Caught in-between: tensions experienced by community mobility scooter users

Abstract

The use of mobility scooters is becoming more common due to their effectiveness, social acceptability, and cost. A variety of benefits have been associated with scooter use, including increased mobility, social participation, confidence, and sense of independence; however, scooter users frequently encounter barriers in their communities. This study employed interpretive description to explore the everyday experiences of scooter users as they navigate the social and physical world. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (10 men and 10 women), aged 40 to 86 years. Our analysis identified a single overarching theme, experiencing liminality, which referred to the ambiguous status of mobility scooters and their users. This ambiguity arose from the participants’ a) ambulatory status and perceived cognitive capacity; b) difficulties fitting into the built environment; and c) experiences of negotiating the social environment. We discuss our findings in light of theorizing about liminality and the social model of disability.

Keywords:

• Mobility scooter
• community
• barriers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (F15-00959). W. Ben Mortenson acknowledges his CIHR New Investigator award.