FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Lake District Mobility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tramper?

A Tramper is an ‘all-trerrain’ mobility scooter specially designed for exploring the countryside. It can be used on unsurfaced footpaths and tracks and across open ground. Gradients of up to 1 in 4 (25%) are comfortably managed.

Watch the video for a full Tramper introduction:

How To Use A Tramper - Video



How much does it cost to hire a Tramper?

Tramper hire is available to Lake District Mobility members.

You can sign up for a membership here: Membership

You can also sign up when you book your first Tramper adventure: Book Online

You have a number of membership options:

  • Taster Membership - £2.50. A two-week taster membership.
  • Membership - £10.00. An annual membership.
  • 'Friends' Membership - £30.00. An annual membership + annual donation.
  • 'Patrons' Membership - £10.00 per month. A monthly donation + membership.

Some hire sites may choose to charge an additional fee at their discretion. It is best to check with individual sites directly before you book. Where there is a charge, it should be no more than £2.50/hour.



Do I have to be ‘registered’ as disabled or have a Blue Badge?

No. You do not have to be ‘registered’ as disabled, or have a Blue Badge, or disclose anything relating to a disability to become a member and use the Tramper. The scheme is open to anyone who has difficulty walking, whether due to a temporary or permanent mobility impairment.



What happens if I get lost or break down on a Tramper?

Sites listed on this website have been thoroughly checked by Lake District Mobility to make sure they are safe for you to use with a Tramper.

When you visit a site, you will be given a map showing which paths or areas of the site can be accessed with the Tramper and site staff will explain any areas that cannot be visited. The paths are also usually way-marked.

When you take the Tramper out, staff will give you a phone number to call should you have any problems, so please take a mobile phone with you. Where the mobile signal is poor you will need a companion with you to assist, or go and get help should something happen.

We ensure that each site has a system in place to deal with breakdowns or any other issues. This means that they can quickly get to you or get you back to where you started in the very unlikely instance that you have a problem.



What types of membership are available?

You have a number of membership options:

  • Taster Membership - £2.50. A two-week taster membership.

  • Membership - £10.00. An annual membership.

  • 'Friends' Membership - £30.00. An annual membership + annual donation.

  • 'Patrons' Membership - £10.00 per month. A monthly donation + membership.

You can sign up for a membership here: Membership

You can also sign up when you book your first Tramper adventure: Book Online



Is there an age-limit to becoming a member and using a Tramper?

Anyone aged 14 and over with permanent or temporary mobility difficulties can become a member and use a Tramper.

Please note: If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must provide photo ID and accompany you for the Tramper training and each site visit.



Can anyone with a disability use a Tramper?

The safety of our members and other visitors and staff at hire sites is very important to us.

We have a small questionnaire for you to complete before you purchase your membership, that will determine if the Tramper scheme is suitable for you. Please read the questions through carefully, as they form part of your Terms and Conditions with us, before completing your membership purchase.

You are the best judge of your own ability. Unfortunately, for safety and insurance reasons not everyone will be able to join the scheme.



How do I become a Lake District Mobility member?

  1. Go to our Membership page and select your membership plan. Membership Page
  2. If you think the scheme is suitable for you, you can go on to complete your membership registration on-line.
  3. Congratulations! You are ready to book your first Tramper adventure. Book Online
  4. Attend the site and ensure you have the following:
    • Proof of your booking, such as a copy of your booking confirmation email or booking reference number
    • Some form of ID with your name on it, such as a debit card. Please note, this does not need to be photographic ID
  5. Attend the site approximately 15 minutes before your first booked slot. This will give the staff and you time to go through the Tramper user training so that you feel confident and safe using the Tramper.
  6. You can then use your username and password to log-on to the Tramper booking system to book future Tramper adventures



Where can I use the Tramper?

Trampers can be used at our partner hire-sites in Lake District and North York Moors. Your membership also gives you access to Trampers provided by our partners, Countryside Mobility, in the South West. Please take a look at our Locations Pages for current Tramper hire sites.

Our Trampers are available to use at the hire sites, on routes we have assessed safe and suitable for a Tramper. For your safety and insurance purposes we ask that you do not take the Tramper off the route.



Can I hire a Tramper for my holiday to use on my own routes?

Lake District Mobility Trampers are available to hire only at the locations and routes we have specified here, on our website. We do not offer Trampers to be taken away for use elsewhere. We are sure that you will find an amazing place to enjoy among the locations we offer, and we are continually working to find you more places to access with a Tramper. Visit our Locations Pages.



How do I book a Tramper?

  1. Go to our Membership page and select your membership plan. Membership Page
  2. If you think the scheme is suitable for you, you can go on to complete your membership registration on-line.
  3. Congratulations! You are ready to book your first Tramper adventure. Book Online
  4. Attend the site and ensure you have the following:
    • Proof of your booking, such as a copy of your booking confirmation email or booking reference number
    • Some form of ID with your name on it, such as a debit card. Please note, this does not need to be photographic ID
  5. Attend the site approximately 15 minutes before your first booked slot. This will give the staff and you time to go through the Tramper user training so that you feel confident and safe using the Tramper.
  6. You can then use your username and password to log-on to the Tramper booking system to book future Tramper adventures



What does the training include?

The Tramper training is designed to make sure you have the skills and confidence to safely operate the Tramper:

  • Staff at the hire site will give you the training
  • The training lasts approximately 5-10 minutes
  • The staff member will demonstrate all the controls of the Tramper to you and make sure you are confident operating the Tramper
  • Once you have had your training you can use the Tramper at any of our participating locations.



I have limited strength or control in one arm – can I use the Tramper?

You should have sufficient upper body strength, upper limb mobility and hand dexterity to grip both Tramper handlebar grips securely and operate the twist grip.

The Tramper uses handlebars for steering and a single twist grip to start and stop.

The Tramper has a switch, which allows you to choose which twist grip to use, left or right.

The speed is controlled using a combination of a dial and a switch.



I have a two-week taster membership. How do I become an annual member?

After your two-week taster membership has lapsed, you can log on to your account in “Manage your membership” and subscribe to an annual membership for only £10.



Are there restrictions for using the Tramper?

The safety of our members, staff and other visitors at hire sites is very important to us. Because of this there are some restrictions on how and where the Tramper can be used.

  • We have a small questionnaire for you to complete before you purchase your membership, that will determine if the Tramper scheme is suitable for you. Please read the questions through carefully, as they form part of your Terms and Conditions with us, before completing your membership purchase.
    You are the best judge of your own ability. Unfortunately, for safety and insurance reasons not everyone will be able to join the scheme.

  • The hire periods and induction session times will vary at each site according to staff availability and opening hours

  • Staff at the hire site will direct you to the route where you can take the Tramper. The route has been assessed as safe and suitable for Trampers by Lake District Mobility. You must not take the Tramper off route.

  • Trampers are limited to a maximum speed of 4mph for safety reasons

  • You are required to carry a mobile phone and any other safety items issued by site staff.

  • We recommend that you are accompanied when using a Tramper. At some sites this is compulsory because of poor mobile signal in the event of emergency.