You love them, you hate them, you are scared of them, you think they are a menace but for many disabled people they are a lifeline giving them independence and choice.

Have you guessed what I am talking about?

If not, then here’s the answer. Electric mobility scooters.

I have had a scooter for 10 years and regard it as one of my best friends. We go everywhere together and enjoy the same activities.

We have been to Poland several times and to Spain three times, taking the plane journey in our stride.

By the way, I can thoroughly recommend Spain for wheelchair and scooter users, as it is fully prepared for this mode of travel and the people’s attitude is very welcoming.

My scooter has battle wounds that are covered up with sticky tape where I have damaged it by not looking where I was going and dropping off the kerb and landing in the road, with the scooter on top of me (personally, I like to think the scooter was doing its best to protect me from harm but I think that’s probably taking our affection for each other too far...).

So why is it that many people shudder at the sight or even mention of them?

Our machines are limited to four miles an hour, which is a fair walking pace, they have a speed control on them and, as soon as you take your finger off the accelerator, the machine stops and a magnetic brake kicks in.

Cyclists go much faster, as do skateboards and small children on scooters but there doesn’t seem to be the same dislike.

Of course, it is the human element.

Like all sections of society, people are a mixture and while you may encounter a careless scooter user, many of us are very aware of our responsibilities towards other people in the community.

The latest suggestion is that scooter users over the age of 70 should have an eye test.

I am not against this but I wonder why scooter users have been particularly targeted.

Cyclists go much faster, so why not eye tests for cyclists in that age band?

And again it is suggested that scooter users should have insurance.

Why just us? How about cyclists? They cause far more serious accidents than scooter users.

How about motorists over the age of 70 having to have compulsory eye tests? Their vehicle is far faster that a scooter. Please make it an equal playing field.

Now let us have the good news. Scooter users can now get a passport that assures bus drivers that they have had the training, been passed as a competent driver and the scooter complies with the measurements laid down by the Department for Transport, so can use the bus.

Oxfordshire Unlimited (oxfordshireunlimited.org) organises regular courses to build up confidence to do this, with the next one starting in the spring. Call 0845 121 4112 if you would like to know more about what’s involved.

Open your world and enjoy the opportunities that are there for you.

Either really push the boat out and sally forth or just start with a trip to the shops, museum or theatre on the bus. See you around.