I’m sitting at a park that looks out at Woolgoolga Beach in northern New South Wales. It’s windy and my hats trying to fly away. Then, out the corner of my eye I see a guy on a mobility scooter, and a big one at that. Wow, that’s turbo! He’s got the whole gig happening. There’s a walking frame on the back and all.

My partner strikes up a conversation and before you know it I stand mesmerised by this man’s story. Let’s call him Bob.

When Bob was struggling with mobility he researched his options before going to a mobility scooter place in a nearby town. They asked the usual questions and I’m guessing they were a bit surprised by what Bob had on his wish list… It must be something that he could take on the beach. 

“No we won’t be able to help you with anything like that mate, sorry”.

But as any good sales rep does, they go above and beyond and look into it further. Fast forward a day or so and that very same bloke rang with great news. 

“I think I’ve got something you might be interested in mate. 

https://www.pridemobility.com.au/outback

That’s how Bob ended up with the ‘Outback’ scooter. He can scooter along Woolgoolga Beach. Wow! 

As I stand listening he slowly hops off the scooter and says, ”You’ve gotta have a go”

Man I didn’t see that coming! He shows me all the bells and whistles and insists I take it for a spin along the beach.

Well, it’s nothing like my little mobility scooter. The turning circle of the Outback I found hard to manoeuvre compared to my little scooter. Yeah girl, of course, they are some big ass wheels you’ve got there. It’s meant for outside. 

The beach is on the narrow side. There’s a cement ramp coming down from a carpark. Once you get past around 2 metres of soft sand you are good to go. Don’t go slow on the soft sand.

You go onto the wet sand along the beach and just go for it! It’s so exhilarating.

I was like a kid at the candy store. Keeping an eye out for beach goers but having the time of my life. Wow what a rush. These things might cost a bomb but the feeling of exhilaration. 

Dezzie 2024