I’m a mom with MS that lives in the US. I use a scooter most of the time and - some of the time- a walker.
I’m always scrambling to try to figure out how to carry things when I’m on the walker or scooter. By “things” I mean: my phone, cooked food, papers, my kids stuff, leashed dogs…etc. etc. I’m taking a design class online and I decided to try to design a new system or device that could help folks with MS carry things when they use their scooter/walker…
Anyone have experience with something that works really well for you? Or do you tie stuff to the handles and hope for the best?Is this a problem for anyone else out there (or am I just a poor planner?)
Thanks very much for helping me brainstorm (maybe the creative “hive” mind can solve this problem better than I can). I’m tired of getting tangled in leashes and dropping my breakfast!
I have a bag that straps to the back of the seat - its quite roomy and holds loads of stuff but I can’t reach it unless I get off my scooter so it’s not very convenient.
Something that attached securley to the armrest might be good, or perhaps under the seat at the front so you could reach down into it - not sure how either of these could be made to work though…
I realize that it is a slightly different problem but I would like to throw wheelchairs into the mix!
Like Annieb and Floopy have both mentioned a bag on the back is great for hauling things – but you can”t reach it so it’s no good for things that you need to get at. I have a bag that velcros onto the arm of my wheelchair – not very big, it’s instead of a handbag for my purse etc . BUT it looks a dog! Typical disabled canvas thing that really looks really drab. I would love to have something more stylish as well as practical.
My previous wheelchair had room under the seat for a bag where I used to keep wet weather gear but this chair’s batteries are in the way. Now my rain covers have to go in the bag at the back and I’m like a floudering octopus trying to reach them if it rains!
Hi I have some of those pram handle thingies on the back bar of my wheelchair. I have elastic bands round them to stop them falling off. Some chairs dont have the back bar, but handles, which you cant hang things from, otherwise they get caught in the wheels of self propel chairs.
I put the handles of my dolly bag over the operation handle, which holds my mobile phone, water and wee bag…yeh, I know, I am careful which I drink from!
When I used a scooter, I had a large front basket, and also placed articles between my feet, then bags on the handles. But when I couldnt steer anymore, i knew it was time to go home.
My scooter is a Tramper [all-terrain] and has a covered container on the front - and a large zipped top bag on the back of the seat.
The running board between my feet is ideal for carrying large containers of water for the ponies - when their water troughs freeze in the winter.
The dog leads l can secure on the ring of the seatbelt [which l have never used] - the scooter is so sturdy - two rottweilers and a english bull terrier can not move it.
When l travel about around the country lanes here. l do try to pick up all the rubbish that drivers throw out of their cars. Usually, Mcdonalds/KFC/Pizza -and of course the beer cans and wine bottles. As long as l have gloves on - and my ‘gripper stick’ l pick it all up and take home to put in the bin. l even pick up any wood l find for the woodburner. l draw a line at mattresses - just call the local council and they soon come out and shift them.
When not out on my Tramper -l rely on my Rollator - its a Topro Olympus - and has a large bag area - and a good seat and backrest. Also, indoors l put a tray on the seat to place dinner plate/mugs etc. Recently did a 4 course meal for 8 friends - and used my rollator to serve them all. Do have to watch the dogs though - as the seat is level with their heads!!! l have a small bag that sits on the handle bars to put mobile phone/dog treats etc in - this l use if l have no jacket on. Most of my coats/jackets have plenty of pockets - and usually have dog biscuits in them - as well as ‘poo bags’!!
I have seen people use the cheap and cheerful method of a cut-off water bottle duct-taped to the crutch (tape the cut edges so you don’t get scratched). A small backpack for things you don’t need immediately to hand might work in tandem.
Carrying essentials when using crutches is my issue too, I have tried a “pod” similar to what someone described here about taping a cut off water bottle to crutch…GOT MY MOBILE SNATCHED FROM IT !!!
Have now got smallish bum bag for essentials like phone, purse etc.