Can anyone help me figure out what electric wheelchair/mobility scooter to get?

[CassandraWebb]

I think I am finally making peace with the fact that if I want my life to be less limited I need to accept using a wheelchair or scooter some of the time.

I can walk a bit, I can swim a bit, I can potter about but anything like a shopping trip or trip to a museum with lots of standing and walking makes me ill very fast (I have myasthenia, if I do too much I don't just lose control of my legs I also start losing my ability to see, speak or swallow)

But I am unsure what to get!

I cant use a self propelled wheelchair as my arms are weaker than my legs.

I am unsure about a scooter as I think I couldn't hold my arms in that position due to their weakness.

Electric wheelchairs mainly seem quite expensive but I have seen some cheapish ones (£500-600 ) and wonder if they would do the trick? Or will they break really quickly ?

I know some places have scooters to hire but they often have to be booked in advance, plus this condition is lifelong so if I do get one it is likely there will always be days when I can use it.

Any thoughts from people with experience are welcome!

I don't think it would ever be safe for me to lift the wheelchair out of the car so I would be relying on DH to do that. I don't want to rely on him pushing me though as he does so much for me already and also I am quite independent in mindset! I would love a wheelchair light enough that my children could lift it out of the car if we go out when DH is working though

Thanks yes this is what I did last week and that helped me realise that a wheelchair would make such a difference to me. The scooters we hired meant I could actually enjoy the day trip rather than getting ill rapidly, but I did struggle with holding my arms out. We tested lots of wheelchairs at the weekend, going to a couple of shops, and that helped me make the decision to prioritise getting a really lightweight one

I was in the same situation as you @CassandraWebb so we bought a mobility scooter and I hate it. It hurts my back and it hurts my arms. It does go in the car because I have a hoist, but it’s a right PITA. I hate taking it shopping because it’s so cumbersome.

I’ve just done lots of research and bought a similar chair to yours, except it’s this one. OMG, the freedom with it is amazing. It takes up no room in the car, I can take it on holidays, going shopping is a breeze. It’s brilliant. I know it sounds daft, but enjoy your new chair.

Oh I am so pleased to hear that! (I mean not pleased you need one, but pleased your chair is working out). It wasn't easy to decide to spend a hefty amount as I hate spending money on myself, but I really hope it's going to stop me being so limited in where I can go

Not sure if I'm stating the obvious here, but you do realise that you can adjust the handlebars so that they are lower down and closer to you, don't you? I struggle lifting my left hand, but can get comfortable enough if I have the handlebars adjusted to suit me.

I have a Lith Tech mobility wheelchair and use a ramp to get it in my Motability car, my car can't fit a hoist. Can I ask you what car you have that allows a hoist for you chair? Every car I looked at meant I had to lose the back seats and I can't afford to lose them.

I have limited use of my right arm so can't self propel, unless I want to go around in circles.

efoldi.com

It sounds like a lightweight electric wheelchair could be a great fit for you, something portable that your kids could help lift. I found this that lists some good options: https://www.mobilityscootersdirect.com/power-wheelchairs/travel-lightweight-electric-wheelchairs.html

Cheaper models might seem tempting, but they can wear out quickly, so it's worth investing in something reliable. Hope this helps a bit!