Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

252 replies

fassbender · 27/04/2015 10:16

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.

OP posts:
Sootgremlin · 28/04/2015 15:46

Having said that though, I may well have been imagining the strange looks, I waste ably just an unusual sight. People are curious about others, but it doesn't necessarily mean judgement.

MrsKravitzFromAcrossTheStreet · 28/04/2015 15:50

I have MS and use a scooter, and I'm 42. It's a really fab lightweight one called a luggie which fits easily in car boots and can be taken on planes. I've lost count of the number of people who've stopped me to admire it and ask where I got it. My scooter has been invaluable to me during shopping trips and holidays, but I still resent using it and avoid doing so if at all possible. I especially dislike using it in my home town where I may see people I know. I realise this is ridiculous and hurting only myself. When I am well enough I prefer to use my rollator if possible - or even better, push a shopping trolley, which means I look 'normal'.

I think my ambivalence about my scooter is due in part to the negative portrayals of scooters in the media. Madge in Benidorm, Peter Kay's video with lots of people on scooters - they have become a comedy trope. Also, it is many people's assumption that people often use them just because they are fat and lazy. This is understandable as in those channel 5-type 'Fat and Scrounging' shows the people are often shown on scooters. I became overweight through being unable to exercise/mild depression and comfort eating, but I switched to paleo and I am now a healthy weight, which takes care of one of my problems with the scooter - no-one can think I'm using it because I've made myself too fat to walk IYSWIM. I'm not saying it's ok that people judge this, or that it's wrong for people whose only disability is obesity to use scooters - it's just a negative opinion that I know other people have, and I'd rather they didn't have it about me.

By the way - does anyone know of any trendy-looking rollators or tri-walkers?

FanFuckingTastic · 28/04/2015 18:13

I used my scooter specifically for school runs to get my daughter there and back. She'd be pinned between my knees. I'd been struggling with her behaviourally and was worried about my ability to keep her safe. I spent so many times crying down the phone to social services when she'd run off aged four/five, or lie down and refuse to move and I couldn't pick her up. It was easier than the buggy because most of the time she thought it was cool to ride with me, whereas she hated the buggy.

BeyondDoesBootcamp · 28/04/2015 18:16

Exactly the same here fan, mine is for the school run too. My eldest missed so many days before i had it, as it was taking me so long to recover from walking him there.

MrsDeVere · 28/04/2015 18:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LarrytheCucumber · 28/04/2015 19:00

My DD has MS (relapsing and remitting) so I would not think anything of it.

MagentaOeuflon · 28/04/2015 19:06

I think "maybe they have MS" as that's the disability I have most experience of, that would match the description (though I'm aware it could be other things). It would not occur to me to think they didn't need it, even if they got out and walked a bit/did anything else.

We were out at the weekend and in a cafe outdoor seating area, and the (youngish) woman at the next table was using a mobility scooter. DS asked what it was. I said you use it a bit like a wheelchair but you drive it yourself. He said "That's cool."

MagentaOeuflon · 28/04/2015 19:07

(I realise you can drive wheelchairs yourself too in some circumstances - was oversimplifying!)

Woozlebear · 28/04/2015 19:20

I would wonder what disability they had that wasn't obvious- not in a bad way, just in a curious way.

And then I would think how awful for them, whatever it is, and count my blessings.

I very distantly knew a wonderful lady who did something for me that I will always be grateful for who developed ms a few years ago. It haunts me. Good luck with the scooter op, and don't worry what people think.

Woozlebear · 28/04/2015 19:21

I would wonder what disability they had that wasn't obvious- not in a bad way, just in a curious way.

And then I would think how awful for them, whatever it is, and count my blessings.

I very distantly knew a wonderful lady who did something for me that I will always be grateful for who developed ms a few years ago. It haunts me. Good luck with the scooter op, and don't worry what people think.

Woozlebear · 28/04/2015 19:21

I would wonder what disability they had that wasn't obvious- not in a bad way, just in a curious way.

And then I would think how awful for them, whatever it is, and count my blessings.

I very distantly knew a wonderful lady who did something for me that I will always be grateful for who developed ms a few years ago. It haunts me. Good luck with the scooter op, and don't worry what people think.

ragged · 28/04/2015 19:36

If it were me I'd want to get a trike instead of a mobility scooter. Friend with NF2 can ride a trike. I'd be so worried that the scooter was cutting down on my exercise levels. You're already riding something funny, at least let it be something keeps you fit.

