The phrase “mind the gap” is something you hear all the time on Sydney’s train platforms. But it wasn’t until today, on my first big outing with my new mobility scooter, that I truly understood its importance.
Getting on and off the train from the platform at Central Station was surprisingly easy. The light rail was even better, with perfectly level access. But then I got to Redfern Station. The gap between the platform and the train was a bit wider, and I struggled to get off. A kind stranger noticed and helped me, a small act that made a huge difference.
It’s those little moments of kindness that make getting around Sydney so much easier than I had anticipated. The lifts at the stations were excellent, and people were generally friendly and considerate. On a packed light rail, people not only made space for me but also helped ensure I could get off safely at my stop.
My first big trip using the scooter today, wasn’t just about trains and light rails. Earlier in the day, I went to a local café in Surry Hills.
The footpaths right around my place are great, but as I ventured further into Redfern, the landscape became a little more challenging. The footpaths were bumpy and uneven in some spots, and I found myself needing to adapt.
I discovered that the bike paths were a great alternative. While I need to check the rules on using them, they were incredibly smooth and offered a fantastic ride, especially near CarriageWorks. It was there that I felt a bit like Margaret Olley, the famous artist who navigated exhibitions with her walking frame. With my scooter, I was able to take my time and slowly explore the galleries for Sydney Contemporary.
My day was a great success, but it ended with a crucial lesson. I had assumed that the scooter’s initial charge from the company I bought it from would be enough, but it wasn’t. As I was heading back on the train, the low-battery light started to flash.
I found myself on a platform at Central Station with a dead battery. A friendly staff member saw my situation and offered to help. He let me charge up for 15 minutes, just enough to get me home. Even though the scooter died again right before I reached my place, I was able to push it the rest of the way.
The experience highlighted the most important thing I’ve learned so far: always ensure your scooter has a full charge before a trip. Just like a mobile phone, a scooter’s battery life is a key part of your independence. Don’t assume anything.
James, you should have known better about the scooter. Nothing rechargeable ever arrives fully charged. I wonder if this applies to electric cars? At times a new car will have a full tank of petrol, but not always. There was a blogger named Peter in Amsterdam who used an electric wheelchair to get around because of feet problems, and in that city, there is a kind of NRMA breakdown organisation where you pay a yearly subscription for help if your chair or scooter breaks down or runs out of juice.
Anyway, you otherwise had a good day. I’m afraid where you live is a where footpath problems lie. Have you ever considered the nice smooth paths in Leppington?
Hi Andrew, you’re right about the battery. I have since been doing some research, and the advice is that it will take several early charges before the battery reaches its maximum potential. I have no plans to move from Surry Hills. Aside from hearing the name on platform announcementa, I’m not even sure where it is!! I remember Peter in Amsterdam, and actually met him while visiting there in 2008..