Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to be registered disabled to use this service?
No. All of our services are available to anyone experiencing any kind of
mobility difficulty either temporary or permanent. As well as disabled
people users of our services include those recovering from sports and
other types of injuries, people receiving treatment for serious illness
and even pregnant women!
Q. How much does it cost?
There is a £4.75 charge before anyone takes one of our wheelchairs or
scooters out.
Q. Is there disabled parking nearby?
There are a number of disabled parking bays on level three of the
Princesshay Car Park. There is no concessionary parking for blue badge
holders in Princesshay Car Park, however, Shopmobility users will be
able to park free of charge whilst they are using the service.
Q. Can you reserve a car parking space for me?
There is a small number of disabled parking spaces allocated
specifically to ECTA, though we are unable to reserve a
space for you.
Q. I haven't used a electric scooter or wheelchair before. How will I
know how to operate it?
All new users are given full training by a member of staff or volunteer
from ECTA on how to use the vehicle. We also have a training area at our
offices for you to use so that you can get comfortable with using the
vehicle before you take it out in to the City.
Q. What happens if I have difficulties with the vehicle while I am
out?
Our contact telephone number is clearly displayed on all of our
vehicles. If you had any problems with your vehicle whilst out and about
you would just need to call our office and someone would come out to you
as soon as possible.
Q. I am coming in to Exeter by bus or train and will be unable to
walk to your offices to get a vehicle. How can I get from the station to
your offices?
We will always try to meet you at central bus and train station with a scooter
provided you are able to give us prior warning.
Q. How far out of Exeter can I go on my scooter or wheelchair?
We do ask that you stay within the City Centre when using one of our
Shopmobility vehicles.
Q. How long can I have a scooter or wheelchair for?
Our offices are open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and on Saturday from
10.30am-3.30pm. You are able to keep a vehicle all day if required within
these office hours.
Q. What if I need a wheelchair or scooter for longer?
We are able to provide manual wheelchairs for long term hire at a charge
of £6 per day. We also have two small, fold-up scooters available for
long term hire at a cost of £10 per day. When requiring a vehicle for
long term hire it is advisable to book well in advance.
Q. I am a larger person, are their vehicles available that will take
my weight?
We have scooters that are able to take a maximum weight of 32 stone.
Ring & Ride
Q. Do I have to be registered disabled to use this service?
No. The Ring & Ride bus is available to anyone living in Exeter who has
difficulty using ordinary buses.
Q. How much does it cost?
A return fare is £2.50.
Q. I have difficulty walking am I able to take my wheelchair or
scooter on the bus?
Yes. When making your booking please let the office know that you are a
wheelchair or scooter user and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Q. Can I take a companion with me?
Yes, you are able to take a companion with you. They will be asked to
pay the standard fare of £2.50 for a return trip.
Does the bus just go in to Exeter City centre?
No. On selected days within the month the bus takes passengers to Tescos
and Sainsburys. Further details can be obtained by calling 01392 494001.
We also have a bi-monthly lunch club which visits different pubs and resturants.
In the summer months we run additional excursions to various
places of interest.
Taxicard
Q. What is Exeter Taxicard?
Taxicard provides refunds of half of the cost of taxi fares up to a
maximum of £75 per year (1 April to 31 March).
Q. Am I eligible for this?
Taxicard is for anyone who is a wheelchair user, on the Higher Rate of
the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (or on
Attendance Allowance if of retirement age) and living in Exeter. You can
claim for taxi fares that begin or end in Exeter.
Q. How do I apply?
Contact ECTA on 01392 494001 for an application form or download and print
this form.
City Sights
Q. What is City Sights?
City Sights is a project set up to provide blind and partially sighted people
with a volunteer sighted guide to help guide them round Exeter's shops,
facilities and attractions.
Q. Am I eligible for this?
If you have problems with your vision and could use some assistance getting around
and/or reading things then absolutely.
Q. What days and times do you operate?
Currently we are operating during office hours, Monday to Friday between 10am
and 4pm and Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Q. Who will be my guide?
All of our guides are volunteers who have undertaken extensive training and have
undertaken CRB (criminal records bureau) checks to ensure their suitability to be a
sighted guide.
Q. How much does it cost?
There is a charge of £2 per hour to use the service and you can either pay
on the day or by invoice at the end of the month (by prior arrangement).
Q. How do I book?
Advance booking is essential to use the service and bookings can be made by calling
01392 494001 or emailing citysights@exetercta.co.uk.
We can never guarantee availability, but we will do our best to meet your needs.
Registered Charity No. 1129560
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