The 88-year-old is also concerned for other residents with mobility issues that may find themselves isolated from enjoying a day out with friends.

Her son, Jeremy and daughter-in-law Juliette - a doctor - and daughter Suzette believe the decision could cause longer term mental health issues for their mother.

Mrs Tucker lives independently but is unable to walk any distances. She uses a walker to manoeuvre around her home but needs the small scooter when she visits Legacy for meetings or goes out for social gatherings with friends.

But Port Taxis' Brett Dawson says the decision was "out of our control".

"Anyone in a mobility scooter under NSW law is not allowed to drive that mobility scooter up onto the ramp of a taxi," he said.

"The information is publicly available on Transport for NSW website about mobility devices and taxis.

"Like any business, we undergo reviews of safety management systems and we also had clarification from the Centre for Road Safety and the Point to Point Commission regarding the use of scooters.

"They made it clear what the guidelines are. It is a matter for the taxi industry.

"It will have an impact for anyone on a mobility scooter," he said. "Unfortunately this is not in our hands, we are not the law makers.

"I understand that the matter has been raised with Leslie Williams' office."

A spokesperson for Mrs Williams office said the MP has written to minister Paul Toole seeking clarification on the matter.

Mrs Tucker has been using the scooter for three years and says she will be restricted in her outings.

"I can't walk and I am unsteady on my feet at the best of times," she said.

"Normally I would just drive the scooter onto the rear ramp and be able to drive into the back of the taxi.

"But now I just don't think I would be able to stand and then climb into the taxi because the step is too high.

"I am isolated. I won't be able to leave the house," she said.

"I was using the taxi four or five times a week to go shopping with friends or to have an outing."

Mrs Tucker said she is capable of doing everything for herself at home but needed the taxi service to get to appointments.

"I can't be the only person this will impact," she added.

The family is concerned about their mother's future welfare.

Jeremy said his concern was seeing his mother house-bound. "That can't be good for her mental health," he said.

"The taxi drivers are generally good but they are not health professionals."

Suzette said the situation "just seems wrong" and felt "angry" about the situation her mother was now in.

Juliette was concerned that the rule appeared to create a barrier for her mother-in-law.

"We are living in an age where age or disability is not supposed to be a barrier," she said.

"But this is jeopardising the independence of an elderly lady.

"No matter your age, young or old, it should not matter about your disability."

Port Macquarie-Hastings Legacy president Alf Smith confirmed that Mrs Tucker received fortnightly assistance for transport.

"I have approached Port Taxis for clarification and it seems that this impacts people on scooters only," he said.

"I understand that people in a wheelchair can still access the ramp.

"This also appears to be an issue in NSW only. It does not have an impact in residents in Victoria or Queensland."

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