Title: 4 Reasons a Mobility Scooter Will Improve Your Social Life
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
Is your mobility limited, but you’re not sure you want to get a mobility scooter? It’s not easy dealing with limited mobility in the first place. You have every reason to want to hold onto every ounce of independence as possible.
Although it seems like relying on mobility tools will take away your independence, owning a mobility scooter will actually increase your independence greatly. The best part is that four-wheel mobility scooters are affordable brand new, and used scooters are easy to obtain.
If you haven’t given much thought to getting a scooter, consider the following ways your social life will improve.
1. You’ll have more confidence to get out in the world
The number one reason to get a mobility scooter is to decrease your risk for tripping and falling. Other mobility devices can be helpful sometimes, but walkers and canes contribute to a large number of falls every year. Whether you use a cane or a walker, you’re more at risk for falling than if you were to use a scooter to get around.
When you’re not constantly worried about falling, you’ll have more confidence in your ability to go to dinner with your friends or see a movie by yourself. You won’t have to stay home because you’re afraid of falling in public or having to use a walker.
2. You can go straight to the front of the line at airports
If you enjoy traveling to connect with friends around the world, you’re probably used to boarding planes. When you have trouble getting around, the airport can be a nightmare. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, airport policies are set up to make your life easier – all you need to do is make the request.
Most people don’t realize that having a disability that impacts your mobility will get you placed in the front of the boarding line at the airport if you make the request when you arrive. When you have a disability, preboarding at the airport is a legal right.
Although having impaired mobility will get you to the front of the line, some airplanes can’t accommodate personal scooters. Before heading to the airport, make sure the plane you plan to board can accommodate your scooter. Otherwise, you might get stuck using a manual wheelchair and be left without any assistive device at your destination.
3. You’ll be more comfortable when you go out
While sitting down for long periods of time will become uncomfortable at some point, having your own mobility scooter will provide more comfort in certain situations. For example, if you go to an event that only offers thin, hard, folding chairs, you won’t have to get out of your scooter to sit with everyone else.
When you have a mobility scooter, you won’t need to transfer in and out of your scooter most of the time. For example, when you visit a restaurant or movie theater, you can stay in your seat. Most major theaters have a front section where you can park your scooter and sit with a companion.
On the other hand, when you use a walker or cane, you have to worry about how you’ll get up and down, where you’ll stash your walker at a restaurant, and you might need help walking to and from the restroom.
4. You’ll have a basket to carry your bag (and items)
Whether you carry a bag or a purse, having a basket on your mobility scooter will make your life better. You won’t have to carry anything on your person anymore.
With a basket, you won’t have to worry about forgetting where you set your bag down, and you can carry more items without worrying about the weight knocking you off balance. For instance, you can carry heavy items like a can of soda or a few bottles of water.
Having a mobility scooter with a basket makes it easier to manage your social interactions to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Owning a mobility scooter is the key to regaining your independence
Life is easier when you don’t need to depend on other people for so many things throughout the day. If you’re struggling with mobility, and a cane or walker isn’t working for you, a scooter will help.
Whether you need a mobility scooter to recover from a short-term injury, or you need support for a long-term disability, a mobility scooter will give you the independence you need to maintain a happy, healthy social life.
I’m a single mother of 2 living in Utah writing about startups, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and health. I also write for Inc, Score, Manta, and Newsblaze