A breakdown has me scouting out new scooters for my MS

How I discovered the mobility aid that might, in time, be just right for me

by Ed Tobias | October 13, 2023

My mobility scooter died last week.

I can walk 100 feet or so using a pair of canes, but my wheels are usually my legs. So when I turned the key and discovered those “legs” were powerless, I was in a bind.

This breakdown couldn’t have happened at a worse time. My wife, Laura, had been prepping for a medical procedure, the one where the prep is worse than the exam. (If you’ve done it, you understand.) So she couldn’t take over the tasks that my multiple sclerosis (MS) forces me to do on the scooter, such as walking our dog, Toby, or making an occasional grocery trip. And I couldn’t get to our car, which is parked a five-minute walk away.

I have a backup scooter. It’s a little TravelScoot, but I keep it in the back of the car — so near, yet so far. But Laura has a rolling walker with a seat that she uses for her own mobility problems. When she felt up to it, I sat and she pushed. We retrieved my little scooter.

Lucky me, with light injuries after falling while riding a scooter

Searching for Mr. Fixit

But I still needed to get my Pride Go-Go LX repaired. That proved to be harder than I’d expected, even in a major metropolitan area like Washington, D.C., where we live.

My first call was to the medical supply business where I’d bought my first scooter many years ago. The good news was that the store was still in business. The bad news was that, at some point, it was gobbled up by a bigger healthcare fish. When I called the shop that’s 15 minutes away from me, I wound up speaking with someone in the Midwest. The woman who answered said they could probably fix the scooter, but then she asked if I’d bought it from them. No, not this one, I replied.

“Sorry,” she said, “we only fix scooters we’ve sold.” She had no suggestions for who might fix mine.

No problem, I thought, I’ll just call the scooter manufacturer and find one of its dealers near me. The customer service person at Pride had two suggestions, and I called them both.

The first diagnosed the problem over the phone, asked me to send the scooter’s serial number so a part could be ordered, and said a repairer could make the fix in my apartment in about 10 days.

The second gave me the same diagnosis, but then asked if I’d be interested in buying a new scooter — a slightly different Pride model — rather than repairing my old one. I was offered a good price and thought “might as well.” The scooter was delivered that evening, but it wasn’t what I needed.

One size scooter doesn’t fit all

The new scooter, the Go-Go Elite Traveller, had a narrower footrest and seemed less stable than my LX. Its battery was also slightly different, so it couldn’t be interchanged with the scooter I have in Florida, where we spend half of the year. And it had no headlight, a needed safety feature for nighttime dog walking. It was a no-sale.

But I couldn’t keep using my TravelScoot. It’s especially lightweight, making it perfect for taking on trains, boats, and planes, but that weight makes it somewhat unstable — which isn’t good when I’m leaning over while seated to pick up the little “packages” that Toby leaves during his walks.

A man with gray hair, beard, mustache, and wire glasses drives a black scooter on a gray carpet. He wears a purple polo shirt, khakis, and white shoes. A small dog sits in the front basket of the scooter.

Ed on his rented scooter as Toby, his Yorkiepoo, enjoys the ride. (Photo by Laura Tobias)

It’s also built on aluminum tubes, rather than a solid base, so it’s hard to swing my legs on and off. Its hand brakes are like a bicycle’s, making it tough to stop on an incline, hold the brake and the leash in one hand, and pick up dog poop with the other. Its accelerator is like a motorcycle’s, located on the right handlebar, so opening a door takes a good deal of dexterity.

After four of five days of TravelScooting, I broke down and rented a sturdier scooter. It was another Pride Go-Go model, the Sport. True to its name, it was low to the ground and speedy. It had a headlight and more legroom than the scooter that’s being repaired — easy on and off. And Toby can ride in its large basket. When my soon-to-be repaired scooter finally quits for good, the Sport is probably the one for me.

Research and ride

If you’re thinking about buying a scooter, I suggest you first window-shop online, where a ton of choices are available. Check the shape, dimension, speed, and distance you can travel on a single battery charge. If you plan to take it on trips, think about lifting it into your car. Can you separate its pieces or fold it? What’s the weight of the heaviest piece? What’s the heaviest weight it will carry?

Of course, compare prices. But then, if at all possible, try before you buy. One size doesn’t fit all.

I’d like to read about your scooter experiences, so please add them to the comments below. You’re also invited to visit my personal blog at www.themswire.com.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

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About the Author

Ed Tobias People say to write what you know and Ed Tobias knows about MS. He's lived with the illness since 1980, when he was 32 years old. Ed's a retired, award-winning broadcast journalist and his column combines his four decades of MS experiences with news and comments about the latest in the MS community. In addition to writing his column, Ed is one of the patient moderators on the MS News Today Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites. He’s also the author of “The Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox: Hints and Tips for Living with M.S.” Ed and his wife split their time between the Washington, D.C. suburbs and Florida’s Gulf Coast, trying to follow the sun.

