Scooter tracker to bring more freedom for elderly

Mobility scooters could be fitted with tracking technology to prevent older people from getting lost, thanks to experts in Leicester.

Researchers at De Montfort University (DMU) aim to develop a device that fits into a scooter and tells care providers the user's location using mobile phone technology.

The device will enable care staff to find the person should an emergency arise while they are away from their home.

The research is being funded by a £40,000 Higher Education Collaboration Grant from the Transport Innovation Network.

DMU's Dr Eric Goodyer, who is leading the project alongside Dr Amr Ahmed, of the University of Lincoln, said: "We do not want people's homes to become prisons. During this project, we will develop an electronic device that fits neatly into a standard mobility scooter, and will monitor the user's location and well-being. The device will connect to the remote care provider using mobile phone technology and a tracker device will be used to locate them."

A number of systems aimed at protecting elderly and vulnerable people are already available, ranging from simple pendant alarms to more complex devices which monitor behaviour and can raise the alarm in the event of falls or medical emergencies.

Most of the technology is intended to help a person feel secure within their own home, but Dr Goodyer and Dr Ahmed believe it is important that people are able to feel safe when they leave the house, too.

Dr Ahmed said: "The digital era and the increasing number of online services mean that more support is available to help older people maintain a lifestyle that is as independent as possible.

"This support should cover not only activities within the house, but those outside it as well."

The Transport Innovation Network, which is based at Loughborough University, is funded by the East Midlands Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

Network director John Frodsham said: "The grant gives the universities resources to work together in proving an innovative concept that doesn't yet exist.

"It's exciting to think that by integrating some existing and new technologies, the work could open up possibilities which East Midlands companies can exploit, potentially leading to business opportunities in new applications which will also have a growing societal benefit."