eSCAping Type 1

I got a beautiful power wheelchair a few months ago and… well… I hate it.

Not the product specifically – between its easy steering, adjustable height, hidden storage compartments, and small size, the Pride Go Chair is pretty perfect for me. Plus, it’s pink.

But using it makes me sad. 

You see, four years ago, I bought a Nova Rollator to replace the walker I had so graciously gotten from some awesome coworkers. I was apprehensive but excited to use a better, more personalized mobility aid.

And it did not disappoint! It gave me independence and a comfortable seat and working breaks and useful storage…

And, honestly, its appearance helped A LOT (two words). I had much more confidence using a tool that actually looked like it was made for ME and not just some random old person.

Then I got pregnant and figured a wheelchair would be a good, safe option for the time being. So, without much thought, I quickly bought a cheap one off Amazon.

But after I had my baby, when I thought I’d go back to using my rollator, I kept on using my chair. (You can find out more details on that experience here.) It wasn’t a “bad” wheelchair – it was small and light and foldable and blue.

But a power wheelchair would definitely make life easier, right?

I spent DAYS online trying to find my perfect fit. It’s very similar to buying a car – you know your budget, what features you want, the ideal size based on where it will be used and who will be using it, when you need it by, etc. I read forums, watched YouTube videos, searched social media, emailed my insurance company…

And after all that, it came!

But whenever I used it, all I could think of was my dad, who used an electric wheelchair a few years before he died. I felt judged every single day because I remember judging him. And the footrest was too difficult for me to move on my own so I was still dependent on other people every time I transferred. And I was constantly anxious about the battery life, even when I had a full charge. And my narrow doorframes paired with my poor motor skills made scraping and crashing and injuring myself way too easy. And I was convinced I’d eventually run over my toddler’s foot and break it…

Soooo I went back to square one, and ended up buying this:

It’s a customized manual wheelchair called an Invacare 9000 SL with a Hemi (shorter) height, a silver veined frame, full-length armrests, swing-away footrests, pink rim covers… but my favorite part is that it came without a motor.

And, yes, I had to Google every single feature before selecting anything.

I had NO CLUE what I was doing throughout this entire process. It’s hard to ask questions when you don’t know what to ask. It’s tough setting realistic expectations for an outcome you have no experience with.

So, for anyone purchasing a mobility aid, here are some suggestions/recommendations:

– I don’t have personal experience with this, but if you have the option of going to a store, do that! You can physically try out different aids, be measured for a customized fit, get help with insurance, hear recommendations and reviews…

– Can’t do that? That’s ok – there are plenty of retailers online! I used SpinLife.com because of their easy search tool, helpful customer service, lower prices, customizable options, and huge inventory.

– If you’re getting a walking stick or cane, I recommend using fashionablecanes.com and/or neo-walk.com for tons of great, customizable options. Though, honestly, I got my purple HurryCane through Amazon.com and have no complaints. Remember, more base prongs equals more stability. And it should be about waist height.

– For walkers or rollators, it’s tough to give advice because there are so many options out there, it really comes down to personal need. Remember that FOUR wheels (rather than two or three) is usually more stable and easier to move. I also recommend getting one with a padded seat. Though I’ve heard some pretty great reviews about Stand Up Walkers, too. Find more detailed help here.

– When getting a wheelchair you’re also going to want to get a cushion. I wish I had known this. I always thought it was just a money-grabbing accessory and my first chair was uncomfortable because it was cheap. Nope! Most wheelchairs have thin, nylon seats that hurt after about an hour. So, get yourself something comfortable to sit on. Just remember to measure your chair first.

– Speaking of useful accessories, phone/cup holders are available for nearly any device. Get one. Drink water. Call your mom.

– Many insurance companies cover at least some of the cost of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), so long as your doctor “prescribed” it and you buy it through a registered company (so, not Amazon). Find out more here.

– Remember that it’s meant to help YOU. My wheelchair is on the smaller side because I’m short and I use my feet to help propel me. The armrests are full-length because I push off of them when I stand. My cane folded so I could put it in my purse. My rollator was lightweight so that I could lift it into my car. YOU HAVE OPTIONS. Take your time exploring possibilities; one size does not fit all.

– You can also stylize your mobility aid pretty easily with spray paint, duck tape, washi tape, stickers, etc. Not gonna lie, when I first started using a rollator, I had nooooo desire to decorate it. Honestly, I just wasn’t very confident about my new wheels. I didn’t want to draw any more attention to it than it was already getting. 

But then I realized that design really does make a difference. Like I said, it’s meant to help YOU. It’s an extension of YOUR body, not some 80-year-old-beige-loving-hospitalized man. There are rim covers you can buy for your wheelchair, and seat covers you can buy for your rollator/wheelchair.

People are going to stare at it regardless – might as well make it cute.