The Journey of Dutch Mobility Scooter Clubs
– Research, Book

Many people know, have seen, or driven on themselves: the mobility scooter, a vehicle for people with impaired mobility that allows them to move around independently. What is probably less known is the existence of mobility scooter clubs: groups and communities that have been established around the common use of the scooter, that go on collective tours (often in nature) as a way of leisure and social connections. 

In “The Journey of Dutch mobility scooter clubs”, Social Designer Femke Hoppenbrouwer investigates the position of the mobility scooter in the Netherlands. Her participatory and observatory research by joining several mobility scooter clubs in the province of Noord Brabant, argues that while the scooter provides physical freedom, these clubs add value on the quality of life. 

The book advocates to fight the current social stigma around the vehicle and presents the mobility scooter as “a new way of freedom,” as the clubs describe it. 

It highlights the underused social potential of the scooter, by answering the main research question:
What is the impact of Dutch mobility scooter Clubs on the social connectedness and self-empowerment of their members?

The book also includes a photographic essay, telling a visual narrative of the activities of the mobility scooter clubs.