To ask you what you TRUTHFULLY think when you see a 'young' and 'healthy looking' person on a mobility scooter?

[fassbender]

I have multiple sclerosis and am 36 years old. Over the past year my walking has got worse (I use crutches) and I am now thinking that I need a mobility scooter. It sounds silly, but I am so nervous! I know that I should have a 'screw what everyone else thinks' attitude, but I think that I am going to feel self conscious. I live in a small town and have been well until recently so I know that I might get lots of questions/pitying looks. I also wonder what people will think if they see me at the park, for example, and then I get out of the scooter to play with the kids, then get back in to go home.

I'd assume you were using it because you needed to, and then I'd get on with my day, probably not giving it another thought.

I'd assume that there was an invisible disability too.

I would not think about it. MN is rammed full of people who know about and understand the notion of invisible disability.

My dd has CFS and uses a wheelchair but can walk and I sometimes wonder what people might think when she gets up out of her chair to do something and then gets back in. But in the four years or so that we've had a wheelchair not a single adult has ever looked funny at her or said anything. I don't think anyone really thinks that the only people who use wheelchairs should be, for example, those without legs.

If a mobility scooter is going to help you then go for it x

I've never seen one - therefore I would assume it was needed. No biggie, honestly!

I wouldn't really think anything, because it's none of my business.
Presumably people with mobility scooters use them because they have problems with walking, but even if they're just whizzing round on them for a laugh thats up to them. Nothing to do with me.

depends, "can I have a lift" if my hypermobile hips are aching, swiftly followed by shit you idiot be grateful that you don't need one...

other than that, the rest depends on your ability to drive the mobility scooter without endangering me or the children.

There are a few people where I live who look ' young and healthy' I just assume they have a disability I can't see. I think most people would assume there's a reason you need it.

I'd assume you were using it because you needed it.

Healthy 36 year olds don't use mobility scooters for fun.

I would probably think nothing tbh. Just another person in the myriad of all kinds of people on the street!

However if I gave it some thought I would assume they had some sort of hidden disability like paralysis in their legs maybe.

**look 'young and healthy' who use a mobility scooter

possibly a bit of embarressment if ds has asked loudly why... (he has autism, he is 6, we are working on appropriate questions/comments, like not shouting loudly in Morrisons, why is morrisons filled with old people)

I wouldn't think anything, as in, I wouldn't pay anymore attention than to any other person going past.

Honestly wouldn't think anything of it. Would presume there's a reason why they were using it even if they looked healthy.

Even if I saw you get off and get back on I would still presume you needed it. I wouldn't imagine at all you were just lazy

Thank you all :) You have made me feel much, much better. I will make sure to have a practise before going out, though, to avoid running anyone over! ;) I think I just need to bite the bullet and go for it. Missing out walking my kids to school and taking them to the park (my DH is ace) is taking it's toll on me - I really miss it.

Unless you are one of these people
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-32247516
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-29109713

I wouldn't think anything. I would assume you needed it.

I would think you had ms, or something else that meant you needed it.

I know a couple of people who use them- they really are brilliant so people can get out and about on their own.

I do not really think anything other than that they must be disabled.....

I wouldn't notice if I'm honest.

I wouldn't think anything of it, as it is not always visibly obvious that someone has difficulty walking or cannot walk at all.

However, I do get cross at those people who drive massive scooters (almost the size of a small car) around the Good Food Show at the NEC, park them in front of all the stalls so no-one else can get near them, get off said massive mobility scooter, spend a good few minutes perusing the stalls and taking all the samples, before getting back on their scooter and driving along to the next stand that takes their fancy.

Yes I know some people can walk/stand a bit but not all day, but all the same, being disabled does not stop some people from being selfish arses.

I do like those that look like little motorbikes though. You should get one of those.

I would assume they had a disability. Why else would a young, otherwise healthy-looking person by using a mobility scooter?

Go out and enjoy being out!
Ignore anyone who wants to say anything. Iv spent a long time worrying about what people will say because i have hidden disabities.
You waste too much of your life xx

I would probably do think 'God I wish I had one of those to walk up the very long hill on the way back from my spinning class'.

I would assume you need it for an invisible disability then spend 10 mins wondering what, because I am both nosy and medically curious