Mobility scooter or not

[Seriouslywhatnow]

71 year old family member awaiting treatment for illness can't really walk far because of crushing fatigue. Considering buying him a mobility scooter to help him get around but I'm concerned that since the problem is (hopefully) temporary we might do more harm than good. Worried he'll become reliant on it and lose strength that will be very hard to get back. Does anyone have any experience please? Are they a good idea or not really?
Im thinking if only used for journeys that would have otherwise been impossible then it's good but concerned that he might be tempted to just use it for short trips where he could have walked still and it's a slippery slope. Thank you

Occupational therapist would be the best person to answer this. Could they ask for a referral via GP, local authority, or hospital?
When my DM was discharged from hospital, OT was not keen on her idea of a walking frame as they felt this would disable her. But different circumstances I know.

You can rent mobility sccoters usually minimum term is a month. Have a look at your local mobility shop, might be the best option for a short term use.

If they’re not getting out at all, I think a scooter sounds good - keeps them engaged and interested in life, could help mood. Even sitting upright on the scooter is a bit of muscle work.

Whats the cause of the fatigue? Might it change?

OT assessment is a good idea.

Thanks all. I'm hopeful the fatigue might improve. They're due treatment soon which is supposed to.
I'm not sure how we get him seen by an OT. Anyone know? Do we just ask for a referral? I imagine it would likely be weeks before we could get an appointment.

Try months…

There will be community OT services in some form. Try the GP.

We recently got a private OT assessment for do’s mum. Not cheap but only a few weeks’ wait (yes OTs are that scarce).

I had better experience with OTs for DM, but she was in hospital. Saw them in there to plan for discharge, then within a day or two afterwards to assess home circumstances.
You could try the GP, or start with the local authority website - there's probably a section on "how we help support older people at home"

Yes. Hospital OTs are more accessible because they are the reason people manage to be discharged home effectively, saving money. In the community things are very different, even though they do prevent readmission - but that’s saving predicted money which is harder to prove.

If you do go ahead don't just buy a scooter from the internet, go to a place that will let you try different scooters.

There are two main types, class 2 and class 3.

Class 2 are designed to be used on pavements and can be ridden on to buses / trams / trains for some of the smaller ones. Their top speed is 4mph.

Class 3 are bigger, can be used on roads and have a max speed of 8mph. These do not fit on buses.

Do you need a scooter that folds down? Do you need one you can dismantle easily?

You cannot just get a scooter and go on the bus though, you have to take a sort of driving test to show you can manoeuvre forwards and backwards and you get a card from the bus company.

Where you take the bus test doesn't really matter as other companies accept the card / pass.

Where I am the trams have a different card but they will issue it on the basis of the bus test.

Finally but really important is insurance. Not so much for the scooter but in case your relative causes damage to a person or property.

Link to a documentary about scooters.

A scooter was genuinely life changing for FIL. You can't take them everywhere and you do still have to walk some places. E.g if you need to take a bus.
It gave him his freedom back and allowed him to not be reliant on us so much anymore.
He doesn't use it all the time as he finds it annoying! And won't use it in the dark or bad weather but for longer journeys he needs it.