Kay's comments on Anne's questions

This is my sister Kay and my husband Alan, putting together her TravelScoot

2. Speaking of excursions: How does it work w/ the TravelScoot (TS)? Other than Princess Cays, all our ports this trip are non-tendered, which will make a big difference. But how to find out which excursions will accommodate the TS? How do tour operators/bus drivers respond to it?

KM - I would go in with the expectation that all excursions will accomodate the TS. The tour guides have probably never had an experience with a TS, but may have experience with the larger heavier models of scooters and may have had negative experience because of the size of these scooters and the fact that the people who use them are more handicapped than someone who can use the TS. Be passionate about the TS and treat this as new territory and I bet you will not be disappointed.

On a daily basis I take a ferry from New Jersey to New York. The deck hands are EXTREMLY accommodating. Once your tour guides find out how light it is and how little space it takes it will not be a problem in my opinion. It also depends on how you treat the situation. You have to go in not expecting to have any problems. Treat it as an extension of yourself. No apologies for using a scooter and only a positive attitude.

3. What do you do about securing your TS when you're not actually sitting on it, for example in the dining room, or at the pool, or while on some part of an excursion that doesn't accommodate it?

KM - I keep the scoot within arm's length in most situations. In a restaurant or other enclosed area you may not have to be as concerned. You will have to use your own discretion on the safety of the TS. You could always get something to attach it to a table leg or something else. A dog lead would work or any other number of such things. Be creative. There are also leads for toddlers that probably come in a great variety of colors and patterns.

4. OK to scoot to muster drill?

KM - Is this a fire drill? If so, I would scoot to it if possible. You want to always have your scoot handy if it is needed. If there is a real fire and you have to abandon it that is one thing, but usually these are just drills. The people who would help you in case of a fire need to know that you cannot use the stairs, but need the elevator. In the building where I work the guards are aware of everyone in the building who cannot escape via the stairs.

5. My memory of Princess ships is that they are not very size-friendly. Are you able to use the TS as seating in the buffet area or the theater, for example?

KM - I agree that it would be best to sit in a regular chair. If you have no other option then you will have to make do, but do not forget to lock your wheels while you sit. Also, don't forget that the TS is VERY size friendly, in that it doesn't take much room You can scoot in the space that you (or most people) can walk in.

6. Do you "scoot" thru the buffet lines? What do you do with your tray?

KM - If this is a buffet there must be wait staff around. If they don't ask to help you then you should ask them. When you enter the buffet area tell the Maitre'd (not sure of the spelling???) that you need assistance. I am certain that there is someone to help you. These companies are customer oriented - that is how they get their business. Again - no apologies!

7. How do you manage getting in/out of elevators w/ no reverse?

KM - I agree - it is never a problem. You will find that people want to be helpful. All it takes is a little experience on your part, too. So.practice getting in and out of smallish spaces. You will be surprised at what you can do.

8. Are other pax generally helpful or PITAs?

KM - Not sure what a PITA is, but I can guess. You sometimes get people who walk through a door and don't pay attention to anyone else, but my experience is that many people are aware of the surroundings and will automatically hold the door for you or _____________ (fill in the blank.) On the other hand using a TS is all about independence and mobility, so you should be able to open your own doors and make you own way and not have to depend on others to help you get around. The TS allows you to help yourself with mobility issues. I NEVER apologize for taking up the space that I do - with the TS or without.

9. Any recommendations for TS accessories -- for example, should I buy either of the baskets? What accessories do you have on yours?

KM - I agree, with the addition of a couple of those bags (.99) that you can buy in many grocery stores for anything that is extra that you might happen to find. I also have a Mommy Clip and a Baby Clip that I got at BuyBabyBuy. It is a carabiner (1 about 3 inches and 1 about 8 inches) and I use to attach a bag such as a camera bag or my purse to the frame of the scoot so it can't be stolen easily. You could attach a leash as mentioned in question 3 to this, too.

10. Any tips, beyond Hardy's, for air travel with TS?

KM - No, Hardy has it all figured out!

Bee answers Anne's cruise questions

This cute couple is Sarge and Bee. 
They've had their TravelScoots for over a year and are our experts on cruising!

Q. Any advantage (other than price) to having a lead battery as 2nd battery as opposed to a 2nd Li-ion? I'm thinking in particular on excursions, heat issues.

A. yes, i prefer the heavier battery on a ship as there are a lot of ramps and the lion will overheat and cut out often. i have both but only take the heavy one on cruises. it runs all day and charges at night.


