Stephen Magee, a man with osteoarthritis and learning difficulties, has expressed feeling "humiliated" after Translink deemed his new mobility scooter too large for their train services. Magee, from Coleraine, said he had used his previous scooter for approximately five years without any problems.
After an assessment, Translink informed Magee that his new scooter was 10cm too large. He stated he had deliberately purchased a scooter he believed was the same size as his old one, expecting it to be suitable for train travel.
A Translink spokesperson confirmed the company is committed to accessible services and uses an independent assessment process for all mobility scooters. This process, developed in partnership with Disability Action and with input from the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) since 2023, aims to ensure scooters can be safely taken on and off vehicles.
Magee, 47, uses the train about once a week to travel to Belfast or Londonderry. He said he is now unable to use both trains and buses, as his scooter will not fit on any of the buses.