SCOOTERING
John Ladlow writes:
I have at times had extreme difficulties in walking due to PMR, and although I have usually been able to do the essential walking, I could no longer walk for pleasure. I had for some time entertained the idea of a mobility scooter, and in Tavistock near where I live there is a charity called Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) which runs various support groups and also hires out free small mobility scooters and chairs for local people to use about town. I tried one out one morning, whizzed around the town's parks and realised what I was missing. I therefore, decided to invest in one but somewhat larger in order to go for 'walks' in the countryside. I have not regretted this.
I have always been a keen walker and mountain biker, there are so many places in this area suited for these activities, indeed, that was the main reason that I chose to live in Tavistock when I retired 12 years a go. But things change, and I am unable to do the things that I so loved doing. The thing that I miss most is walking and biking off road. OK I can get around the shops, and drive anywhere, but walking the moors, biking on the trails I sorely miss.
I wondered about a mobility scooter, and if I would be able to do some of these things. Research on the ‘net revealed that yes, there are scooters that will go anywhere, but they are very expensive. However, there are other class 3 scooters suitable for the road and pavements which are much cheaper, and some capable of going over rougher ground because they have independent suspension. Having decided that I would benefit from getting a scooter, apart from the expense, there is a psychological barrier to overcome; that of actually riding about on a mobility scooter.
However, I first went to visit Kevin at TASS. He told me where I could purchase a class 3 scooter but suggested that I try out one of the class 1 scooters that are available to anyone for free to use in Tavistock. So I took one of these small scooters out and went through the town and across to the Meadows, so easy to use and the freedom of going by the river which I had not done for years convinced me to get something of my own.
I went to Launceston Mobility who were extremely helpful and I tried various models out. The problem with the larger scooters is getting them into a car, so in my case I needed to get special ramps and have a lighter seat fitted.
The first weekend eager to try out my new toy I went to Okehampton and did about 12 miles on the Granite Way… marvellous. Then I tried Morwellham where I have done the nature reserve trails many times and on the ‘Rope Walk’ saw a very rare flower (Purple Toothwort) which I have never seen before and would not have seen but for having a scooter.
Recently we had a short break in Cornwall at Padstow. There I did the Camel Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in England. I did this on my scooter three times - about 40 miles in all over three days and enjoyed every minute of it. So I have in a short time discovered lots of ways to enjoy the countryside again, and I hope that this article will encourage other people to do the same.
John Ladlow June 2010
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