A new mobility scooter trial at Liberation Station aims to help Islanders and visitors with disabilities travel around St Helier more independently.
Led by Shopmobility Jersey and local partners, the trial allows registered users to collect and return scooters directly at the bus station, rather than travelling to Shopmobility’s Sand Street base.
Users must first register and complete a short training session. They can then book and pay online, receiving a secure code to unlock their scooter during Liberation Station’s opening hours. Smart technology supports bookings, tracks usage and provides safety features.
The scheme is designed to help those who struggle to travel into St Helier, as well as visitors who cannot bring their own mobility scooters.
Edward Trevor MBE, Founder and Chairman of Shopmobility Jersey, said: “I am very grateful to the Government of Jersey Disability and Inclusion team, LibertyBus, IoT CI and our other technology partners for helping make this trial possible. I hope it will enable people, who might otherwise find travelling into St Helier difficult, due to limited parking or mobility barriers to enjoy greater independence and access to the town.
“We believe this is a unique initiative that brings together public transport, mobility support and technology in a practical way. If successful, there is potential for similar facilities to be introduced elsewhere in the Island, subject to identifying suitable and secure locations.”
Dario Gentili, Project Manager, Disability and Inclusion, Government of Jersey, said: “This trial demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations, technology partners and public services work together towards a shared goal. By bringing mobility scooters into the heart of Jersey’s public transport network, we are helping to reduce practical barriers and create more opportunities for disabled Islanders and visitors to travel independently and participate fully in island life.”
Kevin Hart, Director of LibertyBus, said the trial would make scooters more accessible to bus passengers who struggle to reach the existing collection point. It could also reduce car journeys by allowing more users to travel into town by bus.
Technology partner IoT CI has provided connected trackers and a hire platform managing bookings, customers and scooter availability. The technology could also be used by other mobility scooter and e-bike hire operators.
Electric Mobility has supported the project by integrating Rascal scooters with secure tracking and remote-access technology.
Jonathan Anderson, Director of IoT CI, said: “We’re proud to be providing the technology behind Shopmobility Jersey’s new service and look forward to supporting them as it develops, while continuing to make connected mobility hire simpler and more accessible for other operators.”
