Using a wheelchair, do I need L-plates
This is definitely not my wheelchair
Using a wheelchair sounds really easy. Self propelling wheelchairs have much bigger rear wheels which have push-rims fitted to them. Now I can move the chair myself and be independent. Well, that all sounds super easy. Mind you there are problems being a wheelchair user that had not crossed my mind until I started to use it in anger when I moved in mid July. I can’t throw away my L-Plates just yet.
I bought a Quckie self propelling wheelchair
Going on a holiday to St Petersberg in 2009 and I could not walk far so a wheelchair was a solution. On return I discovered the Travelscoot mobility scooter, its more practical. I conveniently forgot about the wheelchair until 9 months ago when I started to use it as a comfortable chair to watch TV in the evening. I can still walk with a walker so the wheelchair is not yet a permanent fixture In the middle of July we moved from a flat in London to a granny annex in Faversham and for various reasons I must to use it again.
The hardest lesson
Propelling myself up any slope is very hard work. The moment I take my hands off the push-rims I stop and then start to roll back down to the bottom. The slope might look insignificant, but I am pushing against gravity. I need big biceps and the technique. I wonder if there is a Youtube channel that will help?
Carpets are bad news
Pushing over any carpet is bad news. The rear wheels sink into the carpet pile and then I’m stuck. Incidentally I also find walking over a carpet using my FES is not easy either. Turning a wheelchair is also tricky on a carpet.
Turning a wheelchair
When I could walk unaided changing direction was easy, just point your feet in the correct direction and keep walking. Bingo you had changed direction. With a wheelchair it is a different story. Will the gap be big enough for me to get through and if it is then have I lined up the chair correctly to get through the gap and look out for steps.
Doing a sharp turn
The theory is very simple. Just pull back on one hand-rim, while pushing forward to an equivalent extent on the other. The wheelchair will turn on a sixpence but don’t forget there will be wheelchair in front of and behind the pivot point. If there is not enough space then its at least 5 point turn. This is very effective method to turn in a small space
Using a wheelchair
The front wheels of a wheelchair are small and getting them over any small bump or aligning them with direction of travel is another problem. It is easier if there is no weight on the footplate between the small wheels but frequently that is easier said then done. I want to start using a wheeled walker again most of the time. Walking is very important but I can sense my body getting weaker and my balance is also deteriorating. Exercise, exercise, exercise is the solution but recent falls do not help my cause.
My life is changing and the wheelchair is getting closer and bigger. Eventually I will need to use a wheelchair or my Travelscoot almost all the time meanwhile I am determined to do some walking everyday. I do still need L-plates even though my wheelchair control slowly is improving
Associated Posts
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I will always love my Travelscoot mobility scooter
15 August 2024
Self propelling is super hard!
I had a lightweight one made for me by NHS and I was so disappointed when I was not strong enough to even get out the front garden!
Hello Joanne
Out side and a motor is essential. I struggle on a carpet, slopes are impossible
Fully sympathise with you when I have seen people pushing their wheels uphill often wonder why hey don’t get a motor fitted! And it must be hard getting used to using one indoors, on one cruise a lady had ms and her husband said excuse her as with her eyes is finding it difficult to get through doorways, but she was great and managed to get on & off the small tour boats, really admired her. I was tossing up between a travel scoot & a scooty, silly me bought a scooty the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life a complete waste of £2,600! I find my Shoprider Cordoba a lifesaver though couldn’t live without her. Keep going with your stories and wish you all the best in your new abode.
Hello Pam,
Never heard of the Scooty. Does not look as innovative as the Travelscoot and I suspect that there is no option to coast on it. The red caddy slung between the wheels is so useful and no other mobility scooter ha that, it is so useful. The Travelscoot is definitely a one off
Hi Patrick, thank you for your message, always a good read.
I also love my Travelscoot. I have recently been offered a much larger scooter suitable for grass,tracks and more distant road work at a very good price but I have decided that keeping my Travelscoot in my boot gives me all 3 options of drive, scooter or walking. The big one, though more comfortable only gives me 1 option
Hello Peter,
I understand, the Travelscoot is no good if off-piste