Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine Autumn 2026

Staying Safe on a Mobility Scooter: Practical Tips for Everyday Confidence M obility scooters offer freedom, independence, and the ability to stay connected with the community — but like any vehicle, they’re safest when used with awareness and a few simple habits. Whether you’re navigating local shops, shared paths, or busy coastal walkways, these tips help keep every trip smooth and stressfree. Choose the Right Scooter for Your Needs Safety starts with a scooter that suits your environment. Smaller, lighter models are ideal for indoor use and short trips, while larger scooters offer better stability outdoors. Make sure the seat height, controls, and steering feel comfortable and easy to manage. Do a Quick PreRide Check A few seconds of preparation can prevent most issues. Check that the battery is charged, the tyres are inflated, and the controls respond smoothly. Ensure your bag, shopping, or personal items are secured so Mobility scooters can feel fast when you’re close to the ground. Slow down in crowded areas, around corners, and on uneven surfaces. Save higher speeds for open, flat paths where you have plenty of space and visibility. Be Visible to Others Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers need to see you clearly. Wear light or bright clothing, especially in early morning or late afternoon. Many scooters have lights or reflectors — keep them clean and switch them on whenever visibility drops. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings Shared paths can be unpredictable. Keep an eye out for children, dogs, uneven pavement, and sudden obstacles. Approach driveways and shop entrances cautiously and never assume others have seen you. Use Ramps and Kerbs Safely Always approach kerb ramps straight on, not at an angle. Avoid steep or damaged kerbs and never attempt to climb obstacles your scooter isn’t designed for. If a path looks unsafe, choose another route rather than risking a fall or tipover. Protect Yourself in Wet or Windy Weather Rain can make surfaces slippery, and strong winds can affect balance and steering. If you must travel, reduce your speed and allow extra stopping distance. Keep your hands dry for better control and use a waterproof cover for the scooter’s controls if you have one. Know Your Limits and Take Breaks Fatigue affects reaction time. If you feel tired, stop for a moment, stretch, and reset. Safety always comes first. nothing shifts or catches in the wheels. Use Safe Speeds for the Environment

Creating a greener, cooler Coast with street plantings C entral Coast Council is continuing its commitment to creating cooler, greener and more liveable communities through its ongoing Street Tree Planting Program, which sees around 60 - 70 trees planted across the region each year. As a one-off initiative this financial year, Council has allocated an additional $150,000 for a street tree pilot program focused on the Peninsula suburbs. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said more trees means more shade, cleaner air and improved community spaces for people to enjoy. “These programs show our commitment to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods,” Mayor McKinna said. “We are planting more trees to help reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and make our suburbs more enjoyable places to live, work and play. “The Peninsula was chosen for the additional Street Tree Planting Pilot Program as it has been identified as a priority area under the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy. This pilot will deliver much needed shade and support Council’s liveability and sustainability goals.” Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said we’re working together for a greener, cooler Central Coast. “Street trees are more than just beautiful – they’re essential for creating healthier, more sustainable communities,” Ms Smith said. “Residents can request trees by lodging their request online through Council’s website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by contacting our Customer Service team. “Each tree request is carefully assessed against Council’s planting specifications and the Greener Places Strategy to ensure suitability and long-term success. This includes considering factors such as canopy coverage, infrastructure impacts, and environmental needs. “In addition to Council funded programs, Council has prepared and submitted an application under the Greening Our Cities Grant which, if successful, will enable even more tree planting opportunities in Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina in future years.”

12 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2026