Carpe Diem

When I realized I wouldn't be able to ride a bicycle during our upcoming vacation in France, my husband searched the Internet and found the TravelScoot, a collapsible electric tricycle. Problem solved, I thought. When my fellow travelers take their bikes off the canal boat to cycle into the nearest village, I'll be able to join them. But further research revealed that the TravelScoot relies on hand brakes — one for each rear tire — and I can't operate a hand brake with my affected hand.

How about a tandem bike? An adult tricycle? Neither is available for rent. I reconciled myself to quiet hours alone on the boat.

Then my husband found the EV Rider Transport — a mobility scooter like you see old men riding along the sidewalk … except this one collapses into a compact unit that can be wheeled like a piece of luggage. It's exactly the kind of disability-related purchase I've been resisting for three years.

I tell my husband: "I don't want to spend a couple grand on something I won't use when I get better." 

"We need to do what works for you now," he counters.

"But it's not even fast enough to keep up with a bike," I argue.

"I'll walk with you," he says.

Good point. I hadn't even considered the fact that I can't keep up on walks — much less bike rides.  

We bought a Transport, and I've discovered other uses for it besides taking it to France. I now take my dog for walks. I race through obstacle courses with my niece and nephew, who ditch their own scooters and take mine because it's "more fun."

My Transport is fun. I call her "Francine." She reminds me not to put my life on hold while I recover. 

Nate and Abby take Francine for a test drive.