Ipswich Shopmobility

Extremely disappointing experience. Every suitable disabled bay was already occupied. The only disabled bay left was too short for my wheelchair accessible vehicle because of the layout. I even suggested that, if the member of staff was concerned about losing a Shopmobility space, he could simply place a cone in that empty bay while we came to speak to him. He refused and instead demanded that I move. He immediately assumed I didn't have a Blue Badge and opened the conversation by threatening me with a £100 fine for parking in the bay. That penalty is for people parking without a valid Blue Badge. I have one. Rather than allowing me to explain the situation, he launched straight into threats. I was trying to get three children and my father-in-law, who has a spinal aneurysm, safely out of the car. That takes a few minutes. Disabled families should not be rushed or confronted before they've even had a chance to get everyone out of the vehicle. Had he simply waited two minutes for us to come over and explain that we wanted to speak to Shopmobility about hiring a wheelchair for my father-in-law, none of this would have happened. Instead, I was called "a disgusting human being." After being spoken to like that, I called him a knob. He then accused me of being a bad mother and criticised my behaviour in front of my children, despite the fact that he was the one who had frightened my daughter so much that she was crying. When he realised I wasn't going to be intimidated, he called security. The outcome was quite telling. Security agreed with me, confirmed they could not require me to move, and even commented that the situation had been handled without common sense and that this was not behaviour they condoned. For a service intended to support disabled people, this was an incredibly hostile experience. A little patience, respect, and common sense would have prevented the entire situation.

Very good, ladies who attend the desk(s), whomever is on whenever I go through to Ipswich, are very helpful and pleasant, generally not had a bad experience with them yet, and I hope I never do (lol), for anyone who needs to use this service there is a 15min pickup and drop-off service at the disabled parking bays right by the shopmobility section of the car park, so if you use public transport or a taxi, don't let them tell you any different (unless the procedure has changed or the shopmobility closes down or moves!).

Inaccessible with mobility issues to get to shop mobility is a massive trek to middle of butter market complex then to get out after returning a scooter. Too much effort. I took a look did not bother and returned home exhausted.

I have used these facilities and found the staff very helpful and friendly with good advice should you need any.. This is a free service but a contribution is always appreciated. I can say when you need wheels to get yoyrself round town that's certainly the place to go. Certainly helps me and there is 2 hours free parking. I love it. Thank you Ipswich borough council and the voulentry staff. 🙂

I have no idea why there are so many bad reviews? I went to rent a wheelchair for my Nanna on a whim a few weeks ago and the service was incredible, the manager was so helpful and friendly. We rented the chair for four hours and even got two hours free parking. Yes there are restrictions on where the wheelchairs can and can't go but it was perfect for us to shop around town and we intend to go again soon, my Nanna can finally shop in town in comfort. I just wish we had realised this service was available sooner as I'm always walking past it! The fact it's run by volunteers is incredible. Thank you so much!

I was there about a year ago and had a womder ful experience ..can i have the name of the brand of the scooter i used

Both members of staff were very abrupt on the phone when I rang to book a scooter to enable me to take my grandchildren to Superbowl at the Buttermarket centre. I was curtly told that I couldn't take the scooter up to the first floor as it's too crowded or to Christchurch park for the same reason due to insurance policies. I could only use it to go shopping which I find a little strange as my experience is that they are very crowded especially at this time of the year, one of the reasons I haven't been there to shop for years as found it too stressful with shoppers walking in front of me all the time. It seems a very opaque policy to me. Update - after speaking with Jennifer it transpired a mistake had been made and I had been misinformed. The scooter could be taken up to the first floor but not to the cinema so I was able to borrow a scooter this morning. The staff were very pleasant when we arrived and I had a lovely time with my grandchildren who tried out the Ninja Tag before we all had a delicious lunch together at the Superbowl cafe. I would have given 5 stars but the signage to the shopmobility hub is very small and there were cones in the disabled spaces which totally confused us so we had to go round the car park again and ask the attendants where to go. In our opinion a larger sign on the wall or above the entrance would make it easier to find.