Re: HELP!- SCOOTER ONLY -comfort-speed and incline ability.

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbi,

I am really sad to hear that you have to go for a scooter... If that

is the only option, I think you should try to get one which is one of

those that has the most options for adaptation. I do know that it is

actually possible to get joystick steering on the handrest of the

MiniCross scooter. Have a look at it at http://www.medema.no/

Shoot... That URL wasn't all that helpful, it didn't have the ending

that routes you directly to the scooter. You would have to hit

" Produkter " first, then at the linkbar at the right hit " scooter " .

Then you get a list of different options " 3-hjul " means 3 wheels. You

get the MiniCross scooter with both 3 or 4 wheels. And it has the

largest adaptation program in the Norwegian market. I would guess it

would be the same in the US, because we do get the very best of such

things here, all covered by the state (everybody has the same rights,

it does not depend on if you work, if you have good insurance etc.).

I know this about the MiniCross because I have helped several people

apply for them. Everybody loves them. People I know who had another

one first, have been delighted to get that one instead. One model

goes longer than any other scooter too, the battery will take you 50

miles before you need to charge it. People I know who don't drive a

car, has this one and use it to drive to town etc. A friend of mine

also had one of these when she got a lot worse with her back, and

could not handle the steering anymore. She was given the option of

getting a joystick on it, but went for changing to a Permobil

Chairman instead. I do think that they can also adjust the angle of

the steering bar backwards some. How much I do not know, but as long

as you have a good company to cooperate with, I am sure that they

would do whatever they could to make sure you got it adapted as well

as possible. I don't think it is an option to move the seat forwards.

Both because it would be technically difficult, but also because the

sitting position easily could get totally wrong...

You should think really well about if a 3-wheel or a 4-wheel one is

for you. The 3-wheel is much easier to use indoors in shops and such,

turns much easier, but a 4-wheel one is more stabile outside. I do

know people who swear by this 3-wheel one, they go for trips in the

woods and such, on track though.

One great thing with this scooter is also that they have a lot of

options for seating. Getting the right seating is so important for a

person with EDS. You have to have the best support, support of your

back and neck is very important, especially when you are going over

uneven surfaces outside. We all know how little needs to happen to

injure our bodies...

It is really, really a good idea to sit down and make a list of which

needs the scooter has to fulfill. Making one could easily be a shared

effort here on the list, so many of us have gone through this before.

I will try to write something later, going through which features my

chair has and why. Making such a list of needs has also been known to

make OT's at the assistive device central here change their mind re.

what the person needs. E.g. I do know people who have only been

offered a scooter (which is cheaper than a good power chair), has got

a chair anyway, because they realized that going for a scooter first,

easily can get expensive because they would have to change it anyway.

If you e-mail me privately, I could always go to that web page and

" borrow " the pictures and e-mail to you, if that is easier than

looking there.

I don't know if it is the case in the US, but here in Norway the

company that carries the MiniCross scooter, is the same as the one

which has the Jazzy wheelchairs...

Aase Marit

>In a message dated 2/13/2004 11:55:44 AM Pacific Standard Time,

>aase.m@... writes:

>constantly

>lean forward with a scooter. Look at the people using them... I have

>never seen one of them sit properly leaning towards the back of the

>chair.

>

>

>***********************

>Does anyone know...

>Would it be possible to have the seat or the bar moved closer so that I would

>not have to lean forward at any time as you note?

>

>Does anyone have a scooter that they just love???????

>

>PLEASE!

>I understand the issue of power chair Vs scooter and think it is a valuable

>discussion but I HAVE TO GET A SCOOTER. (too complicated to talk about it now)

>

>I am interested in comfort, speed and incline ability. I live in the hills

>and need the scooter to be able to take me up and down the streets. This

>scooter will be used outdoors more than indoors.

>

>CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH SPECIFICS ABOUT A SCOOTER like Aase did with the

>power chair?????

>

>Thanks!

>

>Debbi

>AKA: Bobbi's Mommy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Aase! So much good information.

I will take my time tomorrow and read carefully and go to the website.

I was not going to expose this about me but we are all so honest here ... I

guess there might be others out there like me so I might as well be totally

honest with you all. The reason I am getting a scooter is because EYE am not

ready to get a chair. My doctor sees that too but also knows that I am not

doing

well when it comes to distance walking, long time standing or large crowds

during social functions. Disneyland, the mall, trip to the mountains.... all

good examples. I have had to turn down invitations because I know I could just

not do the time or distance on my own. I want to be able to go to the store

and get out in the neighborhood, and our little Old Town here but I live in a

very hilly area and there is now way I could walk that either.

He is such a cool man (my doctor) He said... " you need to get your life back

but you sound like you are not really " ready " to get a chair but know you need

one... Actually I would rather you start with a scooter too because if you

are not " ready " but need it you can get used to the idea of a chair in a sporty

little scooter all the while becoming more comfortable in your own EDS skin.

If and when you body demands a chair you will be ready "

I totally agree.... For ME ... right now ... at this point in my life ...

dealing with my EDS physical decline ... depression and all that... Just my own

personal issues...

No point in getting a chair and not being able to " feel " comfortable enough

to use it.

I called my insurance. Believe it or not they will pay (80%) for the scooter

and all upgrades it takes to have me physically and ergonomically secure and

comfortable. AND they will pay for a chair later, when I am not able to use

the scooter BUT they will not go the other way round! Glad I called!

I agree with all the conversations about power chair Vs scooter and think a

power chair is certainly the best for my physical well being. However, at this

point in my disease, my mental well being is a higher priority. For ME.

So I really need to know about and research the scooters and the adaptations

that can be made so that I can have the best of both worlds at this time.

Thanks for your great tips.

I am going to read the other posts and then get to bed!

Debbi

[Guest guest]

Deb,

You need to go to bed too!!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/15/04 1:10:08 AM Eastern Standard Time,

JETSKIDEB@... writes:

<< The reason I am getting a scooter is because EYE am not

ready to get a chair. >>

You need to do what is right for you, Debbie. I sure know how you feel. I

resist the wheelchair at all costs......go figure. I am too vane I think,

LOL!!!! Hang in there!

Hugs,

Sue