A slightly irreverent guide to freedom, bumps, and unexpected coolness that comes with being a first time wheelchair user
When you’re a teenager learning to drive, you get lessons, a theory test, and a whole lot of rules before you’re let loose on the roads. Thankfully, there’s no such thing for new electric wheelchair users or I have simply missed it, but maybe there should be. Or maybe, just maybe, a light-hearted guide like this will do the trick.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far, as someone who recently joined the club.
- I Love It
It sounds ridiculous, but I genuinely love my wheelchair(s). Above all else, it has given me tremendous freedom, and that trumps everything else on this list.
- My Nephews Adore It
My three-year-old has never had more fun than driving it, and my older nephew asked, “Uncle Ben, is it OK to drive it?” For now, I’ve been restored to the cool uncle status I never had. I’ll take it. And, by the way they instinctively get it better than me because it is joystick controlled.
- It’s a Jungle Out There
Sidewalks? Pavements? They’re a mess. You start noticing every crack, bump, and obstacle, and you get used to taking long detours. I used to hear people complain. Now I see it. It is a completely different world you have to navigate
- No Test, Thankfully
I was too fast a driver once (Ferrari in Italy, Autobahn memories), and I haven’t changed much. This thing has surprising acceleration, especially down ramps, even though the 6km/h speed limit is a little annoying at times (but entirely sensible). To all the people, walls, and plant pots I’ve hit: I’m so sorry.
Also, a couple of people have pointed out the seatbelt feature, which I’ve so far pretended doesn’t exist. I know, I know…
- The World Looks Different
If you start out at 1.94m (6’4″), suddenly being seated changes everything. People are taller than you think. The world feels different, and you notice things you never did before.
- Design Matters
Forget leather seats and cool trim. Now it’s about footrests, storage space, charger port placement, and the sturdiness of a seat cushion. Also: why is there no space for a mobile phone or cane? That should be a no-brainer.
And then there’s the noise. One chair reverses with a sound like a truck backing up. The other is silent, until it turns on with a cheerful Chinese tune. Why? No idea.
- The Weight Problem
We ended up with two wheelchairs. One is a beast (over 40kg) with a Shabbat setting, don’t worry, I won’t bore you unless you ask, and one is a lighter 14kg version for outings. The heavy one is impossible to lift in and out of the car but is like a 4*4 when driving locally.
- Crashes Happen
Almost all crashes are driver error. OK, all of them. If the curb looks too high, it probably is. And no, a faster run-up doesn’t help.
- People Are Awesome
Most people are more than kind. They move things, offer help, and reach what I can’t. People are good. Really.
- Unintended Consequences
Using a walker was becoming dangerous, but it kept me moving. Now, my knees hurt (coincidence?) and I’ve started using an exercise bike. Fun fact: I can ride for 30 minutes, but walking 10 meters is hard. Brains are weird.
- Weather Warnings
It’s summer. If you wear shorts, sunscreen is essential, you’re a massive target for sunburn. I hear rain is no less fun. Can’t wait for winter.
- Choose Wisely
I’m impulsive. I went straight to the showroom. But it’s worth doing your homework, features and bugbears vary wildly. Weight, height, foldability, remote control options… all matter. And, according to my kids, so does color:
“Daddy, was there seriously not a different option to the white one that makes it look like you’re sitting in a robot?”
Final Thoughts
Like every stage before this, it comes with fears and emotional challenges. It is also a skill that anyone who has navigated an elevator or a disabled toilet surely knows. Humor helps me cope, and I hope I don’t sound flippant to anyone struggling, I find it hard too.
But a few weeks in, I’m OK with it. I see the world differently now. I support better sidewalks, better access, and better design. And I celebrate the freedom this chair gives me, no matter how fleeting.
Be careful out there. And enjoy the ride.
