When you see someone using a wheelchair or scooter – do you ever see past their wheels to stop and think why they need help with their mobility?

I was one of those people who saw someone in a wheelchair and thought they had always used it and used it all the time.

When I started to use a wheelchair myself, I did so because I couldn’t walk far or stand for long. Using a wheelchair made life so much easier. It meant I could get out of the house and do things like everyone else. One day I was in a clothes shop and stood up to reach something I wanted to look at. As I stepped out of my wheelchair, there was a woman next to me whose face said it all. She thought I was a fraud, and how dare I use a wheelchair if I could stand up!

This made me think. People who use mobility aids do so for so many reasons.

• Getting older
• Sporting injury
• Accident
• Medical condition or disability

And mobility problems can be from birth, is a degenerative condition, or can become a problem at anytime in someone’s life.

No one wants help with doing everyday things. Sometimes though, using a simple aid can make a huge difference. Whether it is a bathing aid, kitchen aid or walking aid, if it helps you get more out of life, gives you more confidence and helps you to be safer – then it has to be a good thing.

I heard a woman commenting about a mobility scooter user. She was saying that they were just being lazy. They could walk “fine”. She didn’t stop and think about why they were using a mobility scooter. I don’t know what the reason was either, but just because you can walk it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use mobility equipment. Without using a scooter that person may have had to stay in the house that day. No one should be prevented from getting the most out of their life by disability or age.

As a young person I was reluctant to use mobility aids and equipment. I was wrong and am so glad I changed my view. Sometimes disability is not visible, so people don’t offer to help you. I found that in this situation a walking stick not only helped me to get about, but it was also a sign to everyone else that I was unsteady on my feet. Before I used my walking stick I just looked drunk when I walked. When I used my stick I had so much more confidence as I no longer looked drunk, I looked like I had problems walking. Passers by were not judging me anymore. My disability was visible.

Sometimes life is easy. I have MS, so – like with lots of illnesses – I have good days and bad days. Today is a good day, so I am writing this article about a day last month.

It was Tuesday, and I was struggling to do so many things. The co-ordination, strength and control my right hand was next to useless. I am right-handed so I knew things would be difficult.

It started with getting dressed. I had to find my shoes that just slip-on and have no laces or buckles. Tying up laces would have been a joke, I’m glad I didn’t attempt that one. I didn’t put any make-up on, I like to when I go out, but with one hand that didn’t quite go where I told it to go, I didn’t want to look like a clown!

Breakfast was next. Everything was fine, until I was putting spread on my toast. I dropped the knife twice. My grip just didn’t hold on right. I’ve seen knives that have special grips, that I know would help. But have I got around to getting some? I’ll let you answer that one!

I should have put jam on my toast; I have a gadget that would have helped with that. Well, I have two gadgets actually. The first is a cone shape and is corrugated on the inside. It is made out of a bendy rubber. You hold it over the jar grip and turn. Hey presto, the jar opens easily. This one would not have been right for me on that day. But the other one I have would have been perfect. It is a handle with a strap on one end. You tighten the strap around the lid, then twist. The lid opens.

I made do with my toast and coffee. I only spilt a few coffee granules off the spoon.

I had planned to go to the supermarket that day, and wasn’t going to let my wonky right hand stop me. It is in walking distance, so I set off. No incidents on the way there – phew! I didn’t really have any problems in the store either.

Getting home is always difficult. I use a walking stick to help my balance, but had to hold my stick in the ‘wrong’ hand. Holding it in my right hand just felt awkward and didn’t feel secure at all. My shopping goes on my back in a ruck sack. I find this is the best way, as it keeps me balanced evenly, and leaves my hands free.

Once home with the shopping put away, it was time for a cup of coffee. Yes, you guessed; I poured boiling water on to the floor. I didn’t think. I just grabbed the kettle with my right hand as usual. My hand wasn’t co-ordinated enough to get the water in the cup. I have now bought a kettle tipper. It is just not worth any more near misses. It is great. The best way to describe it is that the kettle fits into a wire cage, that allows you to tip it forward safely.

After a few days, my ‘bad day’ got better and became a good day. I’ve yet to find a decent corkscrew that I can use on those bad days!

Just like with a car; your mobility scooter will stay in good working order longer if you keep it well maintained and get it serviced regularly. Please look at your manual that comes with the scooter to find out what areas are required for maintenance and servicing.

It is wise to have your scooter serviced by a qualified engineer. Especially if it is used on the road, class 3. Once a year is usual, but your scooter’s manual will tell you how regular a proper service should be for your model.

Every scooter is different so it best important to follow the instructions in your scooter’s manual.
We provide a copy of the manual to dowload before making a purchase so you have all the information you need.

