17/09/2025Blogging

My new life with a Mobility Scooter

My life has changed so much since I got my mobility scooter. For a long time during COVID and after my limb amputation, I’ve spent all my energy looking down at the ground, focused on every step. I was constantly on the lookout for uneven footpaths, small children, and dogs, which meant I missed so much of what was happening around me.

Now, with the scooter, I’m able to rediscover old routines . I can take my favorite route through the Devonshire Street tunnel to work, stopping at my old coffee shop—where the owner still remembers me—and grabbing a bread roll for lunch.

*Grabbing lunch at an old favourite bakery!*

But more than just routines, the biggest change is being able to look up and see the world again. Today, I stopped to admire the new Atlassian building under construction in Sydney’s city center. It’s a building I’ve seen in the distance, but for the first time, I get to appreciate it up close without worrying about my next step.

*What you can see when you’re not always looking at the ground. The new Atlasssian building, under construction near Central Station in Sydney*

I’m also finding a new sense of community with other mobility scooter riders. Just today, a fellow rider coming towards me happily tipped his hand and smiled in recognition of our common mode of transport. A couple of days ago, I was heading to work when another rider on a much larger scooter wanted to chat about things like pneumatic tyres. It’s a whole new world of connection, and it’s wonderful to share these experiences.

The scooter isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a way for me to reclaim my independence and fully enjoy life. It’s truly amazing how much of a difference it makes. I really didn’t think it would make such a difference.