Ted’s mission to claim mobility scooter record

Moreton Bay local Ted Bakke is on a mission to get his name into the record books, but he needs your help to do it.

Ted is calling on the community to join him in his second attempt at breaking the Australian record for the most mobility scooter users in a single convoy, which will be held in Deception Bay on Sunday, December 3.

The event, known as Ted’s Wheelie Challenge, will coincide with International Day of People with Disability, which aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with a disability.

“I have been talking to lots of people from different parts of Moreton Bay who are keen to take part, and I have also been handing out lots of flyers,” Ted says.

“People from all over the region can come, but they do need to organise their own transport to Deception Bay.”

Ted’s first attempt at the record in October 2022 saw 40 people take part, which was below the 172 people he needed to claim the record.

That number was confirmed to Moreton Daily by The Australian Book of Records (TABOR).

Not feeling discouraged at all, Ted believes this year will be bigger and better.

“I was a little disappointed we didn’t get the record last year, so we are trying again this year,” Ted says.

“Last year we had 40 people turn up, but this year I would like to see 180 people involved."

The convoy is open to all mobility scooters and electric wheelchair users, and dressing up in fun and colourful costumes is encouraged.

Ted says he has received lots of support from State Member from Bancroft Chris Whiting and City of Moreton Bay Division 5 Councillor Sandra Ruck.

The event is also backed by the Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) – a state-wide organisation of, by and for people with diverse disability.

Chief Executive Officer of QDN Michelle Moss says this event is a fun way to bring the community together. 

“Ted’s Wheelie challenge is on International Day of People with Disability (Sunday December 3). It’s a chance to bring the community together and share the achievements of people with disability," Michelle says. 

"It is also an opportunity to promote community awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disability. 

"It is important that people with disability who use mobility wheelchairs and scooters enjoy the same access to our community. 

"There is so much to enjoy right across the City of Moreton Bay and it’s important that everyone is working together to build upon the work that has happened, and create an inclusive and accessible community for everyone.”

Moreton Daily reached out to TABOR to verify if 172 was still the record to beat but is yet to receive a response.

Details

All participants are asked to meet at the Deception Bay PCYC at 9am for a 10am start.

The convoy will travel down the accessible paths of the esplanade before finishing up at the barbecue area opposite the Deception Bay Library where there will be a free community barbecue for everyone involved.

“We will be taking a different route to the one we did last year – something that I call the adventure run - where we will all head down to the water and take the ocean route to the library,” Ted says.

Each participant there on the day will also go into the draw to win a Pride GO-GO LX mobility scooter valued at over $2400.

For more details, phone Ted on 0458 955 170 or register online.