Hammond scooter column controversy

Ugh... if the people behind that had just a shred of intelligence, they'd know that there was no mocking in that column...

Also, scooters like that give a bad name to real scooters...

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Had one of these a few years ago and they're a blast. They go 50 kph (legally and 100 illegally), you need a driving licence for them and they do need to go on the road, but they're the coolest definition of the word "scooter" out there. Why these geriatricycles (as useful as they are) have to share the name is beyond me. :(
 
"The photo has breached our copyright and the man whose body it is is very upset."

What, more upset than the fact he can't walk and needs a ****ing scooter? Has anyone thought about how poor old Lewis is feeling? That thing would probably have worked better than his McLaren in Bahrain.
 
Hamster even says in the editorial that the scooters are essential for the independence pensioners and the disabled.

I'm surprised that the non-profit, Scoot-a-long, is getting all riled up. They could have spun this into their favor by inviting Hamster (and the whole Top Gear crew) to a drag race and made it into a great photo opportunity. It would have shown that the organization has a good sense of humor as well as created good will. Scoot-a-long has already ridden scooters around Britain (5000 miles) to raise awareness, how could they not see this as an opportunity? Could you imagine Jeremy screaming "MOOOORE POOOOWER!" on a scooter while the Stig drifted it through some corners? Absolutely epic...

Instead they threaten to sue because they might lose charitable contributions? :blink:
Whiskey tango foxtrot...
 
Scooters rock!
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-kJdFjHihY[/YOUTUBE]
 
I thought Hammond's article was very cute.

Speaking as someone who just returned from a cruise to the caribbean, I must say I never thought one way or the other about scooters before this trip, but I returned with a deep seated haterid of the damn things. And they were everywhere. And being that they are basically silent, they are on you before you know it.

I think at the very least they should be made to tie cow bells to the handlebars or something so you can hear them coming. Everyday going to the buffet the little old dears would be honking that little horn. Standing quietly in line then suddenly a honk honk honk as they scrape an inch of skin off the back of your legs and heels.

And I agree. Rather than being so "offended" by Richard's remarks, they should have embraced him and got him on their side for the charity. Haven't they heard about the helicopter fund thing? They have blown it now though.
 
"Scoot-a-Long"? These people expect to be taken seriously? :lmao:

Ok, as a charity I commend them for what they're doing. But I guess their sense of humor only goes so far.

Also, aren't they called "invalid carriages"?
 
Also, scooters like that give a bad name to real scooters...

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Nothing wrong with those ...
[YOUTUBE]http://youtube.com/watch?v=y0kZKI6hUwE[/YOUTUBE]


Those 'Scoot-a-Long' guys need to relax. This is free publicity (something that it sounds like they want), and even if it is kind of mocking them, it's all in good fun.
 
[Shameless plug]

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[/Shameless plug]
 
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"oh deer. they put lewis hamiltons head on mine in a photo. oh wait! this doesn't harm me at all. well better pop to the shops, i need milk."

it's not as if they said 'look at this prick, he can't use his legs. what a dick head'
they obscured his identity, they didn't mock scooter riding. they simply expressed concern for pedestrians and then proposed a solution to what is claimed to be a problem.

and anyway, those scooters are pretty good fun. nearly rolled one once.
 
Not one response in support of the charity, and with good reason. The article was actually somewhat supportive of scooter users.

Im a 35 year old male who has to use a mobility scooter to get out and about... and Richard Hammond is a hero of mine. I also know the scootalong team... I think certain people may need to get a humour gland implanted... Storm in a teacup comes to mind.

Stuart Wyatt, Stonehouse, Plymouth

My mum uses one of these scooters and she thought it funny. I'm sure most people will.

Maria, Plymouth

Its just one guy in charge with either no sense of humour, or a chip on his shoulder.

Reminds me of when the Jane Goodall foundation complained to Gary Larson about one of his The Far Side cartoons in which Jane Goodall was the main subject, calling it offensive and all the rest. Funny part was, she'd read it and thought it was hilarious.
 
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