Here designers, innovators and Roadshow visitors can meet in an open forum to exchange ideas about looks and functionality of current and future independent living products.
If you have an idea for a new product, the Design Surgery is your chance to speak to a professional designer about its feasibility, and gain all-important advice on how to take it forward, exploring practical issues such as design, production, marketing and cost implications.
The Design Showcase will feature independent living products of the future, where you can test some exciting new concepts as well as products new to the market.
In the Design Video Booth you’ll be able to have your say about the products that you love, hate or would like to change in some way. This is your chance to say exactly how it is for you, as well as letting us know your dream wish list of products that do not yet exist. Make sure you don’t miss the new ‘Cool Wall’ – what’s hot and what’s not in design.
Mobility Choice is proud to host the Design Zone in association with the Royal College of Art/Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design.
Foldable Wheels
The concept for the foldable wheels was created by Duncan Fitzsimons at the Royal College of Art and was originally intended as part of a new type of large-wheeled folding bike. Duncan presented the first prototype of this wheel at the Mobility Roadshow in 2008, and the response from Roadshow attendees was so overwhelming that it triggered an entirely new direction in the project.
Since 2008, the wheels have been re-designed and developed as a new product – Foldable Wheelchair Wheels – and is currently being developed under licence for manufacture in the United States.
“We hope to see the foldable wheelchair wheels available to buy very soon,” says Duncan. “Without the support and enthusiasm of everybody we met and spoke with at the Mobility Roadshow they might never have got this far. Thank you!”
Sports Week – Accessible sport rules at Roadshow
Jun 22nd
Sports Week - Accessible sport rules at Roadshow. (Photo by Tony Charnock)
Next week (27th June to 2nd July) is National Schools Sports Week. But if you are not at school, though still young and keen be sportier – and have a disability – it can be difficult to know where to start. What am I capable of, which sports would I enjoy?
Coinciding with this great focus on sport for young people is the popular annual Mobility Roadshow, a showcase for products, services, sport and leisure for anyone who needs help with mobility. It takes place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough over three days 30th June to 2nd July – and it’s free.
This year the Sports Arena is bigger than ever, with exciting opportunities to get involved in various sporting activities and meet some of UK’s top athletes. Experts will be on hand to help and advise how you can get involved in your area.
Five times Paralympian Coin Price, with four of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team, will be hosting a variety of sports and ‘shoot out’ competitions each day, with everyone encouraged to participate and win prizes, including signed basketballs from the GB men’s and women’s teams.
You get to join in, and as well as basketball you can try tag rugby, sledge hockey and dancing with Thameside Wheelchair Dance. Plus see how far you can go on the accessible climbing wall and try archery, laser clays, remote-control cars and have fun on the giant Scalextric, Nintendo Wii and simulated flying and golf.
Around 10,000 visitors from across the UK and beyond are expected at this highly popular annual event which has led the way since 1983 in offering visitors the opportunity to try out and compare, on one site, hundreds of accessible driving and mobility products and services and gain expert advice.
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