Renting scooter or Electric Wheelchair for trip?

[michelleric]

Well, 1st time with this situation and I am sure it is just the beginning :(

I have a trip planned to D.C. with 3 of my friends next month.  We are going to the John Stewart/Steven Colbert Rally. We will be there for 2 nights and also have hopes to get to some museums and have a fun girls weekend.  

Sounds fun, right?  Well, I am starting to become very hesitant about this trip. 1st if all, I don't walk too well. I PARTICULARLY don't walk far at all, and standing is even worse for me than walking.  So I keep thinking about canceling and back and forth and back and forth...

Well last night, my oldest, 14. said "why would you let this stupid disease stop you from doing what you want to do??"  He was very matter of fact, and just couldn't understand why his mother (who always does anything she sets her mind to, and used to be fairly adventurous) would not do this?!

So, that was a kick in the pants. Yes, how can I not go? My hubby wants me to go as well, just in that, I am off and getting out quick before he changes his mind!

So, I have my moms fold up wheel chair in the basement, but I really dislike the fact of having someone push me. Just not comfortable with that, to rely on someone.

Does anyone know of any place that you can rent electric scooter/wheelchair?

Thanks,
Michelle  (That was quite a long story for a short question, huh?)

[twopack]

Bumping this up to remind you that since Gabe got such a good report, you have plans to make.

Mary

[twopack]

Michelle, do you remember at the Moving Forward program we attended, the presenter was telling us what all the Buckeye Chapter does for MSers and their familities?  One of the things he mentioned was a yearly scooter loan for someone who visits from Florida.  I think he gave another example too.  Check wtih them.

Your mother's light weight fold-up travel wheel chair might work better in crowded places and where you would use it off and on. It's easier to fold and carry up stairs.  Sometimes an elevator is quite the distance away. There are also batteries to consider.  How far will they take you and how long to recharge?  People power is renewable with sleep.  I'd gladly push a chair for a friend as long as she held my purse for me.

But by all means, figure it out and GO!!  That eldest of yours is quite the man.  I like him.  Very mature, especially when measured by the standard set by today's male offspring.  He will make a good team support member for Eric while you are away.

Mary

[Quixotic1]

Start by calling Home Health Goods Stores.

Q

[JemmAus]

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH Jealousy from Australia!!! I watch both shows every evening and laugh my head off. So nice to see a sense of humour after the insanity of Fox (which is frequently used as material for comedians here!)

I hired a scooter for the local flower show the other week - so worth it! easy to use, comfortable. if you can afford it, go for it. You can take a cane/stick as well and behave like a deranged geriatric loonie waving at young people to get out of the way!  Well I did.... :P

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE (underlined, yelling, with emphasis on begging) can you take some photos??? And post them on your profile?

I love Jon Stewart. But I have to hand it to Colbert on this one, must keep Fear Alive!!!

Jemm
A green monster from down under.

[Sarahsmom46]

I'm not sure if you are still planning on making this trip in light of the post I just read about your son's accident. But if you do plan to go, I might have a solution.

If you are going to the museums, they all have wheelchairs that you can borrow.  If you need one for the rally, you are welcome to borrow my manual wheelchair if you like. I live only 5 minutes subway ride to DC and don't mind one bit letting you borrow.  

As far as renting a scooter, I think they are quite pricey, but actually I can't think of where you would go. I'll check around to see.  

Again, not sure if your plans have changed now that your son has been seriously injured.  I sure hope and pray that that goes better than it looks right now.

Hang in there.

Juliie

[Sumanadevii]

I looked into renting a scooter for a trip to Atlanta.  The Shoprider scooters are available to rent in most major cities.  I was going to rent for a two week period.  The rent was nearly the cost of a new scooter!!  However, thinking of missing such a fun trip, the money may be well spent.  After all, don't we all spend money at times for fun?  Why not for yourself!!!  DO IT!!!  

[Lulu54]

How wonderful for you... I would love to be on the Mall for this one.  Everyone should have a good time.

As for the power scooter rental - remember you have to be able to transport it and it might not fit into your car with all you women and the luggage.  You want to get one as close as possible to the location where you will be using it.

This event sounds like a great time - Jon Stewart is a favorite of mine.  

be happy!
Lulu

[rendean]

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've more than earned it! Perhaps Julie (Sarah'smom) lives nearby and might have some suggestions.

go and have fun!
Ren

[michelleislay]

i don't know about the rentals, but want to say i'm so jealous you are going to the rally to restore sanity!!

i nearly peed myself watching the jon stewart show when he held up the placard that read...

"i disagree with you,  but i'm pretty sure you are not hitler!!"

i wish i could be there to carry that one!!!

have a great, great time michelle!!

xo michelle

[essdipity]

Hi Michelle. I agree with your son---figure a way to go and just go!

Since you're not near DC, will you be flying? I'd think sitting all that time in a car would be quite uncomfortable. Either way, though, not having some kind of chair is likely to bring trouble.

You do have a wheelchair, so that's a good fallback if nothing else can be arranged. Meanwhile, though, try your local MS Society for info about power rentals. Maybe you could rent something just in DC, depending on circumstances.

I'm sure others here will have more ideas.

Good luck,

ess