equipment advice Does anyone own a scooter you'd recommend?

[Sandydemop]

today i went to see my sister on public transportation with my walker, now that i'm not driving. I took two trains, and a cab in between. It took 4 hours to get there! and a few thousand steps. 70 miles usually takes an hour to drive there. I took an uber back home which was very easy but the whole experience was exhausting. So, I'm looking for a scooter that might be helpful. they are all different so i would like to hear your experience and recommendations. ty

[erash]

no scooter recommendations (not in my repertoire, yet…) but that sounds like quite an adventure 😞

Was the Uber $$$ for that distance? I give you A+ for courage 👊

[Sandydemop in reply to erash]

thanks E, the uber was expensive. i wasn't expecting to need it as i bought round trip train tickets but so grateful i had the $99 available in my bank account. i don't know if it was brave or not to try doing that by myself but i learned something about my limits. I'm pretty ticked off that driving is not available to me anymore. Next time i go see her i will have somebody drive me there.

[erash in reply to Sandydemop]

I can relate…not driving creates dependency 😞

[Sweetheartonvdayl]

Hi Sandydemop 🙂Sorry, can't help in that regards... As of for now, I rely on my 👦 boyfriend & my other roommate, for driving me. I also don't drive anymore.( but do have a car)

Boy , MS really does ***** !

🙏❤Lisa 💕

[Sandydemop in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl]

hey Linda. Agreed. MS ****s a LOT.

[NorasMom]

i can't help, either, but I'm glad you posted this. An out-of-state cousin has invited me to visit, but it would involve a lengthy train ride, a 4-hour layover in a violent city, and then another train to a rural platform. I don't think I can do it, and I admire you for trying.

[Sandydemop in reply to NorasMom]

hi NorasMom so I learned a few things. One is not to go by myself and the second is it matters what type of device I used.

I used a walker and the number of steps was about 3 times my walking on a good day. That’s why I was asking about a scooter.

So I would recommend having someone come with you and using a chair. Having said that, I had not seen my siblings and niece for maybe 3-4 years so it was definitely worth it even including the $. I would just do it differently next time.

[BettysMom in reply to Sandydemop]

Why don't your siblings and niece come to visit you or come and take you to their place?

[Sandydemop in reply to BettysMom]

thanks for the thought. My sister has a severe case of MS with a 24 hour aide. Not impossible for her to travel but not easy. but you're right. I didn't even ask her.

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to Sandydemop]

As well as my mom-severe case of MS. My dad, @ the time, purchased an electronic stair lift, for our used van. ( not a problem since my mother never learned how to drive, here in the States) Alot of food for thought, in the comments stated here today..

🙏❤Lisa 💕

[Sandydemop in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl]

thanks Lisa

[palomino27]

Don't give up on driving if you don't have too. Get hand controls installed for the gas and brake. I even have a van with a ramp that folds out for my power wheelchair. Would need to be evaluated for this. Either a doctor or PT can prescribe it and should know more. I drive right from my wheelchair as it locks in place.

These controls can be installed in a car if your still walking. Otherwise,a van with a ramp,but they can get very pricey. My converted Toyota Sienna was $80k new. I bought it used for less than half that. The hand controls can't be bought used since they are custom for each driver but usually cost around $3k installed. There are grants available for disability vans and hand controls. Most of my hand controls I got paid for with grants. Grants for vans are out there but can take 9-12 months to get

Hope this helps!

[Sandydemop in reply to palomino27]

thanks Pal, i was worried that once i have the evaluation my license will be restricted. Is that true?

[palomino27]

No, not until you get the hand controls and get a possible test at the DMV. Just getting evaluated won't restrict your license until the hand controls are actually installed.

It will increase your car insurance once installed. Not because of driving with hand controls but disability driving equipment does not loose value like your vehicle does. The hand controls don't add that much value. A new converted van does. I have a converted 2012 Sienna with low miles. The disabled driving equipment is now worth more then the van itself as replacement value on that equipment is new price value even if it's 10 years old.

[Sandydemop in reply to palomino27]

thank you

[palomino27 in reply to palomino27]

Also, I highly recommend getting evaluated for hand controls before one is in a wheelchair and needs to even drive from one. So much easier, and easier to pass a driving test before that time. The DMV doesn't care about the wheelchair itself,just the hand controls.

[green244 in reply to palomino27]

My husband had a working right foot and right hand, but left side was mostly useless. Interesting how everybody’s situation is different. He was able to drive by attaching a spinner to the steering wheel and an attachment that allowed him to put the turn signal on with his right hand. These were inexpensive. My friend knew someone who drove with his head using a special modification. Riding with someone doing that would scare me!

