Do I Have to be Handicapped to Use a Mobility Scooter?
Owning a mobility scooter can be a life-changing opportunity. On a daily basis, numerous people use a scooter to increase their mobility and as a result, enhance their quality of life. However, there might be a certain stigma surrounding the usage of mobility products. It can prompt you to wonder, “Do I have to be handicapped or disabled to use a mobility scooter?”
The answer is NO, it is not necessary for you to be handicapped or disabled to own/use a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters can benefit a much broader number of individuals for many different reasons. You should not feel discouraged about using a scooter, no matter what your reason might be. Of course, it is essential to remember to respect others who might require them more, especially if there is a limited amount of rental scooters available at a grocery store.
Who can benefit from a mobility scooter?
There are so many different reasons why someone might have limited mobility. Age, medical and genetic conditions, and injuries can all have an impact on someone’s mobility. Even the smallest of mobility problems can impact and impede your daily life. Due to this, there is no limit to the number of people that can benefit from a mobility scooter.
Scooters offer freedom and an improved lifestyle for many. Why sit at home when you can go out and enjoy your time? Here are just a few situations in which a mobility scooter can assist and enhance your life:
Theme Parks and Outdoor Events
If you are not able to stand or walk long distances because of a bad knee, back injury, shortness of breath, recovering from surgery, etc, using a mobility scooter can be a great advantage. For example, our very own Sergio has had three knee surgeries and a long day of walking at a theme park can be difficult. He uses a mobility scooter so he can thoroughly enjoy the family time and experience with ease.
Take a look at the video below to see him take a mobility scooter to Universal Studios:
Another great example, especially during the Spring and Summer months, is outdoor events like festivals and fairs. Events like these often entail a lot of walking and can be intimidating to attend if you have limited mobility. If you opt for a heavy-duty mobility scooter, you can even navigate through grass, inclines, and gravel. There is no limit to what you can do with a mobility scooter!
Check out the video below to see us take on the Renaissance Festival in a mobility scooter:
Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is a common struggle for seniors and people who have limited mobility. Shopping is a necessary task that can be quite strenuous without assistance. Mobility scooters offer independence and security, so in a store setting, you are free to buy groceries without added stress. There are many upgrades/additions for scooters, such as front and rear baskets, oxygen tank holders, and walker/cane holders to further enhance your experience. One of our latest blog posts details two recommended scooters for grocery shopping, click here to read.
Take a look at this Youtube video to see a demonstration of using a mobility scooter in a grocery store:
Respectful Conduct to Remember
If you own a scooter, this will not be a predominant problem. However, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that people who fully rely on mobility scooters are able to access them. For example, grocery stores often have mobility scooters for their disabled customers. Unfortunately, the number of scooters available is often limited.
Due to limited supplies in these situations, it is extremely important to only use one if it is completely necessary. This way they are more likely to be available for those who need them.
Final Thoughts
Mobility scooters have the ability to enhance lives and can impact all varieties of people, not just someone with a disability. No matter your age, scooters can help to increase mobility and allow the independence to do things you couldn’t before. Of course, even though they can be broadly used, it is important to practice respectful conduct when supplies are limited. If you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us. We have non-commissioned sales experts ready to help find the right scooter for you.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for a chance to win a FREE MOBILITY SCOOTER!!
Andrew Fatalo is the owner of Statewide Mobility Inc & Mobility Scooters Direct. He has been in the mobility product industry since 2005 and knows a ton about e-commerce marketing. He gives back to the handicap community by hosting mobility scooter and electric wheelchair give-aways which you can learn more about by following his companies on Facebook.
