More ideas.

[LessThanRich]

As you are very well aware by now I am all up for mobility and independent living. I use a wheelchair 99% of the time as walking is dangerous, often painful and unproductive.

Today however, I would like to share my solution to an electric wheelchair, which are horribly expensive to buy. This is my 800watt electric quad, which tops out at 40km/h and is perfect for walking my dogs or just getting around my village. They retail at around 2000€ which is vastly cheaper than an electric wheelchair and way more fun than a mobility scooter (max 10km/h). Not sure of the feasibility if you live in a city, but for countryside living its almost indispensable now. It allows you an independent freedom that personally I had lost for years. I am not ready to give up my life and be a full time handicapped person yet, so I allow myself several luxuries to get me though.

[easygoin1]

I have a side by side that I use for getting around our acreage and for moving stuff in the box, I also have an outdoor walker that is excellent for hauling stuff from the vehicle to the house, it has an area on the front that I can place a water jug and bring right to the door.

[LessThanRich in reply to easygoin1]

I generally only move stuff with my manual wheelchair. Quad is just for going fast basically, mainly with my dogs.

[easygoin1 in reply to LessThanRich]

What kind of dogs do you have? We have 3 Labrador / German Shepard cross. I never intended to have more than 1 dog, but when we got the adult female she came to us pregnant and we kept 2 of the 8 she gave us.

[LessThanRich in reply to easygoin1]

I have 2 black lab crosses called Spud and Chips, Spud is a big pure cross with a border collie and Chippy is a medium one we guess is crossed with a Whippet. Back in the day they used to pull my wheelchair up to 27km/h. But since getting the quad they don;t like doing it anymore!

They give me a reason to live, to move, to go outside. I cannot big up dogs enough as company for handicapped people.

[Equinney in reply to LessThanRich]

3 mini Schnauzers in the house with me. I agree best company that can be found. As long as my wife doesn’t hear that ;). Great idea on the quad as long as you stay out of trouble.

[LessThanRich in reply to Equinney]

Of course there is a risk, same as anything in life. I can tell you the story of when I got stuck in the middle of nowhere and had to crawl 200metres on my elbows before getting rescued by passing hunters. True story. I no longer drive like an idiot.

[Klorda]

Wow! That looks very cool and fun!!

[Dave381]

Hi Rich, haven't been on here in a while, just catching up with some posts. My walking is pretty bad too, I use a chair about 50% of the time - anything but very short distances. I've got a Stricker electric hand bike attachment for when I'm doing long distances or lots of hills. It's good because it comes on and off in a few seconds. I like the idea of a quad - although I don't think I'd get much use out if it in my small garden in suburban London!

[LessThanRich in reply to Dave381]

I tested a handbike, but they aren;t for me. I am better off with a freewheel. I don;t think a quad is that feasible for the city! You should at least try one! Loads of fun, I missed going fast!

[LessThanRich in reply to LessThanRich]

ooooh electric handbike. I haven;t even tested one yet!!