[Sandydemop in reply to green244]

it is interesting! if my right side was more functional instead of my left side i could still drive with my right foot but my right side is the affected side.

[Weaver9]

I recommend a power chair, but this takes a long time to get minimum six months, in the meantime definitely get a power some thing. Sorry you don’t have a recommendation for a scooter yet, but there are lots of scooters available. Good luck.

[Sandydemop in reply to Weaver9]

thank you very much.

[green244 in reply to Weaver9]

We have a power chair that is a very expensive clothes rack. There are two problems with it - my husband can’t reach any storage baskets behind or underneath and the joystick makes it difficult to control in our narrow hallways. Big learning curve to turn tight corners. The scooter has a basket in front and using the handle bars to steer is more intuitive. It’s all so personal; what works for one may not work for another.

[Sandydemop in reply to green244]

Thank you Green. i've had several expensive clothes racks that used to be exercise equipment!

[leking1]

Hi Sandy! Wow, that was a major trip! You are a brave Woman for taking it on, and finishing it! Kudus to you! palomino 27 gave you ( and ME) some great food for thought. My Neurologist gave me a prescription for an electric Scooter back in June, and I still haven't chosen one. I have narrowed my search down to a lightweight, foldable ( I will have to get the thing in and out of the car by myself) , and I need to think about trading my car for something more practical , but I DON'T have to STOP Driving completely! Thank you both, for inspiring me!

[Sandydemop in reply to leking1]

Hi Linda, thanks for your response. i am researching the lightweight foldable scooters as well. the one i like is 3K. ATTO 2 pieces that are about 12 pounds each. I was hoping it would go on sale! there is one that folds remotely but too heavy. some others fold but into 5 pieces. Please lmk what you find. Thanks!

[palomino27 in reply to leking1]

If your Nuero gave you an Rx for a power wheelchair or scooter, Usually one needs to be evaluated for which power wheelchair and which functions you need on it. The evaluators are usually a certified Physiatrist and a certified PT or OT. I have a Quantum Q6 edge power chair with the power footrest and reclining seat and a function called power Tilt. I also got the power seat elevator but I had to pay for that myself, but it's worth it. My Quantum chair is about $24k. It has a bracket on the bottom of it that locks in place when I drive. The driver's seat is made removable and I just roll up toward the steering wheel to lock in place. I use a spinner knob on the steering wheel as well.

I'm progressive MS. My legs do not work at all anymore with spasticity from Hell.

[Sandydemop in reply to palomino27]

thank you for sharing.

[Neworleanslady]

I’m sorry I don’t have a recommendation for a scooter. That is an amazing trip you took! You are brave.

I have learned some good information in this string of messages. Thank you everybody

[Sandydemop]

Hi Miss New Orleans, brave or stupid. it was certainly an adventure.

[falalalala in reply to Sandydemop]

Brave

[Sandydemop]

mailchi.mp/bf7e3f208642/att...

Here is the email I received today if leking1 or anyone is interested. It's probably a good deal although last year the Atto was $3K now they raised it to $3300 with a $500 discount. Still a lot

[MaryAZ]

I tried a power chair and I didn’t like it. No immediate control plus wall damage. I would suggest checking Facebook. Market or another online market place and get a used one or low cost one ($1000) because Medicare only covers 1 every 5 years. You can also order one from Amazon. Get one that will accept returns. Next option is to rent the chair or scooter first … try it before you buy it. I’ve been using a scooter for over a year now. I can’t drive anymore as my right side is in bad shape but I can get around without falling down.

[Sandydemop in reply to MaryAZ]

thanks Mary. good advice.

[Sandydemop in reply to MaryAZ]

thanks Mary, what do you like and not like about your scooter? did you get an extended warrantee?

[MaryAZ in reply to Sandydemop]

I did not get an extended warranty. It comes apart in 4 pieces so it’s easy to transport. I need help so I can’t do it myself. I like it because it gets me around safely. If you order thru Medicare it takes longer because whoever you order from wants to get the most $ they can out of Medicare. I made a decision, located a store nearby and got it the same day.

[Sandydemop in reply to MaryAZ]

thanks Mary. what brand do you have? I'm working so not eligible for Medicare.

[green244 in reply to Sandydemop]

if it comes apart in 4 pieces, it may be a GoGo like my husband’s. They are pretty common.

[Sandydemop in reply to green244]

does he like it. do you like it? and why or why not please. thank you.

