To use a supermarket mobility scooter in pregnancy?

[wilsey]

Just that really. Am 32 weeks and already really struggling to get around due to SPD (pelvic girdle pain). Is it even allowed? And I've never driven one before is some kind of license required?

[Funkytown]

Not sure it's allowed and I don't think you need a licence to use one. Personally when I had spd I didn't use one and it didn't cross my mind to either I just done my shopping online

[NotTodaySatan]

Get your shopping delivered.

I don't think SPD is a disability.

[NaiceNickname]

Erm, I'd just shop online if it's really that bad. I'm 37 weeks and feel like my pubic bone is about to crack under the strain but it's never occurred to me to use one either.

[awkwardaardvark]

Spd isnt a disability
I couldnt even walk without crutches after i gave birth, i had weekly physio for over a year and my pelvis has never returned to nomal. Spd can definitely be disabling.

[gamerchick]

You can hire them. I got one from shopmobility each time I went into town when I had a pot on my leg. They are great fun you just take it back before you go home.

[wilsey]

Troy that's great to hear. Of course I could get all of my shopping delivered and I already do get the majority that way but I am getting increasingly frustrated at being stuck in and I do love a good browse!

[PickleMobile]

My dad used one when he broke his leg so I would say it's ok.

[BeyondTheLimits]

While it is unbelievably annoying to get to a supermarket and them have none available (i often use one to save the boot space of taking my chair), i think spd is reason enough to use one :)

[LurkingHusband]

Perfectly acceptable - that's what they're there for !

For ourselves, MrsLH uses her own fold-up scooter. It's smaller ...

Usually the speed limiter is turned right down (be prepared to be overtaken by snails).

And be very careful about hand/shopping bags near the operating levers - if they get caught, you can have a crawlaway scooter

Oh, and turn the key off when you're stopped.

[SaucyJack]

If you can't walk, then why not?

Sounds like PC gorn mad to me.

[MrsMaker83]

The op isn't suggesting she has a disability.

She is asking she is ALLOWED to use them as she has temporary mobility issues.

I would call your local supermarket and ask! I would do whatever makes life a little easier for you! X

[cheesecakemom]

It is a disability! Although not permanent for some.

There's no reason why shouldn't use one if you need it. I'm on crutches at the moment and would use one but DH does the food shopping so I don't need to.

My friend used a scooter and she had severe SPD.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

SPD isn't a disability??
Thats nonsense, I'm regularly on crutches, use a wheelchair for days out, have had a bath seat and hand rails from OT and can barely use my stairs!

OP if it makes it easier for you to use the scooter and there are plenty available, go for it.
However I would go for the online shopping option :-)

[Tobyjugg]

English Heritage will happily let pregnant women use theirs (well that's been my experience) and if they can, why not s/markets. YANBU.

[TheFairyCaravan]

SPD isn't a disability?

Try telling that to my poor pelvis that is held together with plates and pins and is screwed and bolted on to my spine. Try telling that to my surgeon who has looked after me for the last 7.5 years and the ones before. Try explaining why I've had 5 major operations on my pelvis and am still unable to walk unaided when DS2(my youngest child) will be 18 on Christmas Eve!

OP, you carry on using the mobility scooter, just be careful of people's ankles!

[ILoveMyCaravan]

SPD isn't a disability?

I beg to differ!

Eleven years after giving birth I am still on crutches, have a mobility scooter, and a blue badge.

The Professor who treats me thinks I am disabled!

OP - please use the supermarket scooter - it's what it's there for! Ignore ignorant posters who think otherwise.

[BeyondTheLimits]

Spd was the first joint related sign of my ehlers danlos syndrome. So hell yes it can be a disability

[BeyondTheLimits]

First obvious that should say

[ReallyTired]

SPD is truely horrendous and I think the OP is fully justified in using the scooter. SPD is not a normal pregnancy sympton.

[Notbythehaironmychinnychinchin]

They're mobility scooters. Ergo, if you have mobility issues you can use them. You don't need a blue badge or a medical certificate stating you're "disabled".

If the store has one available for you to use, and they are happy for you to use it, then use it.

[WaroftheRoses]

Those who say SPD isn't a disability obviously were lucky enough not to suffer or still be suffering from it!
You are temporarily disabled-I would use one. If you had a broken leg-albeit a temporary problem-no one would berate you for using one. YANBU

[ProudAS]

I think those people saying SPD isn't a disability are using the Equality Act definition which means a condition lasting 12 months or more. Just because SPD, short term injuries etc don't fit this definition doesn't mean they shouldn't be accommodated.
I'm pretty sure pregnant women are a protected group under the EA too.

And as previous posters have pointed out it's a mobility scooter not a "disabled according to EA" scooter.

I think a long term disability should have priority over a short term injury but if it happens regularly provision is inadequate. Not sure where pregnancy fits in.

[YesIDidMeanToBeSoRudeActually]

I'd ask MNHQ to edit your thread title, as you don't want to use the mobility scooter due to pregnancy as you have said, and which would naturally piss people off, but SPD.

There's a huge difference and your thread title is badly worded.