It’s not every day you see a mobility scooter in another galaxy. But when we spotted James Burns, founder of the Star Wars website Jedi News, using the UK version of our ZooMe Auto Flex during a preview of the new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience at Disney World, he explained this wasn’t the first time he had used the scooter to voyage far from his London home. Folding to a suitcase-like size and approved for flying, the electric scooter has been his frequent companion as he reports the latest on the franchise from conventions, premieres, and events in the U.S. and around the world.
As we celebrate Star Wars Day this May the 4th, hear from James on how he came to use the scooter and how he defines his Driving Force below. Then head to Jedi News to read his spoiler-free Galactic Starcruiser review, including details on experiencing the adventure with an electronic convenience vehicle.
What led you to start traveling with this mobility scooter?
I was diagnosed with a degenerative back disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis around 20 years ago and have used mobility aids since my condition worsened. When it came [time] to replace our mobility scooter, we were looking for something lightweight and small, that would easily go into the boot/trunk of a car with a battery range of at least 12 miles (to enable us to get around Disney World for a day). The only product that ticked all three boxes was the Drive DeVilbiss Auto folding scooter.
How has the scooter impacted your life?
The scooter allows me to carry on with my life in a near-normal way, giving me the ability to enjoy days out with my family, holidays, and allowing me personal freedom too. It’s small and compact meaning it can go anywhere: car boot/trunk, and airplanes — it comes with me wherever I go.
What would you call your Driving Force?
My Driving Force is my family and friends — I could never walk around Disney World for the day or spend all day at a convention such as Star Wars Celebration without having a mobility scooter. Being able to partake in these activities with my family and friends all over the world is very important to me.
What advice would you share with others in your shoes?
It can be daunting getting a diagnosis and reaching out, but there is often a solution that can help make your life and, by extension, the lives of your loved ones, easier. You are not the first to go through this and you won’t be the last. There are a variety of solutions for those that need them, and you can find the right aids for your needs.
For more from James on all things Star Wars, visit Jedi News and follow the site on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Watch this video to learn about more the ZooMe Auto folding travel scooter and see its compact auto-fold in action.
Banner Photo: James Burns / Jedi News