Comments

Lulu

Hi Ed. Yes I gave in and purchased a scooter 🛵 to be able to go for walks withe the dog and other half! I can walk but live in an old Roman town where tripping is a hazard! I have see perfectly able people take a tumble which is stressful for anyone. Due to the terrain I rented and tested out about 4, one way oto light for negotiating cobblestones and uneven tiles. It was actually quite scary and although light and easy to fit in the cupboard, there was no way I was going to buy it. Other half got on too and realised I wasn’t just being a scaredy-cat! I ended up with a Pride GoGo too. Heavier but definitely more stable. I am careful though due to the pavements here. Wide foot bed and so much more fun than dragging myself up the hills here carrying shopping. As I do get off and walk I do get strange looks but people in the U.K. are so helpful and gracious. 55 with PP and about to go out and get wet! Happy scooping & Scooting 😃

Kathy Allen

Hi see my comment below, recently enjoyed travelling in the Cotswolds & Dorset, great trip!

Ed Tobias

Thanks for sharing that, Lulu. My little TravelScoot has been all over Europe and, yes, it can be challenging to scooter safely. Talk about cobblestones...I rode it over the ruins of Ephesus, Turkey and in Crete. I, too, have had a couple of tumbles but, interestingly, it wasn't on the TravelScoot. I was being careless on the GoGo.

Drive safely,

Cynthia MacFarlane

I have had 3 scooters that were made in Israel and they are the best , in my opinion. My big double wide (that looks like a golf cart) was bought in 2016 after my husband was diagnosed with dementia and lost his drivers licence. We travelled all around our neighbourhood and beyond every day for 5 months until he had to go into care. 8 years later it is still going strong and has only needed new tires , a battery and charger. It can go up to 25 miles on a charge.
The scooter I use the most now , is a single size so I can go into the stores to shop.
But the first one was very lightweight but very stable and I was able to fold it myself and manoeuvre it into the trunk of our car. All of them were made by Tzora in Israel. Top quality machines.

Ed Tobias

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks for all of that info. Are the Tzora scooters are available in the U.S. If so, I'll have the them out. I'm a big scooter fan. They've given me speed and mobility since I first rented one, the summer of 2000, to help me get around a large convention center.

Cynthia

I got my latest one on Amazon. It is a Rover Hummer . Pretty much an all terrain scooter. It is about the size of the one in your picture . Great indoors and out. It also comes apart for transport .... but I've never done that. It is a good looking scooter , too. I've even had people take pictures of it .. it's not as "medical" looking as some, and fun to drive !

Ed Tobias

"Fun to drive." Between that and "Hummer," you've sold me.

Kathy Allen

I could write an essay? I've used a scooter for 17 years. Both have been Pride, 4 wheel. The second I bought during the pandemic, its ok but I would have preferred the sport which has a higher ground clearance. I tried a three wheel scooter which rolled over on top of me going up a slight incline & turning slightly, many many people came running, I was ok but shocked, won't go near a three wheel. Having lots of trouble with the airlines related to batteries when flying.
Recent experience, I was in England & hired TRAMPERS to use in parks over rough terrains, they were fantastic!! If you are interested in exploring online, try accessiblemobility. Good luck, scooters are fantastic & have enable me to keep going places!

Mary Davis

The best place to check out scooters and to get a lot of help in picking one in the DMV area is Grace In Motion. https://www.graceinmotionstore.com - I did buy a scooter online and I did not like it, I really needed a seat to raise up
and down. I am now in a Power Chair which I also do not like but gave in due to a bad back. The owner is Rick and ia very
knowledgeable about all scooters. He does like Pride the best too. They are in Tysons.

Ed Tobias

Hi Mary -

I found Grace in Motion in my Google searches and their reviews were great. I had already committed to another shop for the repair but I used them for the rental and was impressed. The next time I need the Maryland scooter repaired or replaced (I'm a snowbird) I'm going to call them.

Karen

Get a DRIVE scooter. I LOVE mine!!!

Ed Tobias

Thanks, Karen.

Heather

The Tzora scooters can be seen online. Nice choices.

Ed Tobias

Thanks, Heather.

Darcy quimby

Ed
Thanks for sharing. Our story is a little different. I was diagnosed with MS while in the Army so the VA takes care of me. I needed the electric wheelchair instead of a scooter. My husband has COPD so to get him around he has an electric scooter.(4wheel Golden EX). The motor has started to have issues. We too went to our local medical equipment place where we bought it from. (It also was goobled up by a larger company). Long story short they take no trade ins and they charge full retail. We ordered the scooter on line from a reputable company now just waiting on delivery.
Thanks for letting me share
Darcy

Ed Tobias

Hi Darcy,

Thanks for sharing. It's crazy that these local service businesses don't want to do local service. Fortunately, I've found a good local medical supply shop in Florida that does and, through this adventure, I think I've found one or two in Maryland. The Go-Go has been fixed.

Nicole Eason

Hi Ed,

I know exactly what you mean about scooters. In 2020, My husband purchased me a Travel Pro 3-wheel scooter. That scooter was dangerous. I fell 4 times. And it was killing my legs. In May 2023, my physical therapist didn't like the scooter at all. So, she had an Invacare power wheelchair rep. to come and meet me and show me a power wheelchair. I liked the chair and all it could do. But I didn't think I would get approved to receive one, but I did. I love it. The power wheelchair I have will tilt, recline, elevate and extend my legs out and in. And it also has lights, turn signal and a horn. For my PPMS it is the best.

