Prayers for a Tricycle (Also Cash) ~ Ember

Tl/dr: I have medical issues that have lead to mobility issues. I would benefit in many, many way from additional mobility and independence!



I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy last year, after several car accidents, a lot of time in doctor’s offices, and a lot of fighting with the system. It answered a -lot- of questions, honestly. I’m medicated now, and significantly less symptomatic (on days when my mental health allows me to take all of my meds), but it’s not perfect, may never be, and I may never drive a car again.  Currently, I choose not to, in honor of others lives.  (Also mine! ❤️)

Once I cherished many a 20hr car drive to see my sweeties, and many a rambling trip “just because”.  I also remember all the times and inappropriate places I’ve “fallen asleep”. (It’s not like falling asleep, it’s actually closer to being “locked in”, expect for the middle bit, which is actual “sleep”. Unfun.). Trust me- this did not make Basic Training more fun.   More on -that- later.

Not having the ability to drive anymore has put an enormous dent in both my ability to be independent and my mental health.

I feel like a failure and a burden to my family because I rely on them to get literally everywhere. We bought our house, in part, because it’s within walking distance of.... anything. Which our last place was -not-. It was a pretty significant source of stress and conflict, and lead to me missing waaaaay more appointments than I should have, because I just couldn’t get anywhere on my own.

I’ve been doing a lot of research on ways to help achieve some level of independence again. I think that I’ve chosen a method. It’s the Jorvik folding trike (less easy to fall over on 3 wheels, if I suddenly get too tired to see straight!) that has electric assist (for days when my hips are too miserable to haul me around town). I’ve even picked out a beautiful one, very well reviewed, light, sturdy, compact, with cargo space!!!

But- why an ELECTRIC trike, you ask?

Because The Army, in all its..... infinite (?) wisdom, helped me to make choices that lead to chronic, possibly unfixable, hopefully draw-out-able hip complications.  At 30.

But I digress.

An electric tricycle would allow
me to exercise gently and at the best pace for my body.  I could go to the shops, or take the dog for a “run”, or pull a trailer and pick my babies up from school!!!

And when peddling starts to hurt (spoiler alert: it will!) I will be able to switch to an electric assist mode and continue my adventure!

Downside: To order and get it delivered, I need about 2,222$. Electric trikes, it turns out, are not cheap.  I am also budgeting $150 per year for 5 years, for possible maintenance and parts.  I hope to not need it every year, but a replacement wheel could cost hundreds, if something really messed up happened!

So, I come before you today, hat in hand, gratefully accepting help acquiring this wee purple beastie.  

And hey.  I love -you-.  Just for reading this.