A young disabled East Lothian artist has found new confidence after a more 'modern' and 'trendy' mobility scooter has given her "pain free outings", as she was concerned about using something that didn't represent her age.
Ailsa Hay has discovered that mobility scooters can also be cool for younger users, after struggling with her mobility due to arthritis.
A once Edinburgh Napier University graduate, Ailsa is now a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and fine artist, as well as expanding her skill set even further to cover music.
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Despite living with arthritis since the age of three, Ailsa has not let her mobility difficulties get in the way of artistic expression. However, today, walking is a real challenge. Living on the scenic coast of east Scotland, she was desperate to get out on her own for pleasure and inspiration.
Two manual wheelchairs had kept Ailsa mobile over the years but with arthritis now affecting Ailsa’s ability to self-propel, she really needed a powered product to keep independent. With a recent house move to an adapted bungalow, Ailsa felt it was time to start looking for a scooter. However, worried she didn't want to feel like an 'old person'.
As Ailsa can’t drive a car, she needed to find an alternative to get round on her own. Ailsa and her mum (and primary carer), looked at all sorts of vehicles including golf buggies, but they were too big and very expensive.
Since a scooter seemed the only real option, Ailsa also wanted one that would work off-road, as well as on the pavement.
Mobility company, TGA, helped Ailsa acquire such a scooter, and she is loving being able to live her life without letting her disability get in the way.
Ailsa said: "Harry from TGA came out to see me. He was a lovely guy, actually one of the neighbours recognised him as they have a TGA scooter too. There was no selling, Harry just wanted to suggest the best fitting scooter for me.
"I really needed something tailored to where I wanted to go locally. I wanted to visit the coast, drive off-road by the many golf courses near me but still be comfort on pavements. We both decided the Zest Plus with its larger wheels and suspension would be perfect."
Ailsa can now go out and return home pretty much pain free as she continues: "Previously I could only manage a hundred metres and then had to sit down, I was always shattered when I got back home. Now I drive my Zest and it’s amazing, I get in and have no discomfort. It’s easy to drive and doesn’t put too much strain on my wrists when cornering. I can steer with one hand and swap hands if I’m having a bad day with either of my wrists.
"It feels awesome to be independent. My scooter packs into the back of my mum’s car in five bits for day trips. I haven’t had it long so have only been local so far but will be going further as the days warm up and hope to take it on holiday soon."
