If you're an active mobility scooter user, you'll find yourself in your chair for most of the day. Proactively staying connected and engaged is important for both your physical and mental wellbeing. 

Aside from getting out on your mobility scooter, apps for your phone or tablet can be powerful tools to help you stay connected. They can also help you find accessible entertainment, dining and travel options.

Even better, you don't even have to leave your mobility scooter to enjoy them. Simply sit back and explore the huge library of apps available to you. 

We've rounded up the most helpful and engaging apps for your phone or tablet. 

Handy Apps for Scooter Users

Apps are very inclusive and can open up an exciting, more accessible world if you use a mobility scooter. There's an app for everything these days. From fitness to reading, travel to music. 

Before you download any app, always consider the below:

1.    Always check if the app is free or comes with a cost. Sometimes an app is free to download, but will have in-app purchase options 

2.    Some apps may come with a subscription fee. Always check the app’s terms and conditions before you sign up to avoid any unexpected costs

3.    Be aware of how much data your app uses or needs to run. If you're out and about with no Wi-Fi, an open app can use up your data allowance. Check that you have enough data to cover app usage to avoid any unexpected fees

Community 

Networking is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an app. Social networking platforms keep us connected to friends and families.

Popular social networking sites can also introduce us to new communities or like-minded people. If you have a specific medical condition, you can search for relevant communities who can offer support and advice. 

Some apps can take the place of a local community board. Here you can stay connected with your neighbours virtually. This is a great idea if you rely heavily on your mobility scooter and spend a lot of time at home. 

Organise coffee mornings, sell unwanted belongings or simply become involved in neighbourhood natter. All without having to leave the house! 

Podcasts 

When it comes to in depth, inclusive entertainment, nothing quite beats a podcast. 

The benefits of podcasts are endless. Podcasts allow you to enjoy deeper dives on topics you really care about. They can also share incredible knowledge from the people that inspire you. 

With a podcast you can tap into any genre, agenda or topic. From current affairs to true crime, health hacks to community support, parenting advice to comedy. 

Podcasts can connect you with like-minded others and supportive communities. They can also give you friendly advice and essential, everyday tips. 

Get clued up on accessibility, the cost of living, or simply how to get more out of your mobility scooter. 

Accessibility

Enjoy the benefits of AccessAble’s amazing website via their handy new app. Get top tips on mobility scooter friendly entertainment, retail and travel.   

Be spontaneous when you're out and about. The AccessAble app highlights accessible venues and details their onsite facilities. 

Feel like a bite to eat, or maybe you want to enjoy another drink? Use the app to locate accessible venues quickly and easily, so you can carry on the fun.

Google’s Accessible Places app is another great source for accessibility when out and about on your mobility scooter. 

Accessible Places will signpost locations with wheelchair icons to flag them as accessible. It also lets you check for the onsite accessible facilities, so you know what to expect upon arrival. 

If you have a foldable or car boot mobility scooter, Google Maps can also help you plan an accessible route via public transport. Once you've found your destination, click ‘directions’ and update the option to make this route ‘wheelchair accessible’. 

See here for information on how to find Accessible Places on Google, and here to read more about turning on wheelchair friendly routes. 

Travel

These days, travel apps are the easiest way to get around. Live travel updates and accessible maps can limit the number of obstacles getting between you and a fun day out. 

Blue Badge parking has an app thar will identify accessible parking spots near your location. Once you arrive at your destination, open the app to view your nearest Blue Badge space. The app will also provide clear directions to get you there safely. 

National Rail has a passenger assistance app to offer you extra support on train journeys. Use this app to search routes and request assistance on a journey.

Uber is a popular taxi app that provides low-cost, private travel. If you're travelling with a foldable or car boot scooter, you can use Uber Assist to book a ride with an accessible vehicle. 

Assist will also pair you with a driver who is trained to help those who need specialised assistance. See more information on where and how to use Uber Assist here.

If you are based in London, you can use Free Now to book black cabs. Black cabs are wheelchair accessible, which is great news if you have a foldable or car boot scooter. 

If you have a class 3 mobility scooter, such as an 8mph or an all-terrain model, you can use Waze for on-road travel support. This app shares real time traffic updates so you can avoid roadworks or plan your route around diversions.

See our complete guide to travelling with your mobility scooter here. 

Other helpful Apps:

●    Weather apps: check before you leave to avoid getting stuck in adverse weather 

●    Banking apps: make safe transactions and transfers from the comfort of your mobility scooter

●    Changing Places: locate the nearest facility to you when out and about on your scooter

●    Contactless payment: leave your wallet at home when using your mobility scooter on the go. Simply tap your phone against a card reader to pay

●    Fitness apps: track key metrics such as sleep, heart rate, distance travelled and calorie intake/output. Enjoy live workouts or gym programmes tailored to your level of ability and mobility

●    Wellness apps: sleep and meditation apps are fantastic tools to help you relax and recharge. Apps like Calm and Headspace are great resources for soothing your mind and body, and can be enjoyed without having to leave your mobility scooter