My friend broke her foot! Is there a motorized wheelchair?

[JulyB2]

Hello there. My name is July. My friend Kelly and I have been planning all year to go to Burning Man together (this will be her first year!), but Kelly broke her foot a couple days ago and my camp (The Embassy) and I have been trying to figure out how I can drag her around with me. All we can do so far is put her in a cart behind my bike, but we all know that is going to be VERY hard since that is what I did every day last year, except it was a cart full of ice. I then thought of using a tandem bike (which would be hard, but I doubt as hard as a cart) but I cant get my hands on one and I wonder how hard it would be for her to ride on it (unless she could somehow sit sidesaddle?). Is there any way we could borrow a motorized wheelchair? The reason I say "motorized" is because I know she wont be able to push herself all over the playa in a "normal" chair, and I cant push her all over either. This sucks! I'm so frustrated! Do you have any ideas for what we should do? If this had happened earlier then we would've built her something, but now we're using all our spair time putting together our camp so we can leave Saturday. I would appreciate ANY input. If you'd like, you can call me and I'll call you back on my cell (I have free long distance). 541-501-2520.

[Badger]

Is there any way we could borrow a motorized wheelchair?

I honestly think you're not going to have any luck here. The few people who're going to bringing mororized wheelcahirs ( a BAD idea BTW) are probably doing so in order to deal with their own handicap. There's not much difference in asking if someone would give up their crutches to help your friend out.

Still, there's a thread around here where there is a decorated cart available for limited times to allow for access around the playa.

[Tiahaar]

I would appreciate ANY input.

How about an electric scooter? I'm pro-walk-and-bike but if your friend can hobble around she could make great use of an electric scooter (I still can't bring myself to suggest a gas scooter though...so noisy!!!!)

BUT...get the biggest wheels & highest wattage & have a way to recharge it. HEY! Just saw that Pep Boys has a 500watt Panterra Scooter #06024 for $199-$100 rebate for $99 final cost. Might be good. It has wide 9" tires too, and no seat so its playa legal.

>>>disclaimer...I have yet to try one of these...ymmv<<<

[AntiM]

My first year on the playa I had my back go out on me on day three, I could barely walk much less ride a bike. I could hobble and Larry did pull me in a cart twice. I still had the most amazing time although I missed a lot of the big art and outlying sites; I met all the neighbors and learned to appreciate friendly domes and the center cafe. Just go with it, ask nicely for rides when you can, and enjoy what is at hand. You'll both end up with more interaction with others than if she relies on a scooter or wheelchair. It may be a different experience than you two had anticipated, but I bet it will work out to your satisfaction and joy.

We now have a big four wheeled bike with boat seats. Good thing, I'm really in crap shape this year.

take care, heal fast!