Q. Speaking of excursions: How does it work w/ the TravelScoot (TS)? Other than Princess Cays, all our ports this trip are non-tendered, which will make a big difference. But how to find out which excursions will accommodate the TS? How do tour operators/bus drivers respond to it?

A. first of all some tenders will let you on and some will not. if you go on a ship's excursion they will not let you book ones that you can't take the scooter on, they are good about it. be careful about private excursions, they only want the money and will tell you anything. if you get a private taxi to tour most ports do have vans and will help you take the scooter. honestly we have been to the caribbean ports so many times we usually stay on the ship! or just go off and ride around the port and get back on. the ramp to get off and on is really steep and you might have to walk up and down that but i can do it.


Q. What do you do about securing your TS when you're not actually sitting on it, for example in the dining room, or at the pool, or while on some part of an excursion that doesn't accommodate it?

A. well other than one time i have never had a problem anywhere. once we had a cabin on the lido deck and left the scooters outside the door for an afternoon nap. (i say scooters because charlie and i both have them) well some kids took them and did their best to trash them. security got the scooters and carnival repaired them to new but it was scary for a bit! when we opened the door and they weren't there! yikes! but it all ended well. and in the dining room and theater and such, just park it out of the way and i don't think there will ever be a problem. i have taken mine on seven cruises now.


Q. My memory of Princess ships is that they are not very size-friendly. Are you able to use the TS as seating in the buffet area or the theater, for example?

A. never cruised princess.


Q. Do you "scoot" thru the buffet lines? What do you do with your tray?

A. the crew will carry your tray, just ask someone and they are very nice about it.


Q. How do you manage getting in/out of elevators w/ no reverse? Are other pax generally helpful or PITAs?

A. pita's for sure. i try to leave the theater late after the rush is gone because i don't like to walk out before the cast gets their applause to get there first. otherwise if i have to get in a crowd i just sit at ONE elevator door and sort of block it so i am first whenever that one comes. our problem is we have two of them! but we always manage, just relax and enjoy. if someone pushes in front of me i usually very nicely say something like "you must really be in a hurry, go on in front of me and i can wait for the next one" or something like that to embarrass them if i can.


Q. OK to scoot to muster drill?

A. yes and at least on carnival you don't have to go in the crowd, they have a special place to go and you don't have to take the life vest but i don't know about princess. i always go before time so i can get an elevator though to get there.


Q. Any recommendations for TS accessories -- for example, should I buy either of the baskets? What accessories do you have on yours?

A. i think the baskets are way too big. i went to walmart and got a small purse like velcro thingy and put that on the handlebars and a small schwinn cup holder. otherwise i just use the bottom canvas thing.


Q. Any tips, beyond Hardy's, for air travel with TS?

A. no, he's the pro!

Questions from Anne

Anne has some questions for us. I'm going to include my answers here, and hopefully others will comment as well.

1. Any advantage (other than price) to having a lead battery as 2nd battery as opposed to a 2nd Li-ion? I'm thinking in particular on excursions, heat issues.

I do own an SLA battery but it almost never leaves the trunk of my car. I keep it there because I don't have to protect it from the heat, and I store my scoot in my trunk. If I need to use my scoot and hadn't planned in advance for it and brought a lithium ion battery, I use the SLA. This means I always have the choice of using my scoot.

2. Speaking of excursions: How does it work w/ the TravelScoot (TS)? Other than Princess Cays, all our ports this trip are non-tendered, which will make a big difference. But how to find out which excursions will accommodate the TS? How do tour operators/bus drivers respond to it?

3. What do you do about securing your TS when you're not actually sitting on it, for example in the dining room, or at the pool, or while on some part of an excursion that doesn't accommodate it?

4. OK to scoot to muster drill?

I'll pass on all of these in favor of someone with cruise experience. You may also want to search the cruisecritic.com message boards. After my cruise in March I hope to have better answers!

5. My memory of Princess ships is that they are not very size-friendly. Are you able to use the TS as seating in the buffet area or the theater, for example?

I don't know about the Princess ships seating, but I do know that you're only going to want to sit on your scoot as a last resort. The TravelScoot (as Rhonda says) is NOT a recliner on wheels. It's intended for getting you from point A to point B, but it's not intended to sit on for hours. I have my seat on the highest setting, and it's too high to sit at a table or in a theater. I think I'd be talking to the crew about making sure there is comfortable armless seating available for you.

