"Here in
Victoria we all get a holiday and a parade - and this year I got my 15
minutes of fame and then some. I rode on my scooter for the whole
parade route. While we waited and waited for our turn to start I
scooted around to see some of the other floats and bands, and of course
we decorated our group of vehicles for the parade. Finally time to go!
I noticed that there were several scooters in the parade, and I hope
that those people enjoyed themselves as much as I did. I had fun,
got a little sun burnt and waved to the crowd.
I have
owned my scooter since October and it has made it so I can do many
things I was unable to do for quite a while... Thanks Canada
Scooters... "
“You
are certainly right on the ball when it comes to making sure I am
happy. You gave me all the information I needed and really opened my
eyes to what a scooter can do for me. And you explained everything
really well. I am perfectly satisfied with your service and
couldn’t be happier with my new scooter.”
- Bud
Strom, age 67 (Retired Sheet Metal Worker)
"When Des
bought his scooter, he also purchased increased mobility. We used to
take slow strolls together as a couple. However, I get much relished
high from fast walks, as I find it elevates the spirit, improves the
mood and tones the body.
That
posed a problem: when I opted for long brisk walks, I experienced guilt
on leaving Des at home. He kept busy with innovative projects of his
own creation, but we both missed the “togetherness thing.”
Now we
have it all! I walk quickly; Des rides his scooter. We both enjoy the
outdoors now, benefiting from the scooter in two different
ways—he as a rider; me as a walking companion. We can “stop
to smell the roses” and then accelerate to a brisk pace. And best
of all, we do it together. Des’ scooter has changed our lives."
- Beth
(and Des) Cooper, Victoria, BC
“I
have now owned my scooter for two months and I cannot believe how it
has opened up the world for me.
Before
the scooter, I very rarely went out, as I am unable to walk for any
distance, but now that I have the scooter, I am even able to get out
and do some volunteer work in my area…
Best of
all it allows me to just to go for a ride in the neighbourhood. Anytime
I am out with the scooter I receive many very nice complements.”
- L. Gadsby, Esquimalt,
BC
“I
live on the fourth floor of a condominium. My trusty scooter is parked
in the hallway near my front door, ready for when I need it. It is
extremely easy to negotiate in the elevator and passageways. The speed
controls are very good indeed because they allow me to control how fast
or slow I go. I can open the front door without getting out of the
scooter and when I return from shopping or being out, I use a wedge to
hold open the front door, very easy.
I used to
think scooters were for someone with a disability, however I now know
that they are very useful for any person, even if you have a car.
My
scooter is very economical to operate and there are no parking
problems, which makes it very easy for me to travel in the city.
I can go anywhere a pedestrian can go, even places I couldn’t
with my car.
I am 96.
I can walk around the block, but that’s the maximum. If I had to
walk to the store, I wouldn’t have the energy to shop. My scooter
makes it possible for me to go almost anywhere.
Just last
month, my wife asked me to build three shelves for her patio plants.
She wanted to raise them up so it was easier to clean.
I took my
scooter to the local “Do It Centre” and had no trouble
carting six, four foot 2x4’s, a can of paint and a few other
supplies. There was no parking left for cars, but I got in and out with
no problem. I’m still handy around the house which is pretty good
for 96 year old, if you ask me. If you haven’t got a scooter yet,
I’m here to tell you Scooters are for Everyone! Not just the
oldies."
-
Hubert Barnet, age 96 (Former Navy officer)
“My
experience with Canada Scooters was very pleasant. Everybody likes [my
scooter]. They are all impressed when they see me driving it."
- Rudy
Lehnert, age 87 (Retired Home Builder)
My life
would be very different indeed if it wasn’t for my scooter. I was
somewhat reluctant to admit that I was forced to use a scooter to get
around. I found it very embarrassing to change from walking with
crutches to riding on a scooter, when I could no longer walk any
appreciable distance. That “feeling” has certainly changed.
It was a choice between staying at home or continuing my daily routines
on a scooter. I enjoyed the outdoors, shopping etc., too much to
consider a life spent mostly indoors. Scooter life has opened a new
world for me - I recommend the use of a scooter to anyone who
experiences difficulty with walking.
“Scootering”
has been a way of life for me since 1995. I have in that time operated
three and four wheel scooters and each has its advantages. Four wheel
scooters allow more stability, but they certainly do not have the
desirable turning radius that the three wheel scooters have. They allow
you to manuover more comfortably in tight quarters. As for accessories,
much depends on where and when one plans to use the scooter. In my
experience, I have found that a generous sized basket (carrier), a flag
and a rear view mirror serve a very good purpose.
Since
entering the scooter scene I have enjoyed a vehicle battery powered
lift attached to the rear of my van. This simple to operate feature has
made it possible for me to go most anywhere. Most airlines will take
your scooter without an extra charge, and most ferries that load
vehicles will park your vehicle so that you can access an elevator,
allowing you to enjoy all the amenities they have to offer. I have also
experienced that most public washrooms will accommodate a scooter very
comfortably. The city of Victoria is especially friendly to scooter
operators- the sidewalks are all ramped and most buildings (office
& retail) have ramps or street level entrances. Many even have
electric operated doors activated by a very reachable touch pad. One of
the gratifying gestures that I have experienced, is the general public
readiness and anxiousness to assist a person on a scooter.
I love my
scooter and the life it has afforded me with my physical limitations.
If you are burdened with a disability that doesn’t allow you to
enjoy mobility, I highly recommend that you consider the use of a
scooter. It will add new dimension to your life and best of all it is
very easy and safe to operate. The staff at most scooter outlets are
willing and anxious to assist you in choosing the right scooter for
you. They will even come to your place of residence. Your life will
take on new meaning when you tackle your mobility problems, and the use
of a scooter is certainly one of the ways.
- Steve
Heschuk, Saanichton,
BC
““It’s
a very nice scooter and everyone stops and admires it when I go out.
When I bought my scooter, you looked after all my worries and you
treated me fine. You are very interested in making the customer
happy.”
- George
Topp, age 87 (Retired Executive for Esso Canada)
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