Modern Vespa

On Aug. 2, I had replacement surgery for my left hip. It was surprisingly easy ... a 45-50 minute procedure, and i was up and walking a couple of days after, with a very low (2 on a scale of 1 to 10) pain level. I start p.t. in a couple of days, and I'm looking forward to getting back on my scooter ASAP. Just one question, however. When I come to a stop, I normally lean to the left and put my left foot out. The doc says that I can bear full weight on the left leg, but my wife asked me "Why can't you lean to the right instead?" I really couldn't think of an answer. On my Stella, of course, there's the rear brake to consider, but on my GTS, it's no problem. Any thoughts?

I don't see the problem with using your R leg when coming to a stop. On the other hand, you do need to start using your L leg more to get your strength and range of motion back post op.

I agree with Benny. Put both down Well alternate both of them. While your left leg feels good now it might hurt if you take a long ride in stop and go traffic. Build it up gradually. Have fun and be safe.

Learning to use both feet individually will pay off when you come to a stop but find something wet/oily/sticky/offensive on one side of the scoot.

Heh!
If you were inseam-impaired (like me), you'd have experience
putting down whichever foot is on the the uphill side

However,
I have experience with my left hip bothering me
and would advise care when getting on and particularly off the scooter

Your left hip does a lot of work then,
although probably less than mine, if your legs are longer

PETER if you don't have a side stand i'd get one. Quick easy way to stabilize your scooter for when you get of or off load heavy stuff. After i'm done i just put it on the center stand. Saved me on many occasion.

Many thanks to all. I just returned from a follow-up visit with my surgeon. He encouraged me to build up the strength of my left leg. I do have a sidestand; it's an absolute necessity, particularly since I have saddlebags, which makes the centerstand virtually inaccessible. One-legged support at a stoplight is unavoidable; I have a 28" inseam that, even with a cut-down Pirate seat, necessitates a list to port (or starboard) when I stop.

It's 29 days after hip replacement surgery. I no longer need a cane (although it gave me an excuse to buy a great sword cane I always wanted), and I'm walking easily and comfortably. There seem to be no problems associated with riding, but I'm still wondering how to safely conduct an essential pre-ride check on tire pressure. I asked my p.t. how i could get down that low without compromising the new hip joint. She was at a loss for an answer. I'm thinking about getting one of those motorcycle jack tables I've seen at Harbor Freight. I wonder if the IRS would allow it as a medical/rehab deduction (LOL).

I know post-op you're not supposed to have hip flexion past 90 degrees, but if you kneel with the affected leg knee down on the ground, you should be able to get to the tire valve without exceeding that restriction.
Conversely, you could simply lie on the ground facing the scoot's tire and do the check. Put a towel down first though.
Or couldn't you ask the local gas station to do it for you, after you explain the reason?

Wow that's awesome. Good for you. Getting to the tires to check the pressure is a real PIA even if your healthy Really small space. Can you get somebody to check it for you? To me that would be the easiest thing. You should be able to get down to do it yourself at one point. I'd help you but alas i live to far away That said it's a good excuse to get a table but i'd have a second person around when putting it on the table in case something goes wrong. Hate to have an accident getting the scooter on the table. Good luck.

Again, thanks for the good suggestions. For the time being, my ever-patient wife has agreed to do the tire checks. In return, I vacuum the house.

Sounds like a fair swap to me.