Disabled travel modes

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I'm posting in hope of some advice from my fellow gimpo nurses and also nurses who work with the disabled.

I don't walk very well, but I can get around OK for short distances. I use an electric wheelchair at work. I am doing pretty well this year and want to get out more (The last 5 years I have pretty much been restricted to Walmart and Publix, because they have scooters!). I used to be a crazy backpacker, and would dearly love to get out to some parks, and maybe the beach. I need wheels to do so, though. I have a pickup truck at the moment, but am looking forward to possibly getting a van next year. My truck has a trailer hitch and light hookup already. My budget is preferably less than a thousand dollars this year, with a max of $1500.

It seems that these are my alternatives:

putting a boom lift in the bed of my pickup and hauling my electric wheelchair in and out of the truck

getting a trailer hitch lift for the back of my truck and hauling my chair behind the truck

getting one of those travel scooters that you can take apart and put in a vehicle.

The main drawback I see to hauling around my wheelchair is, of course, if it gets damaged, I'm gonna be in bad shape for work. The main problem I see with the scooter is that it has a lot bigger footprint than a wheelchair and takes up a lot more room (say, for going to the movies, or in a store). I'm only 50, and my back and arms are in pretty good shape.

I am hoping that someone has experience with these different modes of transportation. I can't seem to find out much on the advantages and disadvantages for someone in my shape (as opposed to, say, a paraplegic, or very elderly person.) Thanks for reading this!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

Hi ya, I don't really know but just wanted to say kudos! Hope you figure out what works the best for you! Could you do the scooter, but have a regular w/c for going out w/ friends who may be able to assist you?

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I have a travel wheelchair, rollator, and walker, hehe, since I have good days and bad days, so I can choose the mode of transportation that suits my level of activity for that day.

My personal chauffeur is going away to school for a year, though! I'm gonna need to be more independent than ever until he gets back.

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Someone I know has just purchased a very small electric scooter. I don't know what it weighs, but it looked light-weight. Cost about $700.00.

Please keep in mind that there is no "AAA" to repair a scooter that breaks down out in the middle of nowhere!

We are getting to this point, as well, my husband has CP, and is starting to have balance issues, making him fearful of walking even w/the rollator.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
I have a travel wheelchair, rollator, and walker, hehe, since I have good days and bad days, so I can choose the mode of transportation that suits my level of activity for that day.

My personal chauffeur is going away to school for a year, though! I'm gonna need to be more independent than ever until he gets back.

I have a hard time motivating myself to get OOB, never mind out of the house, lifting weights (if you are lifting a w/c), etc. You're awesome!

Is there a regional transportation program in your area? we have one that will come to get you for appts, and such. Call your local help or information line if you don't know of it. Hope it works out ok!

Someone I know has just purchased a very small electric scooter. I don't know what it weighs, but it looked light-weight. Cost about $700.00.

Please keep in mind that there is no "AAA" to repair a scooter that breaks down out in the middle of nowhere!

We are getting to this point, as well, my husband has CP, and is starting to have balance issues, making him fearful of walking even w/the rollator.

Never thought of that "AAA of wheelchairs". There ought to be. It would be a great selling point for those who are marketing the chairs, can you imagine the panic if you do get stranded? I see people all over the city w/ scooters and such. How terrifying for them. Sorry about your hubby. You guys both take care of yourself

(do I sound patronizing? I hope not...I mean to just convey that I care...)

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