Tripping over my own left foot is no excuse to purchase a scooter. I’m much too proud to have a scooter.
I resisted the thought of a scooter. There’s no way I need one because my cane would be lost without me. Then we started planning a trip to Disney World. During the planning stages I was asked if we should rent as scooter for those days when MS takes control of my body. I was hesitant at first, but then realized it’s a brilliant idea because no one at Disney World will know who I am. I’ve been to Disneyland a few times, and know there’s plenty of walking and standing involved. A scooter would relieve my MS issues of exhaustion caused by being on my feet for too long. Twenty minutes is far too long, and walking through Disney is at least a daily ten-hour affair.
I won’t feel shame or embarrassment on a scooter at Disney through my anonymity. That’s my mindset. My family of four set off for our fourth trip to see the mouse kingdom where a scooter awaits.
A shiny red scooter greeted me the first day of our visit. It weighed well under 100 pounds, is slightly collapsible, and easily fits into the back of our SUV rental. My initial disappointment with the scooter is its maximum speed of nine kilometres per hour. Twenty or more would be better. Then I thought of the crowds of people I would bust through so more speed is probably not a good idea.
The trip was brilliant. The scooter carried me, and relieved the rest of the family by carrying their day packs. I made it through the day without the typical exhaustion I normally experience on very busy days.
However, the best part of the scooter was the personal care the family received because I was considered mobility challenged. There were many times we managed to sneak quickly on to rides that had extremely long wait times. With the exception of plowing my scooter into a young person, in a crowded room, I had no issues or accidents.
On our way to the airport I had to give up the scooter which had become my new friend. It took me a while, but I slowly began to realize the benefits of a scooter. I could go for walks with my wife and the dogs. It improved mobility where I could get out and be productive again. So I went online scooter shopping.
I had several requirements. It had to be light, collapsible, and fit into the trunk of the car. I settled on one from a local dealer. It had met none of my requirements. I learned I’m a horrible shopper.
The unit weighs 175 pounds, and, for a matter of (in)convenience breaks down into five pieces. I got used to breaking it down and throwing the various pieces into the box of my truck. The seat strips off first then the batteries get popped off from the drive half which is then separated from the front half. After a couple weeks of practice it took just over two minutes to break it down and into the back of the truck. There has to be something better. Something like my Disney scooter.
I was speaking, and kind of complaining, about my scooter with a very good friend of mine who is also leads a daily battle with MS. She told me about her scooter, and how light and convenient it is. Its use was offered to me for a road trip to Saskatchewan. I went to her place to have a look at it and decide if I should borrow hers or take my cumbersome beast. Hers is a Travelscoot – it claims to be the number one folding scooter in the world.
At first glance I thought it looked a bit flimsy. Then I fondled it, broke it down, and folded it up. I rode it up and down a steep driveway. Then I picked it up and threw its thirty-four-pound body in the back of my truck. The scooter is built with high grade materials and can take a beating. It can also be folded up and placed into a duffel bag.
Its use became invaluable on my trip. I roll up to the back of the truck, turn it off and place it in the back of the truck with one easy, sweeping motion. Just lock it down and you’re on the way. It was brilliant. So much so that I ordered one when I arrived home from my trip. I had the company set it up so it could reach its maximum speed of 11 kilometres per hour.
When it arrived, I pulled it out of its duffel bag then set it up for daily use. Along with the scooter came a manual and a battery bag to use when flying. Also in the bag was about two dozen business cards that contained all the scooter information (I wondered why). I took it on several road trips. I take it shopping. I fly up and down the aisles of big box stores. It’s unbelievably fantastic. I learned quickly why all the business cards were included. Everywhere I went I was stopped by someone who wanted all the scooter details. At first I told them in great detail of all the benefits, and where to get it. A five-minute jaunt to a big box store turned into an hour. Then I just said a few words of its benefits and handed out a card.
The best part with this scooter is the ability to drive it up to the door of an airplane, hop off, place the battery into its fire proof bag, and walk on to the plane while the scooter is placed below.
I’ve learned to love my scooter as MS continues to deny me of a proper walk.
On The Road With MS 