Did you know that some of the most famous people in the world used mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs to help them get around?
Whether they had a disability from birth or acquired it later in life, these celebrities relied on their chairs to help them maintain their independence and pursue their passions.
There's no question that mobility scooters and wheelchairs can greatly improve the quality of life for people with limited mobility.
While some people with mobility challenges feel self-conscious or embarrassed using a scooter or wheelchair in public, it's important to remember that famous people who use them are just like us!
From scientists to actors, these celebrities have shown that disability doesn't have to slow you down.
They're just trying to get from Point A to Point B as easily and comfortably as possible.
Here are just a few of the famous people who made history while using a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking was a remarkable man who overcame incredible odds to achieve great things. Despite being diagnosed with ALS at age 21 and being given only two years to live, Hawking defied the odds and lived until he was 76 years old.
Due to his ALS, Hawking was paralyzed from head to toe and used a mobility scooter and a voice synthesizer to communicate. He also operated his rear wheel drive electric wheelchair through slight movements of his head and eyes.
Despite his debilitating condition, Hawking achieved great things in his life. He was an accomplished theoretical physicist, astrophysicist, cosmologist, and eminent scientist.
Quite simply, Stephen Hawking was determined to live life to the fullest and he will be remembered as an inspiration to others who face adversity.
Tim Curry
Tim Curry is an English actor and singer who is best known for his work in the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.
In July 2012, Curry suffered a stroke which has limited his mobility. He now uses a wheelchair to get around.
While this has limited his acting to mostly voice-over work, Curry has continued to perform as a singer and has started appearing at fan conventions.
He is still a much beloved figure in the entertainment world and continues to bring joy to his fans.
In fact, his mobility scooter has become something of a cult classic in its own right. So even though Tim Curry may be limited in his mobility, he's still managing to entertain fans all over the world.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States was a wheelchair user through much of his life and presidency. When FDR was 39 years old, he became ill with what doctors now believe was Polio while on a family vacation.
Without the professional medical advice and knowledge we have today, Roosevelt's sickness caused him to become paralyzed from the waist down.
But that didn’t stop him from achieving greatness. He was determined to regain control of his legs, trying a wide range of therapies for this rare disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness - including hydrotherapy available in the early 1920s.
Roosevelt could walk short distances with the help of iron braces and a cane as a result.
His strong personal determination, along with modern advancements in mobility devices, meant that he didn't have to be limited by his handicap.
He went on to serve an unprecedented four terms as President of the United States, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential leaders in American history.
Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve was a much-loved actor, best known for his role as Superman. He also had an impressive 45 acting credits to his name, including roles in theater and television.
However, Reeve's life was not without its hardships. In 1995, he was paralyzed from the neck down after a horse riding accident.
Despite this setback, Reeve remained determined to live a full and active life.
He continued to act and direct, and even wrote and produced his own film about his experiences. He also co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center.
In 2002, he made a public appearance in an electric wheelchair - an inspirational sight for many people with disabilities.
Christopher Reeve was a true inspiration, proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was one of the most iconic and celebrated painters of her time. Her vibrant, self-portraits were unlike anything the world had ever seen.
But what many people don't know is that Kahlo's art was heavily inspired by the pain she experienced after a devastating bus accident at just 18 years old.
The accident left Kahlo with a spinal cord injury, severe physical pain, and mobility issues for the rest of her life. In fact, she would become one of the most famous wheelchair users in history.
Despite her constant pain and mobility issues, Kahlo never stopped creating art. In fact, many believe that her mobility scooter became an extension of her artistic expression.
To this day, Kahlo's art is celebrated for its unique voice on gender, race, and sexuality. Her story is an inspiration to us all that nothing can stop us from achieving our dreams - not even a debilitating injury.
Barbara Jordan
As a groundbreaking black politician from Texas, Barbara Jordan was no stranger to adversity.
She was the first black woman elected to the Texas State Senate, and later became the first black Texan in Congress.
Despite her many accomplishments, Jordan suffered from multiple sclerosis. The disease gradually robbed her of mobility, and by the end of her life she was confined to a wheelchair.
However, Jordan refused to let her illness define her and kept the public focus on her accomplishments rather than her disability.
In 1994, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. Throughout her life, Barbara Jordan remained an inspirational figure, proving that anything is possible despite adversity.
Cherylee Houston
British actress currently playing Izzy Armstrong in Coronation Street.
Cherylee Houston was diagnosed with the rare connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Type III hypermobility type, after she had graduated.
In 2001, she landed a part in the daytime TV soap Doctors, playing a girl with multiple sclerosis. More TV work followed, including appearances in The Bill, Holby City, Emmerdale and the cult comedy series Little Britain, where she played the girlfriend of wheelchair-user Andy Pipkin, played by Matt Lucas.
In 2006, she was one of the main characters in the BBC3 comedy “I'm with Stupid” playing Dorothy.
In 2010, she landed the part of Izzy Armstrong in Coronation Street. Her character on the show is mobility scooter-dependent following an accident which damaged her spinal cord.
