Diagnosed in my mid-thirties, I’m now 77 and feeling low-energy all the time. I live alone and manage - still drive, buy groceries, clean my home. I don’t entertain, so I’m slower at getting things done - just finished with the last of putting away Xmas decor sitting on the steps to my “storage”bonus room over the garage…I don’t like climbing steps with bone-on-bone OA in one knee. It’s painless, thankfully - it’s lack of full strength in that knee. I do go to the Y several times/week and use the low-stress recumbent stepper to keep my thigh muscles strong. Just started PT to address poor balance (I use a cane).

I’m resistant to using a walker, though my legs are shaky and PT believes a walker is better for me. My legs have always been tired with fibro and when I was younger & could walk fairly well, I would end up with post-exertion malaise, feeling like having the flu.

So, I would like to go to community festivals, etc - but mobility solutions are my issue. Looking for ideas. I have a mobility scooter that I rarely use (the Atto) - but with my balance issues, I need to lean up against the bumper of my Honda CRV while putting its 2 parts together. I’m thinking of selling it.

Has anyone used a motorized (battery) convertible walker/wheelchair? I’m looking at the “Wheelator” - which is for those who don’t need a wheelchair full time, but something that allows them to be independent while, say, at the mall or a festival. The idea is to be still able to use one’s legs for walking - using it as a walker - until it’s just too difficult (my muscles stiffen when tired), and then use it as a motorized wheelchair. I think it answers some of my issues - just still wondering if I could load it in and out of my vehicle.

Check out the Wheelator on YouTube - there are lots of good info videos on it. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!