3 ms·
Are the disabled and elderly supposed to be able to wield two ton death machines better and safer than an electric wheelchair or walker?
by DataGata 5y ago
Are the disabled and elderly supposed to be able to wield two ton death machines better and safer than an electric wheelchair or walker?
- veltas 5y agoNot everyone who struggles to walk more than 20 feet wants to use a scooter (or can even afford one), many elderly people in that situation already have a car, and many of them are able to drive relatively safely. Like people with respiratory or heart issues. And right now they have the option to use a mobility scooter or a car, if they lose the option to use a car then there will be places that will take a lot longer to get to. I think it's reasonable for people like this to prefer being able to drive everywhere, it gives a huge amount of independence and is clearly can be more convenient than public transport. And there is a dignity aspect as well, I don't know how seriously people will take that argument but I understand that many older people would avoid doing trips rather than using a mobility scooter. I think that deserves consideration as well.
- DataGata 5y agoI think there are reams of people living in cities like SF, NYC, and DC that are retired and make do without a car. In fact, I would bet that the elderly live better lives on all metrics when they are able to live carless in a walkable neighborhood. Cars probably do help them kill their dignity- at the expense of their grandchildren's quality of life.