Here are some general maintenance tips for your scooter:

Weather protection

• Covers will not only protect you but also the scooter from bad weather.
• Seats sometimes have fabric covers – if so; don’t forget to keep them dry.

Cleaning

• Wash off any dirt and dust as soon as you can.
• Keep you scooter as dry as possible – this will keep rust at bay for the longest time.
• Have you added any scooter accessories that need cleaning, or can dirt or dust build up?

Battery

• Over time you will find you have to charge your battery more and more often. Your battery’s ability to hold charge will gradually decrease.
• Sometimes you need to charge your battery after every trip, sometimes when the battery indicator tells you that it is time. Your scooter manual will tell you which kind of you have.
• Always make sure you have enough battery power for your trip. Don’t forget that lights and whether you are travelling up any hills will use up battery power too.
• Mobility scooter batteries tend to last 1 or 2 years before you need to replace them. This of course will depend on how much your scooter is used.

Tyres

All tyres will wear and tear, inspect them regularly to check they are still safe.

There are 3 types of mobility scooter tyre:

Pneumatic: These are pumped up with air, and can be punctured. They offer the smoothest ride. If you travel on uneven ground – this could be a very important consideration.

If you are using pneumatic tyres, regularly inspect them for punctures and wear and tear. Punctures can sometimes be repaired without needing a whole new tyre.

Solid: These cannot be punctured, but often mean that you feel the ride is harder. E.g. you may feel more jolts as you go over stones or kerbs. This may not be the best option for you if your condition or disability would suffer if you use solid tyres.

Filled: These tyres are puncture-proof. In terms of the ride they produce they are in between pneumatic and solid. The ride will be smoother than solid and harder than pneumatic.

Ask yourself questions like:  Do you use a lightweight mobility scooter or a  heavy duty mobility scooter ?

Do you travel on the road, pavement or in shopping precincts?

Find out which tyre is most suitable for the journeys you most often do on your scooter, and which is best for the model you own.

I have had MS for 8 years now. Looking back I was very scared when I first got diagnosed. I didn’t really know what would happen to me in the future, I felt like I couldn’t plan anything and started living day to day. Life changed forever.

My eyes saw double. My legs would stumble and I looked like I was drunk wherever I went. My hands didn’t do what I told them to do. I felt like I couldn’t cope with one more thing going wrong with my body.

Then I looked around me. Things could be a lot worse. I still had my friends and family. I saw people with MS that were in wheelchairs and using scooters. I saw this as a bad thing then. It was a sign that they had lost their mobility. I didn’t see that they were actually doing the best thing for them, and by using wheelchairs and scooters they were reversing what the MS was doing to them. They were mobile again.

My MS got slowly worse and my mobility really began to suffer. I was still one of the lucky ones; I just had to readjust to what my body was telling me. I needed to slow down and take stock of my life. I let go of preconceptions that I had about disability. I found that just by using simple mobility equipment helped me do the things that I used to take for granted.

Journeys to the shops were no longer a chore by using my mobility scooter.  My walking was made easier by using a walking stick.  Thanks to my bathboard I no longer dreaded getting in and out of the bath.

In the UK, VAT is currently set at 17.5% and consumers pay it on goods and services that they buy.

A few things are VAT exempt, like children’s clothes and mobility products when purchased for a person with a disability.

VAT relief and disabled people.

Disabled people don’t pay VAT on equipment that has been designed solely for disabled people.
The product is described as being ‘zero rated’.

This doesn’t mean that anyone can be exempt from paying VAT if they buy a product that is designed for disabled people. For example if a fully able bodied person buys a walking stick for themselves – they need to pay VAT. However if a person who is ‘chronically sick or disabled’ buys the same walking stick, they can qualify for VAT relief, and not pay the 17.5% on the item.

Who qualifies for VAT relief?
The law says that there are 3 ways to be eligible for VAT relief:

• You have a long term mental or physical impairment that hinders you in carrying out everyday activities.
• You have a condition that doctors treat as a chronic illness. For example, this could be diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis.
• You are terminally ill

Using the same example of a walking stick, if you have broken your leg, and want to buy a stick to help you, you would not qualify. This is because your situation is temporary and not long term.

What products are ‘zero rated’?
The product has to be supplied to a ‘chronically sick or disabled’ person and be for personal or domestic use.
The product could be:

• A wheelchair,
• An adjustable bed,
• A stair lift,
• Computer software that is designed specifically for disabled people.
• Gadgets and devices that are designed solely to make everyday tasks easier for disabled people. These are usually called mobility aids  or mobility equipment.
• Vehicles that have been permanently adapted for use by a wheelchair user.

