I thought I’d share some funny stories from riding my mobility scooter, so here goes…
Acorns!
One thing I discovered about riding a scooter in the Autumn is that driving over acorns is unavoidable riding in an area with plenty of oak trees. You probably wouldn’t think much of this if you haven’t done it, but I warn you now, if you are near me when I’m going past an oak tree then dive for cover! The wheels hit the hard little things and they shoot out of the side like a bullet. I nearly took out a cyclist last Autumn with one of them!
Dogs
Dogs usually look at me curiously when I’m riding the scooter and want to investigate. The local dogs have general got used to me by now but I occasionally see one I haven’t seen before and never know quite how they are going to react.
Many a time I have been chased by dogs. Not an ideal scenario at the time, but picture this. A lady zooming off on her mobility scooter, head down, full speed ahead, with a dog in pursuit. It’s a pretty funny image!
I have also been jumped on by dogs a lot too. Not too bad if you have a little dog but get yourself a great Dane on your lap with a not too study scooter and you could end up flying into a bush…which did actually happen!! (I was fine by the way!)
It’s amazing how much drama a little outing on my scooter can cause!
Kids
As not all children are familiar with mobility scooters, I find a lot of kids openly stare and point. Their parents are often mortified but I really don’t mind. Children are naturally inquisitive.
I like to engage with them, usually by giving them a wave and asking if they like my wheels. I think it’s a good way to open a conversation with children about diversity and acceptance. I sometimes race them if we’re not near a road – they seem to love that!
Cars
Crossing the road can be difficult at busy times as people driving can’t always see me behind parked cars trying to cross the road. Occasionally one of the other mums on the school run who sees this is difficult for me offers to be my ‘human bollard’ as she calls it and steps out first! People can be very kind and it warms my heart when someone shows me kindness like this. I should probably point out that this other mum does check it’s clear first but people often come speeding around the corner so she can warn them that I am there to save me from ending up on their car bonnet!
Summary
The scooter has given me freedom and many comedy moments. I encourage everyone to embrace the joyful moments in life and try and focus on the positives. I’m realistic enough to know that this isn’t always possible but the more you work on it the easier it can become. I have had to practise keeping a positive mindset with my disability, and it is a work in progress, but moments like the ones I’ve shared have given me lots of giggles over the years.
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