Ex-Formula 1 racer Johnny Herbert gives British OAPs in Benidorm driving tips after they were slammed by the council there as the most badly behaved mobility scooter users

By Esther Marshall

Published: | Updated:

British tourists are officially the worst mobility scooter drivers in Benidorm.

That's according to the Spanish resort's council, which told the owner of Benidorm's Butterfields Mobility Scooter firm, Ben Redrup, and travel experts at On the Beach that Britons are the nationality most likely to drive their scooters dangerously.

And according to an On the Beach survey of 2,000 tourists, 81 per cent of Brits think drivers of mobility scooters should have lessons before getting behind the handlebars of one. 

Enter ex-Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert, who has stepped in to offer his driving tips to Benidorm's reckless scooting 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 drive properly on mobility scooters. 

British tourists are the worst mobility scooter drivers that Benidorm's ever seen, according to the council there

British tourists are the worst mobility scooter drivers that Benidorm's ever seen, according to the council there

Ex-Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert has stepped in to offer his driving tips to Benidorm's reckless scooting tourists

Ex-Formula 1 racing legend and Le Mans 24 winner Johnny Herbert has stepped in to offer his driving tips to Benidorm's reckless scooting tourists 

'It's becoming a serious issue though and you need someone with the right standing to help out. Now I'm officially 60, I'm the perfect fit to give some safety tips to fellow older Brits so they get rid of their bad driving reputation!'

Benidorm welcomed nearly three million visitors in 2023, according to Visit Benidorm, with On the Beach research revealing that around 60 per cent of those end up renting a mobility scooter. 

Ben Redrup says: 'Sadly, Brits are by far the worst offenders with dangerous driving in Benidorm when it comes to mobility scooters. 

Johnny has stepped in to help as more than 80 per cent of Brits think tourists should have lessons before getting behind a scooter's handlebars

Johnny has stepped in to help as more than 80 per cent of Brits think tourists should have lessons before getting behind a scooter's handlebars

'I'm a Brit, so it's miserable to see, but most certainly have less regard for others on the local streets than other nationalities when they should be used responsibly and only for genuine needs.

'Only this week I have seen erratic and careless driving from Brits so I'm backing On the Beach's campaign to make its mobility scooter riders more aware of scooter safety.'

Johnny's tips include sticking to the scooting speed limit, staying on the pavement and never using a phone while operating a mobility scooter.

He also recommends not approaching a curb at an angle - 'it’s the quickest way to flipping your mobility scooter on its side [scroll down for more tips]'.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: 'We’ve heard from the Benidorm council that Brits are the worst mobility scooter drivers. They are all in need of some driving lessons.

'Who better to get on the back of one and give OAP racers some tips than a British F1 driver? We’re also giving over 55’s in Benidorm the chance to test out their newfound skills with free mobility scooter hire, so hopefully they take note of Johnny’s advice!'

Starting from today, July 8, On the Beach is offering eligible customers (those over 55 or with mobility issues) scooter rental for free in Benidorm over the next two weeks. To find out how to apply and to see all of Johnny's mobility scooter tips, visit www.onthebeach.co.uk/free-mobility-scooter-hire. 

JOHNNY HERBERT'S MOBILITY SCOOTER TIPS 

1) Brake test: Before you set off make sure you’re aware of how the scooter operates and, most importantly, test the brakes. Take a few practice rides close to where you pick up the mobility scooter and be familiar with how quickly you can come to a stop. In Formula One it’s always who can be last of the late-breakers, on a mobility scooter that is not the case.

2) Stay on the track pavements: Whatever you do, stay on the pavements. There have been a number of changes to mobility scooter rules in Benidorm. The rules are to stay on the pavement and not to go on the roads, cycle or bus lanes. Don’t go riding on the beach either, the last thing you want to do is get stuck on there - there are no F1 marshals to get you out of that trouble.

3) Stay straight, don’t get tipsy: Avoid steep and uneven ground and don’t approach curbs at an angle, it’s the quickest way to flipping your mobility scooter on its side and can result in injuries.

4) No phone zone: The use of phones is not permitted on mobility scooters – so no talking to your mates or taking selfies. Similar to driving a car this is against the law and classed as dangerous driving.

5) Don’t speed: You’re not trying to get pole position in qualifying or going for the world championship. Don’t be a speed demon. Mobility scooters are not for racing. Stick to the speed limit and if you’re driving with a friend, don’t race them!

6) Finally... have a drink! Yes, you’re in Benidorm on holiday and you may have a drink or two, but don’t drink and drive or use the vehicle as a taxi. It’s one of the causes of accidents when on holiday - don’t risk it or take the biscuit!