Dumb pride keeps otherwise smart people from using free electric scooter carts available today in so many stores and malls.
Hell, were it not for those scooters, we wouldn’t have seen a quarter of Minnesota’s Mall of America and Disney World would still just be a dream.
Someday, down the road, we will have their own electric scooters. (Marty winces when Cait says she wants a scooter with sparkly purple paint and an orange racing-flame motif.)
For now, we want to stay as mobile on our own feet as possible, so we walk when we are able and use the free scooter carts when we must.
It may be time for you, or someone you know, to grab a scooter, so here are some tips from Cait & Marty, who regularly scooter around the grocery store, Home Depot, Target, Kmart, Ikea, Canadian Tire, Costco and Walmart.
Try them before you need to. In other words, do your first drive on a day when you have some energy, not too much pain and are fully alert. Scooters take a bit of getting used to and you should be on your best game the first time.
Some carts drive better than others. So until you get used to handling them, do your test-driving during off-peak hours so you aren’t playing Demolition Derby with the store shelves, other customers and staff.
So grab that car and remember our motto (actually one of many): “Go forth into the world in the way that works best for you.”
July 19th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
I so appreciate the encouragement to become a scooter user! I often avoid large stores because of the walking involved but now I feel inspired to become an intrepid scooterer. I once did use one at Ikea and thought it was fun though underpowered–I wanted more speed
This article is just one example of how great this website is. Many thanks to The Gimpy Girls for creating a wonderfully informative, fun, and encouraging place. The first time I logged on I read every little bit and learned a lot. I wished I’d had some of the product and other suggestions when my aging father was living with me. I know that I HAVE to get a Mr. 7 Hands–what a great thing! So way to go, GG’s–a well organized and useful website that I plan to look at most every day.
ken
September 8th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I think heavier gimpies have more difficulty getting themselves to use these carts because they’re afraid that people will assume they need them because of their weight. I even read an article insulting heavier gimpies on a site for gimpies! I’m not entirely sure what would help with that.