Scooter Advice

Everyday living
1

Hi everyone long time no see.

OK situation is thus. In May I had my worst ever relapse leaving me unable to drive my manual Hyundai as I can’t feel the pedals and having to rely on Mr Wonderful to convey me everywhere. I have just sent off my DLA form for a review of my mobility component in the hope that I can get higher rate (anyone see that flying pig?) and get an automatic (I am thinking of a Kia Venga or Hyundai IX20 as being over 6 foot tall need one I can get in and out of but that is low and narrow enough to go in our garage). Have tried sitting in both of them and even with a sloping windscreen I can see out if we stop at traffic lights without having to lean forward or stick my head out of the window - having MS and being exceptionally tall with a back problem really sucks!. Have never driven an automatic before so that will be really strange but I know that it can be converted to hand controls if necessary later. I already have a three year licence which is due for renewal next year - i haven’t told the DVLA I am unable to drive at the moment preferring to wait until I hear about my DLA and I will then book an assessment myself - unfortunately this will involve a ferry crossing to Southampton which as anyone living on or has visited the IOW knows requires a bank loan! I have also never driven in Southampton and get lower rate mobility because of my lack of confidence in strange places.

Right, issue 2. I volunteer one afternoon a week in the MS shop which is a mile and a half from where I live. I am looking at a sturdy mobility scooter to get me there and out to the local shops. This will need to be suitable for someone of over 6 foot and weighing, well, put it this way … under 18 stone! Hubby has found one on ebay which looks suitable on ebay but which the company will not deliver to the IOW (can’t afford the bank loan!), however they have a stockist in Southampton so if I could possibly collect it and book a driving assessment for the same day. The model I am thinking of is a Road King 8mph Class 3 which is an excellent price (£939) and will take up to a 28 stone person. Has anyone had experience of this model please. The MS Society over here will possibly pay a proportion or even all of the cost if I need financial help to get it. It will be ideal for my needs and give me some independance back but if anyone has had a bad experience of it I will need to think again. Advice and comments anyone also how long does a DLA decision take these days?

Thank you, and stay safe and upright.

Love, Big Jen xxxx

Never drive, walk, wheel or crawl faster than your angel can fly.

2

hi jen

i know nothing re scooters. i was told by local authority they aint allowed on bus but powered wheelchairs are-might affect some folks choice-check u r local guidelines.

i wanted to smile at ur last comment! u get get keyrings that say,never drive faster than ur angel can fly,have gave them to a couple of folk as gifts,they loved them!

ellie x

3

Jen,

can’t help with scooter model either but just want to give you a bit of my learning from sharp learning curve.

If you are struggling to feel pedals you may also struggle with an auto, they can be very sensitive…which is particularly tricky in reverse. I realy recommend you try driving auto before you purchase one long term.

I too was recently unable to drive for months and the loss of independance was massive, but I picked up a second hand scooter off that place online (moderators) and that gave me some independance until I felt strong enough to drive again.

I have driven autos through my work, but and I realy debated changing to an auto, but in the fulness of time (6 months-ish) I am happily driving the manual without discomfort and in total control…though this is since some superb physiotherapy I believe.

Hoep that you get some good scooter advice and get your freedom back soon…its so frustrating!

4

Thanks Ladies

That’s where I got my quote from Ellie I just adapted it for MS’ers . Thanks Gillian - I won’t buy an auto until I have plucked up the courage to go to Southampton and try one out on an assessment, the trouble is if I do need hand controls they can’t convert a manual so will need to get an automatic just in case and hubby can drive it most of the time anyway. I am hoping to find out about a job this afternoon but if I can’t drive it will be difficult as it will be assessing clients for home care (I so want to get back in to Nursing again). I had to give up my last GP admin job in July as had been off sick for so long and no-one covered for me so the work was just piling up and I was so stressed out about trying to catch up when I could eventually go back I felt it was untennable. I would still be off sick now and they have apparently only just got someone to replace me so good luck to them playing catch up (I didn’t even get a leaving card after being there over 2 years and apparently my P45 got lost in the post travelling just 4 miles up the road!). So I was obviously very much valued there, NOT! Trouble is if I need a reference…

Jen xxx

Never drive, walk, wheel or crawl faster than your angel can fly.