Jux · 28/04/2015 19:46

MrsKravitz, the Luggie looks a great scooter, and surprisingly cheap! I'm looking for a small one which I can use on the train and bus (my medium-sized one is too big for the train; that's the idiot South West Trains rolling stock being not fit for purpose).

What are the controls on the Luggie, I can't see them on the site's video. How does it fare on hills? We have many very steep hills here, which I can't get up on any small scooter I've tried.
How stable is it? The camber on some of the roads here is fierce and scary and is reflected in the dropped kerbs leading to people's drives. Sometimes I have to really lean over to counterbalance, even on the medium scooter.

Jux · 28/04/2015 19:48

Ragged, I can balance on a trike, but my pain levels would hit the roof if I tried to go anywhere on one.

Why would you think that anyone who needs a scooter could actually use their legs to that extent?

no73 · 28/04/2015 19:59

I would think that you clearly had mobility issues however, I was a bit judgemental when I went to Disneyland and there were an awful of very, very overweight adults and children on them.

I tried to reign my judgypants in but seeing so many young very overweight kids on them was quite shocking!

Sootgremlin · 28/04/2015 20:22

The trike ragged linked to was motor-assisted and being used by someone with MS, it might be an option for the OP, it wasn't a generalised assumption.

I know someone who can't walk well but gets about fine on a trike and it gives them much needed independence and normality, not a ridiculous suggestion at all Confused

MrsKravitzFromAcrossTheStreet · 28/04/2015 21:26

Jux, sorry, but I can't really recommend the Luggie in terms of stability or ability to deal with hills. I only ever use it on level paths, shopping centres etc. It's not good for off-roading or uneven ground. I tipped it over as I tried to negotiate a path along a verge at Pontins Blush Unfortunately this is the trade-off between lightweight, easy-fold and stability and power. The controls are squeeze things on the handles. It's super easy to steer, has reverse and has a small turning circle, and it's compact enough to use around the tightest of shops (if you don't mind dragging clothes off the rails as you negotiate Select).

Really I would like a larger scooter as well for using to get me from home to shops, although I'm not sure how much I would use it as I prefer to go out with someone else in the car anyway (I don't drive).

Coincidentally I discovered a fantastic scheme today called Countryside Mobility which hires lovely big 'Trampers' to people to use at countryside attractions, National Trust sites etc. Unfortunately it is only in the South West, but there may be similar schemes in other areas? I was very excited when I read about it as this is something I have wanted to do for ages - my Luggie wouldn't cope with the rough terrain.

ragged · 28/04/2015 21:37

There are quite a few mentions online of MS-affected people using trikes. Something to consider. My friend with NF2 manages on a trike that isn't motor assisted.

SargeantAngua · 28/04/2015 21:53

More places that hire trampers MrsKravitz!
www.tramper.co.uk/try-a-tramper.php
If I need one I assume I'm allowed to say that it looks like fun (not riding bike or rock climbing fun, but and the most fun I can get at the moment!)

Original poster
fassbender · 28/04/2015 22:00

ragged, I hadn't heard of those trikes, they look great. Unfortunately a new symptom of mine, that I have noticed recently whilst at the gym, is my leg non stop juddering whilst in that position. Great idea though!

OP posts:
Original poster
fassbender · 28/04/2015 22:03

Jux, I am trying my hardest to keep up the gym - weights and elliptical is basically what I can do now. Even the treadmill on a really slow speed goes too fast for me now Confused

OP posts:
MrsDeVere · 28/04/2015 22:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jux · 28/04/2015 22:08

Sorry ragged Blush, I didn't see it was power assisted. You're quite right, it would be a boon to ome. In fact, if it's roadworthy it would solve my problems getting to work!

Jux · 28/04/2015 22:09

to some! Bloody iPad slow keyboard.Grin

MiscellaneousAssortment · 28/04/2015 22:56

I'm so sorry I started the diversion into fat vs ill / worthy v unworthy disabled etc and I feel bad that I derailed the thread. Sorry OP.

I really wanted a trike as I thought would be good for shopping / DS in the back. I also looked at electric bikes in general and those bikes with wooden boxes for storing children in! However you can't use anything like that on pavements or round shops, or park it close to anywhere, so is for someone weller than me. Boooo. You can get them fitted with a more supportive seat with arm rests & back, but as I struggle to sit on the scooter seat it's all a pipe dream really. Tis a shame as it would be less embarassing than a scooter & avoid any lazy weight assumptions.

I saw a FAB holiday idea, I'll find a link... Pony driven wheelchair cart contraption. Can even go in the sea/ up mountains etc.