When Mobility Becomes Rocket Science

20260703

Prompt from Eiiri’s Prompt Foundry, “Pride 2 Disability Boogaloo”.

Paula heaved a weary but resolute sigh. “For the last time, no, you can’t have a rocket chair!”
“But moooom…”
“They’re dangerous! I don’t care if there are models which don’t need a flying licence, there’s no way I would even consider letting you get one until you’re sixteen and have passed the tests!”
Rhea pouted. “Six whole years??”
“At least!”
“But, mom, think how easy it’d be for me to get up stairs…”
“Oh please, you’ve managed just fine in the standard walker. Now, stop being silly and wasting the poor salesbot’s time.”
“Oh, that is quite alright, madam.” The robot intoned politely. “I am here to serve!”
“Thank you.” Paula managed a smile. “Could you show us what models you have which are safe and suitable for a ten-year-old?”
“Certainly, madam!” The robot lowered several long limbs, each ending in a TV screen. “We here at MobilityGO incorporated are dedicated to providing safe and suitable aides for all your movement-based needs! Could you describe your particular use case?”
“Of course. Rhea has leg control but isn’t ambulatory. And she said she doesn’t want ambulatory solutions-”
“I get dizzy.”
“Yes, she sometimes gets dizzy spells when she’s been standing for a while.”
The robot’s camera zoomed in on Rhea, scanning her for measurements. “What are your hobbies?”
“Uhh…” Rhea squinted quizzically. “Well, I like music, video games-”
Paula patiently interjected “They’re asking what you need the chair to do, sweetie.”
“Ohhh. Right. Um…” Rhea chewed on her lip, then asked her mother “Just standard stuff, right?”
“Do you take part in any sports?”
“Swimming.” Rhea said promptly. “So while I don’t, like… It would be nice if it could handle getting me to the edge of the pool. Or the beach.”
The robot intoned “Filtering for highest grades of water-proofing, coatings with resistance to chlorine and salt water, and ability to handle unsteady footing…”
Options started appearing on the screens. Rhea looked across, her eyes shining as she skimmed the listed functions.
Then she tugged her mother’s elbow and asked “How old do I have to be to get one with a hover function?”
“Well… it would depend.” Paula said slowly. “If we’re talking about a Grade D hover, I think you could be trusted with that now…”
The robot chirped “Many of our models can be fitted with a hover function either as the main transport mode or to act as a mobility boost. Grade D hover does not require the user to have any piloting licence, and is considered suitable for ages seven and up!”
“Yeah, because it’s basically walking.” Rhea sighed. “I think I’d rather have a walker at that point.”
“Hovering might be better depending on the surface.” Paula mused. “What walkers do you have which fit our requirements and can be fitted with a secondary hover unit?”
“Might I suggest our IBKR?” One screen was brought in front of them. “It is an excellent choice for users who want medium movement ability and maximum reliability. Each of the four fully prehensile limbs are fitted with our all-terrain feet, capable of handling both slick and loose surfaces without loss of control or comfort. And they have a highly popular ‘wheelie’ mode for smooth surfaces!”
Rhea grinned hugely as she watched the walker practically glide across a basketball pitch.
“Is that suitable for roller-blading arenas?”
“It is indeed, madam. All our wheels are graded suitable for indoor sporting surfaces.”
“That could be fun, then!” Paula exchanged a smile with Rhea, then anxiously added “Oh, but do they have brakes?”
“Of course!” Another screen was lowered, this one showing a safety video. “Not only do they possess active braking systems which meet all relevant safety standards, each wheel is also fitted with dampening systems to keep the walker from exceeding legal street-safe speeds while wheelying.”
“Awwww.” Rhea said theatrically.
“And this IBKR would be able to handle walking on wet surfaces, like the side of a swimming pool?” Paula said. Forbearingly ignoring her daughter.
“Yes, particularly if you have a secondary hover function. Traction issues can be entirely circumvented with our handy-dandy hover units!”
Paula nodded, satisfied, then turned to Rhea. “What do you think, dear?”
“Wellllll, if you’re sure I can’t have one with rocket boosters…”
Rhea giggled as Paula rolled her eyes, then more seriously said “It looks cool. I’d like to try one out. And see what colours they have!”
Another screen dropped down. “Have you tried our ‘design your own paint job’ tool?”
“No way!” Rhea gasped. “I can paint it myself??”
Paula apologetically said “That does sound fun, but remember you need to be able to take it to school…”
“Oh. Right.” Rhea mumbled, her shoulders slumping.
The robot intoned “Did you know that the IBKR’s exoskeletal panels are fitted with our patented quick-change fittings, giving you both peace of mind and convenience? Mix and match for any occasion!”
Rhea perked up again as Paula sighed - but this time with relief. “Then we’ll just get a set of plain black and one design your own.”
“Yes!!” Rhea whooped, punching the air. “Can I put-”
“Try the walker first, dear.” Paula scoffed fondly. “Before you start trying to design for these specific dimensions. And see what options their software has.”
“Oh, right.” Rhea eagerly piloted her walker towards the elevator which had just opened, Paula right behind her.

Prompt was “Mobility aides”.