Services provided to disabled people can also be included. For example; adaptations to buildings. However, the rules can be complicated, so it is best to take advice on whether the work is eligible for VAT relief before commencing any work. Also included in this category would be the servicing, maintenance and installation of disability equipment, or it’s adaptation so a disabled person can use it.

When buying a piece of Mobility Equipment or service, either online or in a shop, you need to complete a declaration before the zero rated product can have VAT relief applied. This generally means you need to supply your name, address and whether the item is for you or you are purchasing it for an eligible person. You also need to declare the reason that you (or the person you are buying the item for) are chronically sick or disabled.

Transfer boards make it easier to get from one surface to another. The two items need to be of very similar height. Boards are generally used to get between two of the following:

• bed
• wheelchair
• chair
• toilet
• commode

The type of transfer board that is right for you will depend on your ability and what you need the board to help you with. Some can be used independently and with some you would need assistance, but all of them require some upper body strength.

How do they work?

• You sit on one end of the board, with the other end resting on the item you want to transfer to. You then slide across. Some have sliders, hand holes or are curved.

Slider transfer boards

• These boards have a disc that can slide from one end to the other. You sit on the disc and slide across. They make transferring frictionless. They are ideal if you have little strength to push yourself along the board.

Boards with hand holes

• Some transfer boards have hand holes cut into them. They are designed to give you an easier grip when using the board and for getting it into position.

Curved transfer boards

• These are also known as ‘banana boards’ due to their curved shape.
• Their shape means you can alter the angle which can help when transferring into a car or in a space limited place like a bathroom.

Commode transfer boards

• Commode transfer boards have a shape cut out of them at one end. This means you do not have to remove the board when you have used one to transfer to the toilet or commode.

Discs and turners

• Transfer discs are really useful for the car or when sitting on a chair. They mean you can swivel around with little effort. They help people with arthritis, or if you have leg or back problems.
• Generally, turners are a larger mobility aid. When seated you place your feet on the disc at the bottom. Then you stand up, holding on to the handles of the turner. Your carer can then turn you around safely, until you are in position to then sit down safely on the other surface.

Transfer boards often have non slip pads on the bottom to give you extra stability and peace of mind. They also wipe clean easily.

The Sunday Telegraph today revealed how bad some councils are at improving homes for the elderly and disabled. Something we are sadly aware of here at City Mobility.

Some councils are taking up to 8 years to provide, often simple mobility aids such as handrails to disabled and elderly people. Mobility equipment is so important for many people – it can mean they keep as much of their indepenence as possible and can help to delay, limit or stop a deterioration in their condition.

About 40,000 people a year in the UK are awarded a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) so that their home can be adapted for them. This usually means things like ramps, stairlifts or handrails.

The really sad fact is that some people are waiting so long for mobility equipment that they can wait no longer and are forced to give up living in their own home and move or are moved to care homes. We think this is totally unacceptable and is the reverse of government promises that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and disabled should get more support to stay in their own homes.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said the failings meant elderly and infirm people were being left trapped for years, often unable to move around even within their homes.

She said: “We see many elderly people finding themselves, effectively, a prisoner in parts of their homes as they wait for basic equipment. It is unacceptable that people have to wait so long for adaptations to their homes.

The Daily Telegraph report was by Laura Donnelly, Health correspondent, and was published 02 May 2010

I have foot drop in my right foot, which makes it difficult to walk. For those who don’t know foot drop, it means my foot doesn’t turn up properly when I walk. I have to lift my leg higher with each step so my foot doesn’t drag along the floor and trip me up. It makes my balance unsteady, and I have a gait when I walk.

Using walking sticks is often a great way of steadying you if you have foot drop. It certainly works for me.

My walking stick easily folds up  into 4 pieces and fits into my bag.  It snaps open into a very sturdy stick.

I was really pleased with the handle on my stick. It is really comfy and feels very secure when I am walking with the stick. Mine is suitable for using in the right or left hand, but some are specifically for use in one hand or the other.

This is an interesting point actually. It is my right foot that I have problems with, so I held my walking stick in my right hand. I thought that this was the best way to do it. That is until my physiotherapist advised me to actually hold it in my left hand. She said this was the correct way if my right foot was bad. It took some getting used to, especially as I am right handed. In the end I think she was right, it works much better using the stick on the opposite side to the problem foot.

The other things worth mentioning about my stick are the wrist strap and the rubber foot.

The wrist strap is good when I want to hold or reach for something. I don’t have to hold my stick as well, and I can let it dangle from my wrist. I find this very useful when getting on the bus. I can climb on using the handrails, and just let my stick dangle from my wrist. It doesn’t get in the way and I am safe holding onto the handrails.