6. Do you "scoot" thru the buffet lines? What do you do with your tray?

I can open doors while seated on my scooter, and I can carry something in my left hand while I use the right for the throttle, but it would be difficult to carry a tray. What I did at the NAAFA Convention was to just make several trips if I used my scoot, so I could carry one item at a time.

7. How do you manage getting in/out of elevators w/ no reverse?

This is super easy. You just Fred Flintstone it! Put your feet down and scoot backwards. The TravelScoot is small and has a tight turning range so you'll find it much MUCH easier to get in and out of elevators than with other scooters.

8. Are other pax generally helpful or PITAs?

Just like in the world in general, you're going to find some of both. I regularly have people stop and ask if they can help me load it into my car. Folks are also great about opening doors. Just keep a big smile on your face. You'll probably also end up in situations where you want to scream. I was at an outdoor craft fair recently and I was near a table looking at some art. A woman backed into me and turned around and gave me a dirty look. I was sitting still, and she backed into me. This was NOT my fault. Most of the time other people are great but you really have to keep your eyes open all the time to avoid problems.

9. Any recommendations for TS accessories -- for example, should I buy either of the baskets? What accessories do you have on yours?

I highly recommend two things -- the Think-King soft buggy cup (cup holder) and the Think-King mighty buggy hook. They're both available at http://think-king.com/. If I don't have a drink in the cup holder it's great for my camera or any little things I'm carrying. It will hold a HUGE soft drink. I use the hook for my car keys or a shopping bag. I have both of the baskets and have never used them because I just don't like how they are mounted. Other people use them and love them. The cloth triangle that comes with the scoot will hold a LOT of stuff too. It's a great place for your purse or packages.

10. Any tips, beyond Hardy's, for air travel with TS?

None that I can think of. Hardy's instructions are really very good.

http://mytravelscoot.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-and-easier-way-of-airline-travel.html

Re: Helping a spouse understand

I am taking the comments and posting them as a separate post so that folks who read this blog via an email subscription can read your enlightened and wonderful posts about dealing with loved ones who have objections.  This also allows me to post the comments from those of you who comment by email.

One comment I'd like to add to the great ones below is that no one understands better than you what it feels like to be in your body, and what is best for your body.  Sometimes people who love you need to be reminded of that.

From Kay:

Anne:

I had a lot of negativity from my husband and 18 yr old son when I made it known that I wanted to buy a TravelScoot. I think that they were worried that they would be embarassed by the Scoot. Although I don't need to have knee replacement, I do have osteoarthritis and suffer from terrible pain when walking. I think that the cost was also an issue with my husband (that is always a problem with him). But, my mother recently passed away and left me some money. She would have wanted me to have whatever I thought I needed to be comfortable. She was such a lovely supportive mother. Elizabeth is my sister and she and our mother had many scooter moments, so I knew that it would be a good thing for me. About 2 weeks after I got the scooter we went to Washington DC for parent's weekend and my husband said to me on one of the many journeys we took that weekend that he could see why I needed the TravelScoot. (I never really gave him a chance at NOT accepting it, though.) Maybe your husband/ family has the same fears about being embarassed. I would rather they be embarassed instead of you having knee surgery that potentially might not work. It didn't take long for my family to see what a good thing this was for me.

I don't let anyone get between me and my Scoot. Love you Hardy!!!

Kay

From Krystal:

Anne Sweetie, first off remind your lovely, caring Hubby that it is YOUR body. ANY TIME you have the body opened up for any reason it is traumatic. If it is for a surgery that you do not feel is really needed at this time only makes it worse - mentally.

You obviously have some moblitity or you'd have gotten a wheelchair instead. As you have chosen moblitiy help instead of the possible relief (no, I don't trust the surgery either), it doesn't sound like you have reached the end of the line where surgery is the only option for some kind of relief. Has Hubby even googled knee replacement? Strongly suggest that he gets all the possible facts first.

Just so you know, my first few weeks with the Scoot were the worst. Not because of it or me, but because of some of the negative responses I got from supposed friends and family. My feelings were hurt that they didn't seem to want the best for me. Or even thought that I might know what is best for me. IGNORE THEM!! You have a grand support group here whether you know it or not.

Now let me tell you about riding the Scoot. I now go places like malls, aquariums, and expos without worring about planning my paths for the fewest steps. Or worrying that I'll be in agony for the next two days. Riding the Scoot is so fun, I now go out to places like the Outlet Mall to ride around and be out and about - just because I CAN! It's also fun being the fast one in a group instead fo the slowest.

