I've seen a bit of this show, but not this episode you mention.
That show can be very interesting.

I think if you are worried about PNers or autoimmune people being accosted (or those with invisible problems-- like heart, etc), just putting your cane or walking stick in the basket would alleviate that potential.

I use my red hiking pole in public now, and get much more positive attention and even some help because of it. I was mostly ignored just limping around. Right now I have a huge pain flare in my knee (no swelling or redness) which I think is nerve related. So I have been using the pole even in the house.

We went to WalMart yesterday and the pole was very handy when I didn't have a basket to push. Some people and even employees suggest I use the electric scooters...but you know my doctor said walking whenever possible is therapeutic and so I try that as much as possible. Sometimes I sit and rest a bit at the fitting rooms because Super WalMart is so huge and tires me out. Hubby will take me so after a huge shopping trip I don't have to brave the parking lot. He brings the car around for me. Heat and sun make it more difficult for me when I am tired out, to walk well.

IMO I have never seen anyone in an electric scooter having a problem with the public being non receptive to its use.

I'll be interested in other replies to this post, though. Thanks for bringing up this topic.