A Different Definition of Independence

Written By: Laura Gosman

Many people consider the dictionary definition of independence to be the one and only definition, that is, ‘the state of wanting or being able to do things for yourself and make your own decisions, without help or influence from other people’. I thought this too until I purchased a mobility scooter.

I was born with Cerebral Palsy, which, amongst other things, means that I walk with sticks due to balance problems and frequently experience fatigue and pain in my lower back, feet, and knees. At the age of eleven, I had extensive surgery to maintain my mobility, so I was determined not to jeopardise this.

However, when out and about, pain and fatigue frequently saw me having to pace myself and calculate if I could get from A to B without becoming exhausted. I also developed a radar system for spotting benches and walls that I could rest on.

My perspective changed when I began studying in Aberdeen. My university purchased a mobility scooter for me to zip around campus so that I could get to my lectures. My scooter was a little speedy red number with an excellent turning circle. Not only did it help me get to my lectures on time, but riding on it meant that I no longer had to contend with pain and tiredness or worry about being blown over on windy days and slipping over in the rain. My world expanded, and I began enjoying my surroundings more because I wasn’t thinking about the amount of pain I was in or whether I would be able to walk the next day.

After university, I thought long and hard about purchasing my own scooter. By this time, I had trialled many scooters when I was visiting family or away on staycations, so I knew what I wanted. However, I still had reservations like, ‘Won’t my fitness be reduced?’ and ‘I went through so much to maintain my mobility, won’t I be throwing all that away if I use a mobility scooter?’ Then I thought about the fact that having a mobility scooter would mean that I wouldn’t have to ask my mum for an arm to continue walking when I felt tired, or that I could go wherever I wanted without having to worry about pain and exhaustion. I realised that, whilst having mobility problems means that I cannot live up to the dictionary definition of independence because I still have to ask for help from my family or friends sometimes, having a mobility scooter means that I can rely on them less and so be ‘independent’ in a different sense.

I purchased my mobility scooter five years ago, and I have not looked back. I have decorated it with stickers and colourful tape to reflect my bright personality and use it to do activities that previously I would have struggled to do without the help of others, such as commuting to work, attending art class, travelling on public transport, visiting friends and family and going shopping. Sure, I have to be mindful of my fitness, but there are plenty of exercises that can be done whilst seated, or with limited mobility.

So, what are you waiting for? The team at Cavendish Health Care and Mobility are very knowledgeable, friendly and considerate and will help you find the mobility scooter that is right for you. As sister company to Mobility at Sea, if you are planning to set sail on a cruise from Southampton, Portsmouth or Tilbury or wish to hire a scooter for your staycation, then they can arrange that too, especially if you would like to take advantage of a try before you buy.

Date Published: 16/04/2026

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