Just had a thought, maybe the reason Hubby doesn't like the Scoot is because he is jealous. You know men and their toys. . . . .

Maybe you should get him one also?

From Lynn Ellen:

This does not have to be an either/or decision.

I've had one hip and a partial knee replacements 10 and 4 years ago, respectively. even tho the knee was partial, the surgery and recovery was just as painful as a full replacement, and more painful and complicated than the hip replacement. I am not complaining, as each gave me a whole new lease on life and I had excellent care, a brilliant surgeon, and everythng was textbook. further, my best friend had both knees replaced on the same day about 4 months after my knee was done, and we overlapped some on our rehab, which was done entirely in the water, and she is now doing quite well.

Still, with each joint replacement, it takes months, even a full year and a half, to feel like everything is back to normal, and meanwhile it is hard work, because it is essential to do the rehab exercises.

So why do I now use a TravelScoot? my back has osteoarthritis as well, and the surgery they could do has a lousy prognosis, so I get my exercise in the water (and lifting the scoot in and out of my Volkswagen Beetle trunk), but I save my strength by riding the Scoot whenever I'm faced with having to walk more than the 5-10 minutes that usually kills my back and I am no longer in nearly as much pain overall.

So, ultimately, you might benefit from both the Scoot AND joint replacements. however it is your body, and your life. not that the Scoot is cheap, but it is cheaper than having to get a new vehicle, with a lift, for a traditional scooter, and you can take it wherever you go, and fit it in practically any vehicle, so you are much more mobile. and the decision about if and when you get your knees replaced should be yours and only yours. I am hoping your husband is wanting you to have less pain, but he may not understand that these are two very different options, and are not mutually exclusive.

Helping a spouse understand

From Anne:

Hubs is giving me a hard time about getting the TravelScoot, because he'd rather I had both knees replaced. I don't want surgery, and there's no guarantees that knee replacements -- even if they go well and I don't die from the anesthesia or an embolism -- will magically enable me to be as mobile as I was 20 -- or even 5 -- years ago.

Help, anyone?

From Denise: Cruising with My Travelscoot

We just returned from our transatlantic cruise on the Carnival Dream. This was the first time I used my Travelscoot on a trip and let me say that the Travelscoot far exceeded my expectations. We christened my Scoot “The Silver Chariot” when in Rome.

Though I have both the SLA and Li-lon battery we decided to travel with only the Li-lon battery. I am so happy I left the heavier battery home as I NEVER ran out of power. At first I charged the battery every night but eventually I only charged every other night and I never got low on power. Also, on many of my tours there were steep grades and hills. Though I am a queen sized gal at almost 250 pounds I never overheated the battery. But I always made sure I got a good running start whenever I could.

I never had to fold down the Scoot the whole trip, except for the trip home from the airport as my son-in-law’s vehicle was too small for it and our luggage. On the trip to the airport in my daughter’s van we were able to keep it set up.

I had booked this cruise long before I had the scooter so we had a non-handicapped cabin. Though the cabin door was too narrow to drive through it was VERY easy get it into the cabin. First off, the room steward said it would be OK to leave it in the hall in front of my door if I wanted. We did this during the day when we would come back to the room for anything or to take an afternoon nap or get ready for dinner. Then in the evening when we were “in for the night”, my hubby would get the back end and I would hold the front handle bars and he would just tip the back wheels a tad and it would make it through the door way. Eventually we would take the seat and battery off and he could get it in without my assistance. I didn’t try this myself but I think I could have done it on my own if need be. The Scoot didn’t take up any room in the cabin even thought we kept it completely set up.

As for leaving the Scoot when parked since it doesn’t have a key, this was never a problem. Sometimes I would park right inside the dining room, off to the side, other times out in the hallway leading to the dining room and no one ever bothered the Scoot. But, this cruise only had about 40 passengers under the age of 18 and very few teens or pre-teens who might be tempted to take a “joy ride”. Even in Spain when we went to lunch in two ports of call I left the Scoot just outside the front door with no problem as the staff and I could keep an eye on it. I had purchased a retractable bike cable to “chain” it if needed.

http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___Luggage_Locks___TagsSL104?Args=

