8/2/2006

New enterprise brings scooter transport to OC
By Bob Lassahn

A new enterprise catering to the handicapped has entered the arena in the Ocean City area as Barb's Buggys commenced operations this month. The Baltimore based company specializes in renting the now popular electric scooters that allow persons with impaired mobility to be involved in a variety of activities.

Headed up by businesswoman Barbara Lindt, no stranger to the area with a weekend getaway in nearby Bethany Beach, the company has established their presence by teaming with local businessman John Clarke to handle the logistics of delivery and service. Known to many in the area simply as JC he has operated his own business in the resort since 1999.

The rentals are four wheeled electric scooters with a comfortable padded seat capable of covering about 20 miles, or eight to 12 hours of normal use on a single charge. Equipped with a reverse gear and featuring a tight turning radius they can navigate tight quarters with ease. Maximum speed of the very stable unit is four to five miles per hour and the operator can dial in a fast or slow pace to meet his or her needs. Although not a true "off road" vehicle the scooter can handle grass and moderately uneven terrain. The company maintains a fleet of 38 scooters.

The resort area previously has relied on a company in Fruitland for this service. The presence of Barb's Buggys has been welcomed by many in the area, but not just for the scooter rentals. The company is compiling a website that links many of the handicapped services available in Ocean City, including hotels, restaurants, transportation, restrooms, beach access and much more under a single point and click interface. The website will be linked on many existing websites including the Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Department of Tourism.

Getting the scooter from point A to point B for an outing can be a challenge since the unit weighs about 175 pounds and is not easily placed in the trunk of a car. The Town of Ocean City provides a special bus service capable of lifting the scooter with a hydraulic platform. Available seven days a week, special mini-buses with a 13 person seating capacity and room for two wheelchair placements provide special pickups with advance notice. Getting about with the scooter requires advance planning, but is definitely doable. Contact 410-723-1606 for information or to arrange a transport.

Daily rental of a scooter is $75 and delivery is free in Ocean City and environs. Rates for multiple days offer a savings and a full week tops out at $250. Many hotels have agreements providing for on-site delivery or the scooter can be dropped off directly at the boardwalk. JC recommends at least 24 hours notice for delivery, but says that Barb's Buggys will make every effort to fill any request received during regular operating hours within about two hours of a call. Normal operations run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Hourly rentals of the scooters are available at Joe's Bikes located on Second Street near the boardwalk between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. allowing a disabled member of a family to participate in the popular early morning Boardwalk ride favored by many visitors. Joe's can also handle daily and weekly rentals and arrange delivery of a scooter.

Regardless of injury or illness that might inhibit the ability to get around readily everyone still wants to be a part of the fun while visiting Ocean City. Barb's Buggys provides a means for individuals to stay active in spite of physical limitations. And there is even a convenient basket mounted on the front to carry those souvenirs and tasty goodies from a shopping trip.

Barb's Buggys is available on the web (www.barbsbuggys.com) or by calling 1-866-442-8449.

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