Any thoughts on using à mobility chair/scooter?

[ivyanne]

Is it practical for use outside the home? Who has. one and are you happy with it?

[Jupeter]

Apart from PD, I also have scoliosis, arthritis, and low blood pressure. As a result my walking distance is very short - maybe 30 yards - before I have to stop and rest.

I have a folding electric scooter which I have used on various occasions. A blessing on cruises, it is a surprisingly long way from one end of the ship to the other.

Also, when flying somewhere, it enables me to get round the airport and I take it up to the boarding dock and it is then taken on board by the staff, ready for when I disembark.

I use it when we take our dog for a walk in certain places which are flat, and it is a boon for getting round big shopping centres.

It is heavy, around 25Kg, and we are now unable to lift it into the boot of the car (Station Wagon), so this week I had a hoist fitted into the boot so it will now be used even more.

If you have problems with walking I can recommend this solution. Airlines and cruise ship operators will accept these without any problems and generally offer assistance to users.

If you are only going to use it from home and not take it away with you, then I would go for a proper scooter, not a folding one. They are more stable and the bigger wheels cope with uneven surfaces better.

Hope this is helpful.

[maryalice]

I started using a power chair about a year ago. I went from a cane to a walker, then a power chair. I put off using it as long as I could, but I had to start using it in order to get around even in my house. It has been good because it has given me more independence, but it has also caused my muscle strength in my legs to get weaker. It's a "Catch 22" situation, because it helps, but can also cause problems. Hope this helps. Blessings.

[camper]

I've just got a mobility scooter. Because I stick constantly and am likely to fall at anytime I couldn't do anything unless I was hanging onto my husband.We recently bought a TGA Eclipse scooter which we can take apart and put in the boot of the car. It goes 4 mph so when we go out my husband will ride his bike alongside of me.I also take it in the supermarket, makes me feel more independent. I'd definitely recommend it.

[shasha]

thanks for all the answers - very useful as i am also in the position of not being able to get around my house without my husband , so am longing for a bit if independence

[ivyanne]

Thanks everyone I appreciate your responses.. I still use a walker around the house but outside, I freeze so much it is frustrating to use it. I thought a scooter would give me some independence.. I guess we will start pricing them now.

[Barbie18 in reply to ivyanne]

I BOUGHT A MOBILITY SCOOTER TWO YEARS AGO BUT I HAVE HARDLY USED IT AS IT IS NOT FOR ROAD USE AND I DONT FEEL VERY CONFIDENT USING IT.SO I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SELLING IT FOR A MORE STIRDY MODEL SO TAKE CARE AND MAKE SURE OF YOUR CHOICE WHEN BUYING A MODEL AND DONT FORGET YOU CAN GET WARM ASSESORIES TO WEAR BARBIE18

[margie]

I have a 600 Quatrum power chair. My doctor wrote a prescription and I had to be fitted for the right type of chair that would fit me and help me with my medical problems. Medicare paid for it. It is very sturdy. I use it outside and inside. I have PD with dystonia of the feet and calves. I have had strokes. The chair lifts my legs up and I can recline it in. It has a toggle I had to learn how to use it correctly I purchased a scooter, my expense, for traveling and it goes right on the plane with me when flying (It folds up) I carry the enclosed battery on the plane . The scooter is easier for me to drive, but the Quatrum is more sturdy and fits my needs, especially with me falling. I hope this helps.