As Government continues to search for ways to improve public transportation for the disabled, a local businessman is giving wheelchair users the freedom of the open road ? on a motorcycle.

Wheelchair-bound travellers have, in the past, criticised the quality of service provided to them in Bermuda and complained of being overcharged by taxi drivers who are reluctant to have them as passengers.

But John Powell believes the disabled should have the freedom to chose their own mode of transport.

He has been importing specially designed mobility cars for the disabled and was recently granted permission by TCD to add three-wheeled scooters to his list.

These scooters, he said, would give wheelchair users the same kind of freedom that the mobility cars provide, but at a fraction of the price.

Each of the mobility cars is specially designed to meet the special needs of each of the requesters and the same criteria will apply to the scooters.

Mr. Powell said he could have one on the Island within five weeks of being ordered.

Dubbed ?Nippi?, these three-wheeled scooters are designed, developed and manufactures in the United Kingdom where there are hundreds on the road.

?What makes the fuel-operated scooter convenient is that the wheelchair goes along for the ride and with the use of hydraulics, can be loaded on and off a rear ramp with the least bit of effort,? he said.