You can get replacement rubber feet (often called ferrules) if the one on the stick wears out or you want a different type. Mine acts like a shock absorber and makes using the stick more comfy.

It is also worth mentioning that you can get stick holders to fit onto other mobility equipment, like scooters, wheelchairs, or rollators. You can also get stick clips. These enable you to attach your stick to a desk, table or work surface. I used one on my desk at work and it was really useful.

As the law stands at the moment, you do not legally have to have insurance for your mobility scooter. There are good reasons to have insurance though:

• In case your scooter is damaged, or stolen.
• In case you cause an accident in your scooter, either to a pedestrian or property.
• We all think we are good drivers, but sometimes accidents do happen.

Mobility scooters can be expensive to buy and they are your link to mobility and independence. Insurance can mean you keep your independence in the event of something happening to your scooter.

Here is some information on mobility scooter insurance.

Types of insurance

• Third Party insurance – covers repairs and damage you have caused to other property/people.
• Insurance to cover repairs/damage to your scooter.

Typical Insurance Benefits – what does all the jargon mean?

• Any Driver – are YOU insured or is it your SCOOTER that is insured? With any driver policies, you can let other people drive your scooter with your permission and they are covered by your insurance.
• Accidental Damage – for example – are you covered if you back your car into your scooter and it is damaged, or if you drop paint all over your scooter?
• Fire Damage – are you covered if your scooter is damaged or destroyed by fire?
• Flood Damage – are you covered if your scooter is damaged or destroyed by flooding?
• Loss or damage caused by theft or attempted theft – what happens if someone steals your scooter either when it is parked at home, or while you are out?
• New for old replacement -  will you get a replacement with the same specification and value of the one you have insured?
• Public liability – if you have injured a member of the public, they may sue you for damages. Does your policy cover the cost of this? Some policies will cover you up to £2million for public liability.
• Get you home expenses – does your policy cover the cost of getting you home after an accident – remember you won’t be able to use your scooter if it is damaged.
• Excess - are you expected to pay the 1st part of any claim?
• No claims bonus - do you get a discount each year if you haven’t made a claim?
• World-wide cover – is your scooter covered for trips abroad?
• Temporary cover – this covers mobility equipment you have on loan while your scooter is being repaired or a new one delivered to you.
• Temporary hire cover – this covers equipment that you need to hire while your scooter is being repaired or a new one delivered to you.
• Storm Damage - does your policy cover any damage caused by storms?
• Personal Injury Benefit – what would be paid out if you are seriously injured or killed? Find out what injuries are covered.
• Personal effects cover – if any of your possessions are damaged or stolen in an accident or incident – are they covered?

Hopefully this list is helpful in understanding what your scooter insurance can cover, remember to always shop around to find the best deal for you.

As my MS started to get worse, my walking became a joke. As I walked I looked drunk. You have probably heard many people with MS say they look drunk when they walk. I really hated this. People avoided me, I felt really stupid.

I didn’t want any ‘help’ with walking, as I felt that this was giving in. In hindsight, though this was an understandable reaction, it didn’t help me at all. A friend said I really should get a walking stick.  I thought walking sticks were for old people not people like me in their late 20’s.

I bit the bullet though. Falling over so much and walking like a crazy woman inspired me. I went to a mobility shop. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I didn’t feel out of place there. They understood exactly what I needed.

I came away with a folding walking stick. It could fold up into my bag when I didn’t need it. When I did need it, it was fantastic. It steadied me enough to stop me falling over. It gave me more confidence when I was walking outside. Most importantly to me, I no longer looked drunk when I walked. I looked like I had a problem with my leg instead, and there is no shame in that!

I opted for a folding walking stick as that suited me perfectly. I could carry it with me at all times, but not have to use it if I didn’t want to or need to.

They came in lots of different colours, but I chose a simple black one. (Though I did jazz it up with tinsel at Christmas!)

It had a handle on the top which fitted my hand perfectly and made it really comfortable to use.

Having the walking stick really did change my life. My Multiple Sclerosis had begun to take over. I was beconing reluctant to leave the house as I knew I would fall over, as my balance was very poor, and my walking was difficult cumbersome and slow. The walking stick helped me regain my independence. It gave me confidence, and I began leaving the house a lot more. I couldn’t walk far, but when I was walking, I felt much more stable and more sure that I wouldn’t hurt myself by falling again.

If I had to carry bags, I just used a ruck sack. This kept my hands free, for using my stick, and kept my balance much better, as I wasn’t lobsided.

All in all, what felt like a step backwards was a move in the right direction.