Despite her disability, she is a feisty young woman who stands up for herself and others. When she's not on our screens, she campaigns for improved accessibility and representation for disabled people in all aspects of life.
She is a powerful voice for those often ignored or unseen, and an inspiration to us all.
Are You Searching For The Perfect Mobility Scooter Or Electric Wheelchair To Allow You To Live Life To The Fullest?
Check Out Some Of Our Most Popular Models!
EV Rider Transport AF+ Deluxe Folding Electric Scooter
Do you find mobility scooters too heavy? Want one that is lightweight and easy to travel with? Perhaps you want a mobility scooter that you can take with you in your car, on a cruise ship, or on an airplane?
These are common questions we get asked at Electric Wheelchairs USA and we have a unit that is the perfect solution, the EV Rider Transport AF+.
This mobility scooter folds up easily, can be taken with you in your car, and brought on cruise ships or airplanes because of its airline approved battery.
You can't go wrong with an EV Rider mobility scooter! The Transport AF+ is the perfect mobility scooter for those who want to be able to travel with their mobility scooter without any hassle.
Vive Health 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
The Vive Health mobility scooter is a great option for those who need a little extra help getting around.
With four flat-free tires, it can easily navigate over any indoor or outdoor surface, including grass, concrete, and even inclines of up to 6 degrees.
Most importantly, the scooter is highly stable, thanks to its 4 wheel design. This makes it a great option for those who are worried about tipping over.
The scooter also has a weight capacity of 265 pounds, so it can accommodate most riders.
Whether you’re looking for a mobility scooter for indoor or outdoor use, the Vive Health 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter is a great option.
EWheels Medical EW-M34 Portable Mobility Scooter
Looking for mobility chairs that are both stylish and affordable? Look no further than the EWheels EW-M34 Portable Travel Mobility Scooter. This unit is not only easy on your pockets, but it also offers many great features not commonly found in other mobility chairs.
This EWheels mobility scooter offers a 39 inch overall length and has a large, non-slip foot deck giving you plenty of leg room to comfortably place your foot when you are cruising around town.
It has a 10 mile battery range and comes with a large front basket that has a carrying handle, so you can remove the basket and go shopping or take your personal items with you when you step away from the scooter.
In addition, the EWheels EW-M34 is easy to break down and transport, making it perfect for taking with you on vacation or business trips.
So if you are looking for a mobility scooter that is stylish, affordable, and airline friendly, the EWheels EW-M34 is the perfect choice for you.
EWheels EW-54 4-Wheel Scooter w/Cover & Windshield
If you are looking for a scooter that is heavy duty and offers protection from the weather elements, then look no further than the EWheels EW-54.
This mobility scooter can take you anywhere in style and with all the bells and whistles you could ever want.
It comes with a smooth glossy body, a large windscreen, a rooftop cover, and two side mirrors to help you get where you need to go in all types of weather elements.
Plus, it has an optional mobility chair attachment that makes it even more versatile.
No matter where you need to go or what the weather is like, EWheels power chairs have you covered.
Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter
You know what's difficult? Dealing with mobility issues AND having to deal with a bulky mobility chair.
But do not worry, because there is now a Drive Medical mobility scooter on the market that is both lightweight and foldable, meaning you can finally take your mobility chair WITH you when you travel.
Not to mention, this beautiful mobility scooter comes equipped with a wireless key fob for easy folding and unfolding (in just 15 seconds!), as well as an adjustable armrest and double-padded seat for extra comfort.
The ZooMe Auto-Flex also has front and rear reflectors for safety purposes, as well as anti-tip wheels.
So whether you're looking for a mobility scooter that's easy to operate or one that's simply more convenient to travel with, this is definitely the option for you.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these famous people who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs to get around.
It’s important to remember that disability doesn’t have to slow you down – in fact, some of the most successful people in the world use mobility aids to help them live their lives to the fullest.
While many people with mobility challenges feel self-conscious or embarrassed using a scooter or wheelchair in public, it's important to remember that famous people who use them are just like us!
For more information on how to select the right power mobility scooter to meet your needs, make sure to read more articles on our website.
If you or a loved one is considering purchasing a mobility device, don’t hesitate to contact our amazing team of mobility experts for advice and options.
As one of the largest electric wheelchair and mobility scooter retailers in the U.S., we can help you find the perfect chair or scooter for your needs and budget.
Thanks for reading!
Not Sure Which Electric Wheelchair Or Mobility Scooter Is Right For You? We’re Here To Help!
We have a team of mobility experts on staff, who will listen to your needs and wants… and provide you with a number of options that fit within your budget. You can also learn more about mobility chairs by reading more of our articles on our website, including guides like "Buyers Guide To Comfortable Mobility Scooters For 2023".
Also, don’t forget that most electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters on Electric Wheelchairs U.S.A.’s online store qualify for mobility chair financing. You can easily see if you pre-qualify through our partnership with Klarna.
To talk to our friendly team of experts, simply call: 800-682-9444
