Shopmobility
Welcome to the Mell Square Shopmobility Scheme Page.
Solihull Shopmobility is a registered charity which relies on donations and the help of volunteers to stay open.
Shopmobility promotes and enhances the independence of people with limited mobility by hiring out manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs and scooters to those that need them. Hundreds of people every week are able to get round the town centre's shops and businesses because of Shopmobility.
A survey in 2009 showed that Shopmobility customers spent over £40 every time they visited the town - contributing nearly £1.5million a year to the local economy.
WHERE IS SHOPMOBILITY?
Solihull Shopmobility can be found at 19 Drury Lane in the heart of the Mell Square
Shopping Centre (MAP) or online at www.solihull.gov.uk/about/shopmobility. It is very close to the dedicated Ring & Ride bus stop in Drury Lane.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
There is a yearly £10.00 registration fee, with a small 50p user charge.
SHOPMOBILITY SERVICES
- 18 parking spaces in Drury Lane for Blue Badge holders.
- FREE parking for customers at the Mell Square multi-Storey car park.
- 38 three and four wheel electric scooters.
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38 manual wheelchairs (both transit and self-transit).
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9 power chairs left/right hand control and dual control.
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4 electric scooters and 5 manual wheelchairs for children.
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Free disabled toilet facilities.
USING THE SERVICE
You can register on your first visit. Just bring some proof of identity showing your name and address such as your driving licence, passport, pension book or current utility bill.
Once you have registered you can use the service whenever you like. Just ring 0121 711 8701 and make a booking.
On your arrival, the required mobility equipment will be made available and you will be asked the time of your return. Please note it is important that you arrive back at the agreed time.
Non-members can hire manual wheelchairs on a one-off basis for up to 3 hours at £3 a time.
USING THE EQUIPMENT
Before going out for the first time, everybody is given a demonstration on how the equipment works. Shopmobility will only send you out on the scooters and wheelchairs when you can show you are both competent and confident in using the equipment.
OPENING TIMES
Monday to Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The service is closed on Sunday but a 24 hour answer-phone is available for you to leave your booking information.
Telephone number 0121 711 8701.
SAFETY
Please remember your safety and that of other people must be taken into account at all times. In Solihull's busy pedestrianised areas it is essential that you keep your speed turned down low. People often walk without looking and stop unexpectedly. A powered vehicle cannot stop as quickly as a pedestrian so always leave plenty of room.
If you are involved in an accident, whether or not damage or injury has been caused, you must tell the staff at Shopmobility straight away.
MORE INFORMATION
If you wish to know more about the scheme, or make a donation, you can write to:
David Williams - Manager
Solihull Shopmobility
19 Drury Lane
Solihull
B91 3BB
Or 'phone him on: 0121 704 8754
Or email: shopmobility@solihull.gov.uk