Mobility Scooter users come hither please

[wheretoyougonow]

I am going to be brutally honest in this post as I need a bit of help/support. Please note this is not AIBU and no offense is meant.
This year I very suddenly became substantially physically disabled. I am in my 40's and this was completely shocking.
I have adapted to most things but I am REALLY struggling with using my mobility scooter. I should be greatful as it gives me freedom but I just can't get the idea out of my head that I just look like a knob using it. I don't know why I think this as I have never judged other people who use them. I just feel like I'm taking up too much space, people are looking and I look stupid on it. It's so bad that I won't go out without someone else.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who has been through these feelings and I would be incredibly greatful for any advice on how to feel more confident.

Little bump for the daytime users in the hope of some wise words.

I'm a bit older than you but I have the same sort of feelings using my mobility scooter. I feel judged basically, although I don't judge other users. Ive decided to basically style it out/fake it till I make it. So I smile cheerfully, And I've sort of de aged it. I don't use the hivis bag that came with it, but have my own - not entirely happy with it but it is what it is and I keep an eye out for something 'better'. I have a fluffy keyring for it. I've got a nice blanket for me/it. I've not pimped the actual scooter itself. Which can sometimes look a bit sad. I don't want to hide. The freedom ultimately balances it out. I do find though that I tend to be totally invisible to other pavement users so have to have my wits about me.

I am 36 and feel exactly the same. My mum is 74 and also feels the same. She’s embraced it though and has tinsel signs etc on hers. You can see her from space, I mostly look like I’m trying not to exist. I do try and style it out though, as PP said big smile, chatty and try and make it your own a bit. Big hugs, I feel you!

I feel like a right bell end on mine too. I'm so ashamed I need one . Reality is, no one else gives a shit. I absolutely dread bumping into anyone I know when I'm on mine. It's so ridiculous but I can't get past it so rarely leave the house now

Thank you so much for your replies. You have no idea how much that has meant to know others struggle with the same issue.
I like the idea of fake it til you make it and maybe adding some accessories will make it feel a bit more like mine rather than standard equipment.
I agree about people not being aware. I'm constantly hoping people look up from their phone 😁
It looks like I'm going to need it forever, I just want it to feel 'normal'.

I'm 45, I adore mine! Don't care what anyone else thinks- it's opened up my world- what's most important is you get out and about

I wonder if you feel self conscious and judged? My father in law felt this way, he had Parkinson’s. It was a real 180 deg mind shift for home to accept that he really deserved and need his mobility scooter. Once that had happened his self confidence in being able to use the scooter increased. Practice then helped his confidence in being able to control the scooter.
please keep at it, as it will make your life easier as I’m sure you know. Only knob heads judge…and you will have wizzed past before they can react.

Not a mobility scooter but my dad uses a stick if he walks a fair way... he's long-term chronically ill. My daughter pimped his walking stick with stickers and reflective tape, and he loves it!

I’m also in my 40’s and had to finally cave in and admit I needed a mobility scooter this year.
I have a love/hate relationship with it- without her (she has name) there are so many things I just couldn’t do, but in the other hand I do feel like a complete twat on it and I hate using it when I might see someone I know. When I do the school pickup I will park it down the road and walk with my stick, because I just feel embarrassed, which is daft cos everyone who has seen me on it has been lovely (with one notable exception).
I’ve added some stickers to mine and have decided to embrace to try and embrace my inner Muffin cos she really doesn’t care what people think.