British tourists are officially the worst mobility scooter drivers in Benidorm.
That’s according to the Spanish resort council, which told Benidorm’s Butterfield Mobility Scooter owner Ben Redrup and travel experts On the Beach that Brits are the nationality most likely to ride their scooters dangerously.
And according to a survey of 2,000 holidaymakers by On the Beach, 81 per cent of Britons think mobility scooter riders should be given lessons before getting behind the handlebars of one.
Enter former Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert, who has stepped forward to offer his riding tips to Benidorm’s daredevil scooter tourists.
Johnny says: ‘When I won Les Mans in 1991 and the British Grand Prix in 1995, I didn’t think I’d be teaching Brits in Benidorm how to ride mobility scooters properly.
British tourists are the worst e-scooter riders Benidorm has ever seen, according to the local council
Former Formula 1 champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Johnny Herbert has offered his driving tips to daredevil scooter tourists in Benidorm.
“But it’s becoming a serious problem and someone with the right authority is needed to help. Now that I’m officially 60, I’m the perfect person to give some safety tips to my fellow older Brits to help them get rid of their bad reputation behind the wheel.”
Benidorm welcomed almost three million visitors in 2023, according to Visit Benidorm, and On the Beach research revealed that around 60 per cent of them end up renting a mobility scooter.
Ben Redrup says: ‘Sadly, the British are by far the worst offenders when it comes to dangerous driving in Benidorm when it comes to mobility scooters.
Johnny has stepped in to help, as more than 80 per cent of Brits believe holidaymakers should take lessons before getting behind the handlebars of a scooter.
‘I’m British so it’s sad to see, but I certainly have less respect for others on local streets than other nationalities, when they should be used responsibly and only for genuine needs.
‘I’ve seen some erratic and careless driving by Britons this week alone, so I support On the Beach’s campaign to raise awareness about scooter safety amongst its mobility scooter users.’
Johnny’s tips include obeying the scooter’s speed limit, staying on the sidewalk, and never using your phone while riding a mobility scooter.
He also recommends not approaching a curb at an angle – “it’s the quickest way to tip your mobility scooter over” (scroll down for more tips).
Zoe Harris, customer services manager at On the Beach, said: “Benidorm council have told us that Brits are the worst e-scooter riders. They all need riding lessons.”
“Who better than a British Formula 1 driver to hop on one and give some advice to retired racers? We’re also giving over 55s in Benidorm the chance to try out their new skills with free mobility scooter hire, so we hope they take note of Johnny’s advice.”
Starting today, July 8th, On the Beach is offering eligible customers (over 55s or with mobility issues) free scooter rental in Benidorm for the next two weeks. To find out how to apply and see all of Johnny’s tips on mobility scooters, visit www.onthebeach.co.uk/free-mobility-scooter-hire.