What does it mean when someone says they'd prefer to use a mobility scooter to a wheelchair because wheelchairs aren't "socially acceptable"?

Do these people think before they type this crap online? And he typed that inside a wheelchair FB group. Like ok use whatever you want but why be so negative and careless to other members' feelings. It's like women who are against women rights.

Ok vent is over. I'm glad that I can do better than that and that I consider people's feelings before I say stupid stuff, well I mess up sometimes but I do try to be considerate.

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iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

That’s ridiculous as both are used for different things.

Mobility scooter - you can’t walk far so you need this for distance.

Wheelchair - you can’t walk, you need to be supported in a chair, you need a special cushion to position you properly and fit well so you don’t get sores.

They are in no way the same. What a stupid thing to say.

PiecingBabyFaceTogether · 31-35, M

@iamonfire696 I have used scooters for 12 years and it was a nice experience but I can't really operate them physically anymore so I switched to wheelchairs. I still own a scooter back home which I'm going to sell it at some point.

It's just not a competition about who looks cooler in what lol who cares anyway it's just a device with a certain purpose. There's other stuff to worry about than how people see us.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@PiecingBabyFaceTogether Exactly, this works better for you and a scooter may work better for someone else.

NerdyPotato ·

@iamonfire696 wheelchairs are often used by people who can walk small distances too, but for different reasons indeed. It's easier to take a wheelchair into a shop if you can't even walk that far, but mobility scooters are better for long distances. So different purposes indeed, but it's a common misconception that wheelchair users can't walk or even move their legs.

You should see the faces of people when I'm being pushed around in a wheelchair and get up to get over a high step. 😅

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@NerdyPotato oh definitely, they can still walk but people with scooters can still be mobile. If you can’t walk that’s not going to be the aid you will need. Unless it’s a motorized wheelchair but that’s different from a mobility scooter.

I have ordered many wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs.

PiecingBabyFaceTogether · 31-35, M

@iamonfire696 I have used a mobility scooter as a wheelchair I even went to college and attended all my classes with it and I can't walk. I never really needed a power wheelchair till my family owned a van.
Using scooters was a nice work out for my arms and back.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@PiecingBabyFaceTogether I am glad they have helped you. As long as you are supported properly. The clients that are getting wheel chairs and power chairs can’t support themselves at all typically.