Frequently Asked Questions

Shopmobility

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?

We ask for a £2.50 deposit before anyone takes one of our wheelchairs or scooters out. This is a refundable deposit but as we are a registered charity if you choose to not claim the deposit back it is treated as a donation.

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 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 are able 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 when using one of our Shopmobility vehicles.

Q. How long can I have a scooter or wheelchair for?

Our offices are open Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm and on Saturday from 10am-4.00pm. 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 £2.50 per day. We also have two small, fold-up scooters available for long term hire at a cost of £5 per day. When requiring a vehicle for long term hire it is advisable to book well in advance. Please note that charges for long term hire are non refundable.

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 £1.90.

Q. I have difficulty walking am I able to take my wheelchair or scooter on the bus?

No we do not have the room to take wheelchairs or scooters but we can meet anyone requiring a vehicle from the bus with a Shopmobility wheelchair or scooter if required.

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 £1.80 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. In the summer months we also run excursions to Dartmoor and to various sea-side resorts.


ExeAccess

Q. What is ExeAccess?

ExeAccess is a specialist taxi service for people with mobility issues.

Q. Do I have to be registered disabled to use the service?

No. ExeAccess is available to anybody experiencing mobility issues, whether temporary or permanent.

Q. How much does it cost?

The taxi operates on a meter which has been priced at 10% lower than Exeter’s biggest private hire firm. There is no minimum fare or additional charges.

Q. How much space is there in the vehicle?

There is space for a wheelchair in the back of the vehicle, plus 4 additional passenger seats. We will be obtaining a second taxi in the near future which will be able to accommodate 2 wheelchair users side by side, plus 5 passengers.

Q. When do you operate?

Currently the taxi runs seven days a week between the hours of 8am and 4pm. It may be possible to book journeys outside of these times by prior arrangement. There are plans in place to extend the operating hours until midnight in the very near future.

Q. How do I book?

Taxi bookings can be made by calling ExeAccess on 01392 253004, or by using our
online booking form.


Taxicard

Q. What is Exeter Taxicard?

Taxicard provides refunds of half of the cost of taxi fares up to a maximum of £125 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.