Marfla, I used Ride-away to have the hand controls installed on my car. They are experts in van conversions etc. www.ride-away.com They have many locations on the east coast. Give them a call, I'm sure they can direct you to a local vendor.

You can always rent a scooter from www.scootaround.com. I usually rent a scooter when we fly so I don't have to worry about transporting the scooter and/or having it damaged by the airlines. I've also rented from scootaround for a cruise.

Hope this is helpful. Betty

I have already made contact with the local ride a way in Tampa. Actually he called me yesterday he has a van for me to come check out. Now to figure out how to get over there between work.

If I don't get the power chair and/or van before the cruise I will just take my scooter I have already. It's just bulky for inside buildings, elevators, etc.... so hoping for the powerchair to take.

again thanks and glad to hear someone else has used ride a way before.

thanks

I recently purchased this caddy scooter. http://www.evrider.com/caddy.htm

It is absoluetly wonderful for traveling. Very light weight, folds up easily, and can be transported with minimal problems. I keep mine in the back of my station wagon. It's so easy to handle I have no problems asking a total stranger to help me get it in or out of my car. I've been told the airlines love it since it folds so compactly.

Good luck with your adventure. If your interested in a Caddy, PM me and I'll send you the web site I bought it from. Mine was $1,050 with free delivery.
Best thing I've ever bought to maintain my independence.

Good luck with your decisions. Betty



http://www.evrider.com/caddy.htm

thats a nice scooter. glad you are able to use it and get around for more independence.

i am now in need of something more esp in seating i.e. truncal support.

I have a revo scooter and its great for open places like disney world, etc.. but too bulky inside buildings, offices, shops, restaurants, elevators etc.....

and for me to continue being able to work i need something i can use on daily basis and in home. the scooter just won't meet that.

the power chair will have some form of rehab seating esp for truncal support.

i wish you the best and keep on trucking in your caddy.

best wishes.

Betty, that is a cool scooter. Can you lift it into your trunk, yourself?

Good luck to you, Marfla. I hope all turns out to your delight and comfort. Will you be able to try each of those out for awhile before purchasing?

Best,

thanks sally. the rep is bringing some over for me to test drive here at home, thru my yard etc... on Thursday. Originally he was bringing the permobil c300 corpus and quickie freestyle f11. but i emailed him today about not bringing the permobil, still bring freestyle but if possible bring the quantum 600 by pride. i don't know if he can or has one to bring. i just feel the permobil is too big, too large turning raduis (40in),

from talking to a friend that is also a DME provider he said the permobils are usually for more involved consumer's. and cautioned me that because they are rather big/tall it may not fit into a minivan. from ppl he knows that have a permobil they have full size vans. he recommended the Q300 or freestyle over the permobil more due to size, manuevability, and better turning radius with mid wheeled drive rather frontwheel drive as permobil has.

guess will see what the rep brings thursday. if i feel good about one he brings he will complete the sizing, options, etc.... in preparing to submit order to insurance for approval. if i don't like what he brings then i ask to see more i guess.

my insurance has a limited formulary for power chairs so really choices are the permobil c300 corpus, Q600, Freestyle, Pride 1121, two by sunrise that are rear wheeled drives. so not a large selection to choose from in the group I fall into which is Group 2. Group 3 is for more specialized options that i don't need at least at this point. <G>

i am just praying that the insurance approves the first submitted order/request and don't have to go thru more justification process if they deny. and imo if they deny first go around its more for them to prolong the process as its clear to my PCP, neuro, PT, rep and me there is no reason to deny what is being requested. I am not going to ask for options or stuff I don't need. just what i do need to continue independence at home, to continue working, etc....

gentle hugs
marfla

Sal, I could probably lift the caddy into my car if I had more balance. If I remove the batteries first it's really easy for most able bodied persons to put into my station wagon. I have no pride and always seem to find someone that will give me a hand getting the scooter in or out of my car.

I tell myself that I'm making someone happy by allowing them to help a disabled person have a good day at the mall etc.

I looked at many scooters, thought I would by the Pride GO Go. However it just didn't have enough leg room for me. Betty