mobility aids

[forkeeps]

hi, I have ME/CFS and Fibro. I was diagnosed last year and fatigue and pain are a real issue for me. My biggest challenge is out of the house, doing school runs, day trips etc. I have a Rollator and borrowing a wheelchair, but I’m considering a power chair or scooter for more independence. As they are so expensive I’m keen for tips. Generally I drive to school, then walk my kids in, they are a different schools do it’s about a 30 min walk altogether. Need something that goes in the boot, but I can get out myself. Any experiences?

[Badbessie]

You can get a small hoist to lift a mobility scooter in and out of a boot. My wife tried the smaller fold up scooters but found them very limited in many ways especially stability.

[forkeeps in reply to Badbessie]

good tip, thank you

[Gooddaysagain]

I sold my car and bought a big, rugged mobility scooter and lots of warm waterproof clothing. The scooter is road legal, so can do both 4mph (pavements) and 8mph (road). It has a 30 mile journey limit. Expensive at nearly £5K second-hand, but cheaper and more eco-friendly than the car. It has replaced my wheels and my feet.

I hope this helps.

Dee

[forkeeps in reply to Gooddaysagain]

Thanks Dee, we only have one car as a family so not an option to get rid of that! But interesting thought

[Farmerboy in reply to forkeeps]

Mobility Giant sells refurbished ex mobility scooters all types boot to all terrain some low usage/ mileage. I had one top of the range only done 172 miles ,

[forkeeps in reply to Farmerboy]

good tip, I'll have a look

[Dor1]

I have got both a scooter and electric wheelchair. Got the scooter first but now wish I hadn't. Although it comes to bits easily the parts are really heavy and you need quite a big boot. Where I live you can't take a scooter on a bus but can take it on the tram. The only problem with that is that it costs me £15 in a taxi to the nearest tram stop, also a lot of taxis don't want to take the scooter either. I finally gave in and got the wheelchair. I got a nice modern looking one and it is great. I can get on and off buses quite easily, after a bit of practice. The chair folds and comes apart to 2 pieces weighing around 15kg each part. I am so glad I got this as I can now go out when I want. I still use the scooter if I am going shopping nearby cos I have a big bag that fits on the back and won't tip. Hope this helps. The scooter was around £2,000 and the wheelchair £3,000.

[forkeeps in reply to Dor1]

thank you, that's really helpful, I'm thinking power chair is probably right for now, now to just work out which one!

[LadyJoro]

you can pick up the folding electric chairs and scooters from around £700

Not recommended for all day use but great for in and out of the car

they weigh 20-25kg

You can get a hoist for the boot that will lift this weight for most cars

If you need a more robust chair you’re gonna have to look into a wav for your next car

[forkeeps in reply to LadyJoro]

Thank you, I have just bought and received an Etech Motion folding chair and so far so good! Certainly helping me keep up with the family. We are due to change our car in next few months so this will now be the major deciding factor!

[LadyJoro in reply to forkeeps]

Just had a thought

Telescopic ramps to roll the chair into the boot

[forkeeps in reply to LadyJoro]

Yeah, it’s on the list to research! Thank you