Ed Tobias

Hi Nicole,

I'm glad the power chair is working well for you. I don't need that much assistance and there's no way I could maneuver it around my apartment. The Pride Go-Gos have worked well for me, the broken one is now repaired, and I'm off and dog-walking with it again.

Ed
Ed

Mary

Ive had a "fleet" of scooters depending on mission at hand. 1st Travel Scoot, (gave it to the VA & took a tax deduction), then ATTO (made in Israel) - by far the most stable, safe, but very heavy & I just purchased The Transformer for its ability to fold & unfold itself via a key fob. I use this mainly for air travel. I have found that despite manufacturers' claims that a woman can easily pick these up and place it in the trunk of a car or in a van, I have not found one female friend or relative who can easily lift them (even with the battery removed )which I'm sure by now you all have discovered the quoted weight is typically without the battery in place. That is why trying before you buy is so critical- including things like the footboard width & position of the steering column, etc.. Like Ed, I inquired with a distributor about adding an accessory for left-handed individuals on my ATTO but since I did not buy it from them, they would not help me. A second vendor( in the same town!) was absolutely phenomenal- they ordered the part for me and brought it to my house to install it (50 min each way). I think it's important to let the manufacturers know this about the distributors they are recommending who are listed as reps for their product. !!

Ed Tobias

Hi Mary,

Thanks for sharing all of that. I think I could write a whole book reviewing mobility devices.

Blake Ainsworth

My walking is quite challenging too. Two cans and short distances is the best I can do. I’ve researched scooters extensively, and I currently own two. The large. Heavy lead-acid battery scooters are NOT for me. Glion SnapNGo is a great pick. It’s light and uses a lithium battery, and quite inexpensive. I also have a Triaxe sport, which I love fort it’s 12mph speed. It’s not super safe for a lot of people. The Triaxe Cruze is a better and solid alternative.However the Triaxe scooters cost too much.

I do repair my scooters myself. I think these types of scooter can be repaired and adjusted by a bike shop.

Good luck, Blake

Ed Tobias

Thanks for all the info, Blake.

I need your number for the next repair job!!

Carolyn A WALSH, MSN, RN

I have a Pride Go-Go scooter, bought from a Pennsylvania company called Spin Life. It has 4 wheels and can go about 7 to 10 MPH, and can carry about 300 lbs. We bought it with our income tax return, so it's extremely affordable. It was delivered the very next day also.
I had been housebound for almost 2 years and was going crazy, so I needed to get out in my neighborhood. I've had it the whole spring and summer. As soon as my neighbors saw me coming on this cute little red thing, they began screaming "clear the sidewalks". I honestly don't believe that I was that crazy, but crazy is in the eye of the beholder.
I wish you well, Ed, in finding the right scooter for you. It definitely has to be the "right fit", both physically and psychologically.
Best of luck,
Carolyn (diagnosed with RRMS in Dec. 1990 @ 40 yrs. of age)
I'm 73 and a 1/2 now.

Gary Brown

Hi Ed, I have a little scooter EV Rider which folds and weighs 45 pounds. I like that it folds easily, but I don't consider it very stable. I in fact have fallen over with it once. I rented a Pride Go Go on a trip this summer, which I liked. What do you use to get it into the car. Do you take it apart or do you have some sort of lift in the car?

Cheryl Peterson

Ed, your article was meant for me I’m sure and thank you. I started my foray into the world of scooters this weekend. I have SPMS and. Live in an ALF. They are. Good to me and I feel safe, but here’s the thing; I never leave! Remember when we much younger and finding new independence in that old junker that had been passed down? Pure freedom and independence. What a feeling as I approached adulthood to be able to just leave on my own if things got sketchy. I had no idea how my loosing my driving abilities would affect me. That junker was my identity and for the first time had to “begin again”. Now with the MS I’m always begging again, as the ability leaves. I’m still me inside, though a modified version, over and over again. I’m too tied to be even scared. You know the drill, how and when it happens. It’s those itty bitty things we learn to spot early.

Sounds to me that you’ve got this. The old “here we go AGAIN”. When’s our vacation? Oh, that has its own challlenges. I still this that first car.

Cheryl Peterson

Boy could I ever know an inkling of the vast amount of knowledge about scooters. Maybe you’ll feel compelled to write a book. I guarantee I’d read every word.

Ed Tobias

Hi Cheryl,

Freedom, for me, was top-down in my lemon yellow 1966 Mustang convertible, which I had in college! Now, I'm doing 4mph on the scooter, but it's still top-down :-). I hope you're able to get out on yours as much as possible.

Actually, I have written a little book. It's not about scooters, although there is a chapter titled "Canes, Braces, Scooters and Walkers," and another about traveling called "Gimp on the Go." Maybe I could expand those chapters into an overall travel guide. If you decide to check out "The Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox," which is on Amazon, please let me know if it's useful to you.

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A breakdown has me scouting out new scooters for my MS