AIBU: to feel slightly smug/happy/justified that double buggy trumped a "mobility scooter"?

[Woollymummy]

A certain lady on our bus route has landed some of our bus drivers in trouble for having defended my right as a fare-paying passenger to keep my double buggy intact with sleeping toddler and non-walking baby inside, rather than have them turned out so she can take "her rightful place" in the wheelchair space. she has not got a wheelchair. she has a mobility/pavement transporter thing which she can get in and out of herself, and also has a huge vendetta against any pushcahir owning person who dares to get in her way. I have folded up for her before, pregant, with two kids, sleeping/awake etc, getting a thankyou while the driver gets a snappy remark or vice versa. Today I refused to fold because the bus driver told her he had a letter refuting her claim to the pushchair space. She backed down, I returned to my seat feeling smug/thankful/guilty. I want to feel happy about this outcome - is that wrong?

Enjoy it while you can, someone will flame you! I do see where you are coming from though

well done Woollymummy.
Glad that made your day.

I think this is an issue that might need to be clarified at some point. Is a mobility scooter really so different to say an electric wheelchair?

Being able to get in and out by herself also doesn't necessarily mean that she isn't disabled.

The wheelchair vs mobility scooter issue might be one of those areas where the law/regulations need to keep up with new technology and be updated.

I don't really understand. What sort of mobility/pavement transporter thing is it? Does it fold, or is it the same size as a wheelchair? Could you not both fit in the bus at the same time?

Why are you always on the same bus at the same time?

Sounds like there is a history to this.

Also, are the designated areas on buses for prams and wheelchair users only or for people with mobility problems?

Is she cranky because she is in a lot of pain?

I have a neighbour who is disabled. He doesn't have an electric wheelchair but can't get around by himself in an ordinary manual one. His mobility scooter is a lifeline for him. I would hate for anyone to think that his need was somehow less than someone else's just because he uses the mobility scooter rather than an actual wheelchair.

Forgot to add that I agree with YearoftheCat.

I fail to see the relevance of the fact that she can get on and off the wheelchair herself, many wheelchair users transport themselves from wheelchair to car or to a chair or their bed.

There are also some who can stand up or walk a few steps or more on a good day but they still need a wheelchair.

On and off the mobility scooter not wheelchair sorry.

hmm....in 2 minds here....I suppose if she only has to travel a short distance on the bus , than one could argue that she could go the distance on her scooter....if not you are veryyyy unreasonable....because, she would have more of a right to claim the place, as much of a pita as that is...

but, tbh, it's certainly nothing to feel smug/happy/justyfied about....sorry...

What a bullshit thread. Seriously, are you trying to start a row?

Im confused too, i thought mobility scooters were huge things!?
I agree I dont think its easy as a parent with a sleeping baby especially when the person can use a seat.
I get loads fo tutts when i have dd2 in a pram on the bus and an older person wants a seat at the front.

I always think having a pram counts you as disabled. More so than an old dear with her bus pass. (disclaimer, obviously I would go to lengths to accommodate an actually disabled person on the bus/tube/train)

now I am confused Devil....????

Someone with a pram counts as disabled?!

Wollymummy -

Next time, get off the fucking bus, and use your perfectly able legs to walk to where you are going, or stand and wait for the next bus.

And wipe the smug grin off your face.

How fucking dare you.

i'm confused too FairLady ......??

Oh bloody hell, badly worded but yes. I am less able than other people on a bus when with a pushchair.

hence I hate people tutting and shoving, expecting me to fold it because they want to sit down for a 5 minute journey.

Oh god, this is going to end in tears. Having a pram is not comparable to being in a wheelchair.

I can't blame an elderly person for wanting to sit down, even for a 5 minute journey. I find it difficult enough to stand on a moving us,and it's even more difficult for an elderly person, who probably has balance problems.

I've had to grab a few of them in my time to prevent them from falling.

Of course it isn't. If someone wanted the room with a wheelchair I would move right away. All I'm saying is people tutting and crowding (when the driver is yelling that there are lots of seats upstairs) is not good.

so...you'd expect an oap to go upstairs?

Or do you mean you would hope other, able, people to go upstairs? Just to clarify!

fucking hell. noone heard of emphysema or heart failure? the sort of conditions which aren't stamped on your forehead but can rather impede people's ability to go up stairs. Or are we meant to assume that mobility scooter riders all do this purely as a lifestyle choice .

No it isn't but you don't need to use a pram, you have other options, a sling, back carrier, walking, tube etc. I don't think having a pram should entitle you to the space anymore so than anyone else, you're all paying customers and everyone gets jostles and pushed and tutted at.

It can be frustrating though, hence why I don't use buses anymore!

Am confused about this too, I thought mobility scooters were huge things, I can't imagine them fitting in the wheelchair space on a bus.
That aside though. My DD can get herself in and out of her wheelchair, she can walk a little distance aswell, doesn't mean she isn't disabled and def doesnt mean she doesnt need the chair or should get in and out etc on buses.
I'd be livid if someone suggested this about her.