Electric trikes for people receiving care prove popular

SEVEN electric trikes used by people receiving care services in Shetland have proved popular this summer.

Shetland Islands Council secured external funding of £70,000 from the Energy Savings Trust, with the support of Cycling UK, to purchase trikes of various designs to be used by anyone with limited mobility or in a wheelchair, as well as able bodied participants.

Social care staff have accompanied people on their trike journeys to provide any help where necessary.

The trikes have so far been used for a variety of local journeys around Lerwick, including to attend medical appointments, social events, and to pick up their messages.

The trikes were delivered in July and they will be rotated around different council care premises, so that they can be used by care home residents, people attending day care services and those at receiving care support at home.

Councillor Emma Macdonald, who chairs the local integration joint board said: “These trikes have been really well received by the people who use them – it’s a great way to get out and about. Some of the older people we support haven’t been on a bike for many years and they have been enthusiastic about using these trikes.

“With the coronavirus restrictions that we are all experiencing, it’s good for everyone’s mental health and an opportunity for some fresh air and exercise.”