The Scoot did wonderful over the cobblestones of Rome and all our Ports-of-Call in Spain (Barcelona; Malaga; Palma de Mallorca; Gran Canaries). In Rome we did an all day Highlight’s of Rome tour and the company had a mini van and the Scoot fit in the back without folding it down. The only sight I couldn’t participate in was the Catacombs but there were beautiful grounds to enjoy while the rest of the group went down into the caves. All our other tours were by motor coach and it went easily into the luggage compartment. King’s Wharf in Bermuda was easy to get around on the Scoot and we took the ferry over to St. Georges with no problem. St. Georges was a little more challenging getting around as it is a very quaint village and the sidewalks very narrow. We had been there before so I really didn’t feel like I missed anything as I was able to get around the waterfront area with ease and we had a nice waterfront lunch and shopping. I am sure if we had decided to go into Hamilton it would have been more user friendly. Oh, in Mallorca we took the antique train to Soller and though the Scoot couldn’t fit in the passenger car, they either put it in the caboose or the engine with no problem (I am actually not sure which of the two they took it too)….the beauty of the Scoot being so light.

I wish I had a batch of business cards for Travelscoot….it was a big hit with other passengers aboard the ship. Everyone wanted to know about it. I had a lot of envious looks from folks with mobility issues that were using canes or crutches.

I will attach a link to some of the pictures we took of me and my Scoot on tour. I was disappointed that I didn’t get more pictures in Rome…..my camera battery went dead and I had left the spare in the hotel room. Unfortunately since I am the chief photographer in the family there aren’t many of the Scoot anyway. But this might give you an idea on what to expect. I am so happy I purchased the Travelscoot as it gave me the freedom to get around that I wouldn’t have had without it.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/nieciez/TravelScoot#

Scooting around the GA aquarium and Abilities Expo

From Krystal:

Yes, the Scoot can handle the Ga Aquarium.

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

The best so far was the Ocean Voyager where the shark whales and mantas are. You get to walk (roll) through a tunnel under them! I didn’t get to check out The Cold Water Quest part as it was closed for construction on the new dolphin area. The Shark exhibit was educational to say the least and well worth the extra cost.

There’re ramps or elevators so there isn’t trouble getting to the upper levels. The best ramp was the one going up to the ballroom – one whole floor curving around. I didn’t quite run over a couple of people. I still have to remember that I can go fast again.

If you haven’t visited it, there’re a few hints:

1) If you have anyone with you who can’t walk far comfortably, you drop them off at the entrance and then scoot to meet them. Yes, the walkway from the parking is that long.

2) Don’t go into the Deepo Wondershow unless you are willing to sit in the very first row in front of all those children and get a creak in your neck as you are way too close to the screen or are willing to be separated from your Scoot. Yes, they even took a walker away from an elderly lady.

3) Definitely go during the week in the mornings. Less traffic to have to zip around. Be careful of the walkies, sometimes they go way too slow. (Did I just say someone was too slow? Cool.)

4) Have fun in the bathrooms. There’s only one full size accessible stall in each and it’s also a changing station for babies. Yep, you guessed it, if you can get in one, it smells – literally. The other accessible stalls aren’t really as they are just little wider versions of the regular stalls with handrails.

Now if you really want to show off a Scoot, go to one of the Abilities Expos:

http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/

Yes, I got a lot of attention – or rather Vroom Vroom did (yep, that’s my name for my Scoot).

Two of my favorite incidents:

One of the Rascal scooter men wants to sell Scoots also. He tried showing off the Rascal – I zipped around with the scoot. The real tie breaker was me picking it up. I’m only 5 feet tall, so it’s more impressive.

I finally let someone else try Vroom Vroom. She said she was thinking about getting the Scoot, but the price and the fact that it didn’t look all that sturdy put her off a little. She was sitting in one of those monster scoots, so I happily showed off a little. Rocking back and forth trying to tip it showed just how sturdy it really is. The tiny little donuts proved the maneuverability. Just how convenient it is, I got off and picked it up – two batteries, goodie bags, and all to show. Then I let her try the ride. Think she’s hooked. I also happily pointed out that the price was nothing when compared to the fact that you don’t need a special vehicle, lift, or extra person to help. (Having the van dealers there helped – 45,000 for special van.)

One of the things I’ve come to realize at one of those shows. Be prepared to pick it up a lot to prove your point if you really want to show off. I didn’t break it down because most people could see how easy it would be. I did let them know how big the box it came was.

Hardy really needs to put printable cards up on his site. I could have papered the place.

Happily Scooting in Atlanta,

Krystal