As a motorcycle journalist, I spend most of my time riding, filming, or writing about bikes. So, when I recently fractured my ankle in an off-road incident, I knew I needed to get back on my feet quickly. The hospital provided me with crutches, but anyone who’s used them knows how awkward and exhausting they are for anything more than the shortest journeys.
A friend kindly lent me a lightweight wheelchair, but it was cumbersome to transport and not always practical in terms of size. I also discovered that using a wheelchair can make you feel almost invisible, which is an unpleasant experience.
That’s when I stumbled upon StrideOn while researching mobility aids. I decided to try renting an Orthomate Knee Scooter for two weeks. I chose this model because I primarily needed it for outdoor use.
There was one event I was determined not to miss: the British MotoGP at Silverstone, where I was attending as a guest of one of the manufacturers. The Orthomate proved to be a game changer.
This is the racing legend Randy Mamola signing my cast
When folded, it fit easily into the boot of my friend’s car, and once at Silverstone, it was perfect. I left the crutches in the car and relied on the Orthomate all day! Whether navigating the Hospitality Suite, Paddock area, or the race team pits, it enabled me to get around quickly and easily. Best of all, I remained at my usual height, allowing me to interact with people normally. On the rare occasion I had to wait around, I could use the Orthomate as a stool. Brilliant.
It turned out to be a revelation, and I lost count of how many people stopped me during the day to ask about it and where I got it. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are prone to lower limb injuries throughout their riding careers, and I certainly opened some eyes to a better way of getting around!
My only advice would be to invest in the memory foam knee pad if you intend to use the Orthomate for extended periods; it’s definitely worth it.
Thanks to StrideOn, what could have been a missed opportunity turned into a fantastic day. I cannot recommend them, their service, or the knee scooters more highly.
You can follow Tony on the following socials:
Instagram: @mancavemoto
Facebook: /mancavemoto
YouTube: @mancavemoto
