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Avis is First Rental Car Company to Offer Mobility Scooters With Car Rentals


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PARSIPPANY, NJ - June 6, 2006: Avis Rent A Car System, LLC today announced a new pilot program that will give customers the ability to rent a mobility scooter and have it waiting in the trunk of their next rental vehicle or delivered to the customer's location. Mobility scooters are four-wheeled, lightweight, battery-operated transportable units that are well suited for travelers up to 250lbs. The program rolls out at two of the nation's most frequented leisure and convention destinations -- Las Vegas and Orlando. Avis is the first rental car company to offer mobility scooters combined with vehicle rentals.

Mobility scooters are most popular with older travelers and those with disabilities and are the latest addition to Avis Access(R), the company's suite of products for travelers with disabilities. Avis Access was launched in 2003 and it debuted as the nation's first comprehensive program for travelers with disabilities. Other components of Avis Access are transfer boards, hand controls, spinner knobs, panoramic mirrors and swivel seats.

"Many people need to use mobility scooters in their everyday activities," said Scott Deaver, executive vice president of marketing for Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC, parent company of Avis. "By offering them a fast and easy way to get them when they are traveling, we're able to enhance their whole travel experience. This new service reinforces our commitment to help make travel more accessible for everyone."

"Scootaround is excited about offering yet another unique service to our customers, and we are especially excited to have the opportunity to work with a great company like Avis in providing it," said Scootaround president and CEO Lee Meagher.

The new program was developed with the assistance of Scootaround, an industry leader in supplying mobility equipment for sale and rental nationwide. Beginning today, customers will be able to reserve a mobility scooter when making a vehicle reservation by calling 1-888-TRY-HARDER or contacting Scootaround directly at 1-888-441-7575 or online at http://www.scootaround.com/avis. There is an additional charge of $40.00 per rental day in Las Vegas and $50.00 per rental day in Orlando. Multiple day discounts are also available.

About Scootaround

Scootaround Inc. is North America's only nationwide rental company providing scooter and wheelchairs to business and vacation travelers in more than 500 locations. They also provide Total Mobility Management solutions for conventions and tradeshows through fleet rentals, onsite-programs and assistive staffing. Scootaround can be reached at 1-888-441-7575 or via their web site at www.scootaround.com.