CASE STUDY: Debbie rediscovers her freedom thanks to a lightweight folding mobility scooter

Debbie Taylor, 53, from Luton, has been an eFOLDi customer for over three years. Debbie requires two knee replacements, has extremely limited mobility and is not able to walk unaided.

In this article, Debbie explains how her eFOLDi MK1.5 scooter has changed her life, giving her more freedom and independence.

I already had a foldable mobility scooter, but it was no longer suitable for my needs. To be lifted, it had to be dismantled – I had to remove the seat and the battery. The battery was so heavy and without any help I could not manage it.

Not only was it heavy, but it took quite some time to dismantle and fit back together. By the time I’d put it back together again, I didn’t even want to go out. I’d used so much energy and it was exhausting.

Design-led product

The eFOLDi MK1.5 really doesn’t look like a normal mobility product. It’s such a modern and trendy-looking thing! When you are younger, you don’t want to look like an old person on a scooter.

I am only 53 and a very young 53! A wheelchair wouldn’t work for me, as my mother wouldn’t be able to push me and I didn’t want a powered wheelchair either.

The eFOLDi scooter doesn’t look like a mobility aid, it actually looks really modern. It’s also very robust and can carry passengers up to 120kg, unlike many other folding scooters.

Exceptionally portable

With my eFOLDi, I can easily lift it in and out of my Vauxhall Mokka MPV. It is so light and I can lift it unaided. I am awaiting two knee replacements and I have a split tendon and sciatica in both legs. Even with all of those issues, I have no problems lifting my eFOLDi.

Without it, I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. I cannot walk at all now so this really is my lifeline. It is always in the car and I use it everywhere I go.

Ideal for train travel and cruise ships

Train travel is easy with my eFOLDi. If I had a more traditional scooter, it would be more difficult as it has to be pre-booked with the train company so a ramp can be provided. Also, on each train, only one scooter is permitted.

You can just fold the eFOLDi up, lift it onto the train, and even use it as a seat when all the seats are taken! Or it can easily be stored in the luggage compartment. I don’t have to plan ahead and I can just decide when and where to go.

All of these things are taken for granted when you don’t have a disability.

We also went away on a cruise and my eFOLDi worked so well. The corridors are quite narrow, so a larger scooter wouldn’t have worked and I would have to keep taking it apart.  In the cabin, I could also fold it up to the size of a suitcase and it would sit in the corner.

Impact on quality of life

My eFOLDi has impacted my life greatly. It has enabled me to go out so much more than before.

Before I had my eFOLDi, I never used to go out, my mum and dad had to do all of my shopping for me. Now I have got my freedom and independence back and I can go out whenever and wherever I want. It’s like getting new knees!

I would describe eFOLDi as a life-changer; it creates independence and is extremely easy to use. It makes you wonder why no one thought of this invention years ago!