When I walk - even the shortest distance I now get dystonia in my left foot. As you can imagine, the Dystonia is uncomfortable. I limp and pretty much give up trying to get anywhere. I don't want to use a wheel chair, and at the rate of my limping speed, it takes me forever to get anywhere.

It occured to me to look into getting a "kick scooter" that is lightweight and I could cruise down the street or around the mall or at the botanical gardens. Of course balance could be an issue, and I figure I'd need to "push" with the dystonia foot and stand on the good foot... So I really don't know how (un) comfortable it may be!

Has anyone tried this? I can't find any in local stores to try. (But the good news is my MDS is sending me a script for the purchase of one - so I could put it against my state taxes next year...)

Anyway all comments would be gratefully accepted!

My two sons have a Razor brand scooter that is motorized. It is a pretty cool little thing to ride on. I am not sure if you have issues with balance or not. If you do, this might not be a good idea. It might be worth a look.

I always thought one of the scooters or electric wheelchairs modified with a 1500cc Harley Davidson V-twin engine would be just the thing.

GregD

Hi Jean,

Great question, particularly as those little scooters at the grocery look increasingly attractive! I think that I would be tempted by a Segway scooter; maybe someone on our forum has tried them?

www.segway.com

Please let us know what you decide to try...

Rose

Segways unfortunately cost $$$$$ but there may be one in my future some day!

I just ordered an xootr kick scooter plus carrying bag - I'll let you all know how it works out! Maybe using the kick scooter I can take "walks" with my husband again.

http://www.xootr.com/kick-scooter_cruz.html

Segways look amazing, the price not! I guess I was really taken with the 'glide' though, it looks a lot of fun.

I haven't looked into price, but generally speaking, if there is a piece of adaptive equipment that is out of your price range but better suited to your mobility needs and quality of life, there may be options. If, for instance, a Segway is better than a motorized scooter (and I don't know if it is or isn't) for balance issues, safety, integration into the mobile community, and portability, then you can make the case pretty easily for a discount from the company, or, failing that, for your local Lions Club, Rotary, Veterans Association, church or synagogue, women's aid society, community foundation or other group to cover the cost. Accompany your detailed request with a letter of support from your doctor and you may be surprised to see who would like to help, especially if it promotes your independence, health and ability to "give back" to the community (volunteering for instance). To learn which groups in your community might consider such a request (for adaptive equipment), consult your community foundation, a reference librarian in your town, the Mayor's office, and/or the Foundation Center online. I know many individuals who have gone this route for braille notetakers, minivans, computers or wheelchairs, though not yet for a Segway. Hope this helps...

Rose, thank you so much. I hadn't thought of this. Wonderful ideas - I will consider thoroughly. Jean ps Segways cost $5k- $6K

Well I have my kick scooter now. It's not going to help me with "mall walking" LOL But it WILL give me another way to exercise, to work on my balance, and to go on "walks" with my husband around the neighborhood. (we went around the block this afternoon)

Of course nothing is ever easy. I stand on the "good" foot and kick/push with the lame foot. My left side is stiff with all muscles very tight. I haven't learned yet to RELAX-RELAX-RELAX when I am riding. I grip and am just stiff as I hold the handles for dear life. So I can only go so far and then I hop off the scooter and shake out my arms. But I'll keep at it.

I do wear my bike helmet when I use the scooter in case of falls.
Here is the website:
http://www.xootr.com/kick-scooter_mg.html