[green244 in reply to MaryAZ]

👍

[kwhompus]

I would suggest you didn't buy one off the internet. call your local supplier and ask your questions there. and perhaps buy one there so repairs can be made locally. internet suppliers are notorious for not getting back to people with scooters problems

[Sandydemop in reply to kwhompus]

thank you kwhompus for sound advice.

[Sandydemop in reply to kwhompus]

i'm feeling some pressure for Black Friday deals.

[Sandydemop in reply to kwhompus]

thanks for your feedback because i was tempted. the ones online are cheaper by a thousand dollars!

[Tazmanian]

That was an adventurous trip sorry I can't help I only use a rollator and rely on my wife to drive

[Sandydemop in reply to Tazmanian]

thanks Taz, i use a rollator too but it's only good for short walks

[Tazmanian in reply to Sandydemop]

Agree

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Way to go on the trip! 🙂 You shoud be proud of yourself! You did it! 🙂 Cant help you with the chair... but dont fall for black friday deals! 🤣😂🤣 lf you have something like Office of the Aging call them, they might have some you can borrow?🤗💕🌠

[Sandydemop in reply to Jesmcd2]

great idea! thank you Jes!

[Sandydemop in reply to Jesmcd2]

test drive

[green244]

For some reason, I don’t see my original answer so maybe it didn’t post. My husband has a 3 wheel Pride Go-Go Elite. He has had it for over 10 years and it has been great. You can operate it with either hand forward or backward. The basket in front is a necessary item for him. Replacement parts and batteries have been easy to order and install over the years. It has been very reliable and has a long enough range for anything we have ever done with it, including going all over NYC and up some pretty steep hills in SF. The turning radius is small enough for inside the house. It breaks down into 4 parts, the heaviest of which is 40 pounds (the motor and rear wheels combo). The cons are that it can tip over when turning on an uneven surface, it doesn’t have enough ground clearance for rough ground, and it is too much for a handicapped woman to disassemble and lift by herself. When my husband was driving, he drove it onto a Backpacker lift to put it in our minivan. Now I use the lift after loading him in the car. When we traveled, I would disassemble and load in the rental car. I could do this in about 1 to 2 minutes (actually faster than the Backpacker!). It’s a lot cheaper than the ATTO. The ATTO appears to be 60 pounds with one part weighing 37 pounds (not 15). The ATTO does not have a front basket or arm rests (optional add-on). This post may be too late as I know you were looking at a Black Friday sale. If an Uber driver is willing to help load it in the car to, the ATTO might be a good option because it only has 2 parts not 4. But, you might miss the basket and perhaps the armrests. There is no perfect lightweight scooter because they have to give up features to make it light. Sometimes, the motor is less powerful or the seat is less cushioned or the battery range is less. The Pride GoGo is also a compromise. In our earlier years, I think my husband would have appreciated a high clearance, big tired outdoor scooter so he could go on trails, but that would have been too heavy and big to fit in our van.

[Sandydemop in reply to green244]

thank you Ms. Green. that is very practical information. I will look it up.

[Kenu in reply to Sandydemop]

For couple hundred more there’s the 4 wheel model gogo ! My friend gave me her old one and with new batteries it runs great. She got a new one and just loves them and she is house bound and it works great inside 👍🏼

[Sandydemop in reply to Kenu]

thanks Ken

[Fancy59 CommunityAmbassador]

Sandymop, it's Fancy59. I have driven an electric scooter for the past 8 to 9 years. Stick with the brand names and I think they are pretty similar. I have a go go elite traveler. Make sure however you get a 4 wheeled scooter not a 3 wheeled scooter. The 4 wheels definitely have Better balance and Are less prone to tipping over. Look for specific options that you want on your scooter such as rear and front lights and turn signals. They are pretty common on the new scooters but harder to find on used ones. Also consider the amount of room you need on the scooter. Many scooters, especially the older ones have very limited leg room. I am only 5' 5 but I have a extremely long legs. My scooter simply doesn't have enough leg room for my legs to be able To launch cramp them and stretch them out.

I bought a scooter that was used and I've been very pleased with it. I've replaced the batteries on it twice and just with the Last year I'm starting to notice that it's having issues. It's probably about 10 to 12 years old now and I don't think That's a bad life for a Scooter because I used it a lot. Buying it used saved me about $1000. I only paid for $450 for it when I purchased it. I can't think of any other Pertinent information to share with you but if you have questions or think of a question I didn't cover just give me a shout. Hope this helped. Fancy 59.

[Sandydemop in reply to Fancy59]

very much, thanks Fancy

[jackiesj]

looking myself this is great!