First Impressions

It's been about two to three weeks since I got my hybrid stroller/walker/wheel chair (4N1). While I thought I would not want to be seen in Stuy Town on a wheelchair, I didn't give it a thought when the time came. I wanted to test the hybrid model, period. So, after a couple of days of using the joystick on the model downstairs, next the laundry room, I was ready. As I wanted to open the building doors by myself, saying a thank you to whomever wanted to hold the door open for me, I went outside. 

40 pounds is 40 pounds. The model is light but not that light, and so there is a bit of make-believe that it can be easily picked up, despite those commercials.... One can "travel" on it, but in the chair, one feels the bumps or lines. So one has to relax and know that will occur..... Battery life. I was not aware, with a capital "A," that a battery does not have a long distance. Mine, at best, has ten miles. Chinatown where I want to go, is about 4 miles away. But that measurement is on a straight road with no bumps, lines, curbs, and people where one must stop and go to not hit them. I figure I could get to Chinatown on one battery, but on the way back I would need another one. A battery costs about $250. So I would need another battery.... It's getting cold, sometimes very cold. This is knew, of course, but I have to travel on my hybrid in weather that is at least mid-40 and above. 

I have to wait for a complete test in warmer weather. Meanwhile, I can learn the ins-and-outs of this model. For instance, I recently forgot to negate the brakes, so I used up more battery life than necessary. The Oval here is about a .2 miles long, so going around it would take 5 Oval turns. There are other issues. I ordered a large backpack for the wheelchair, and we shall see if that works. Also, I have to learn that this hybrid will turn into a regular stroller if I want. I can't think of it as just a wheelchair that will do all the work for me. It is meant, even in those commercials, to be walked. 40 pounds of it.

So, it is still a wait and see. But things are being learned, which is a major plus.

Soon?

 

 

Another look...

Learning

 

This will show more about using this combo walker/rollator/wheelchair. One has to learn and be patient.

Great Attitude!

 

If you need it, use it. Simple. Can be costly, but if money is the issue it can be achieved eventually. What I don't like to see is people suffering because of mobility issues. Research, and zero in what is best for you. Each of us have different realities, but a significant part can be helped. (English subs can be used on video.)

Another Look

 

From Malaysia. Another look at this combo electric model. You can use English subs. I should get this later morrow and in the coming days test it out and let you know if it is good in a big city like New York.

Here's one from China. Most rollators and walkers are made in China. Companies have their logo designed, too, so it looks USA made.

Is This The Best Combo Out There?

These city streets can be difficult to travel with mobility issues. Bumps at every corner, some tight sidewalks, uneven sidewalks, a lot of people..... These are some issues that mobility users have to face. This site does a great job explaining this model. But is it good for NYC and big cities?

Pre-ordered....

 

Though I can walk a very short distance and am trying to lengthen that doing exercises and mental imagery, my progress seemed too slow. Plus I was getting more and more discomfort as I went further. My ByAcre is very light, good for short distances and looks very nice, but the seat is too narrow to sit comfortably. It seems that a heavier walker may be better under certain conditions. A surprise.

I needed to get an electric scooter. Something that can do much of the work for me. Today I ordered a combo walker/stroller with many perks after weeks of researching this and that. We will see how this walker/stroller does in Manhattan. Almost no videos show what it is like in this big city where the situations are different than small town USA, so one has to be a guinea pig. 

I will be in debt, but I couldn't wait much longer.