Hi, my name is KnatP! New wheelchair user, looking for advice.

Welcome, @KnatP

I'm an er…veteran wheelchair user. It takes some getting used to, both mentally & physically, so, firstly, don't give yourself a hard time, as it's hard enough already. Don't ever feel embarrassed either.

I started in a manual & the one main thing that struck me (this was from 33 yrs ago, hopefully things have changed), that if someone was pushing me, people talked to them, even if I was buying & paying for stuff, their eyes didn't come down to me unless I spoke up. But, if the person pushing managed to catch someone, then I got the filthy look!! 😏 It was obviously different if I was pushing, they have to take notice, it also meant I deserved the filthy look if catching someone. 😉

Be aware, when out, some people are really sweet & want to help, pushing that is, even when you don't need it. Most are great when you do & have to ask & that leads to, all drop kerbs are not equal.

Watch your knuckles, you might rap them on door frames a few times & when out, keep wet wipes with you, not all dog poo is avoidable 🤬 or other skanky stuff! So search out a decent wheelchair bag, for them, a stash of chocolate (now for energy 😉) & other odds & sods plus a wheelchair waterproof. There, it also means you can enjoy a bit of shopping to make your chair your own, it's amazing what there is now, some very helpful & useful, some just crazy, but crazy can be good!

I've been an electric chair user for about 20yrs now & still enjoy perusing stuff for my chairs. There are decent bags for both types & for scooters.

Hopefully there's a couple of hints there to help & others will come up with more.

Take it day by day, you will adapt & you'll soon love your precious companion.