From the Battlefield to the Archery Range: How John Walker Got His Freedom Back with the EZY EXPLORER

April 20, 2025

John Walker has always been the kind of person who likes to be outside, doing things with his hands — active, physical, and always up for a challenge. After leaving the British Army, he jumped into work that kept him moving: construction, demolition, offshore gigs — anything that involved fresh air and a bit of grit. He never was one to sit still.

But a few years ago, life threw him a serious curveball. A bad motorbike accident left him with the use of only one arm and made walking long distances next to impossible. For someone like John — someone who’d built his whole life around being strong and self-reliant — it was a massive adjustment.

"I didn’t want to be stuck indoors or asking people to help me all the time,” he said. “That’s just not me."

One evening, scrolling through social media, John came across a video showing the ATTO mobility scooter. It looked smart — compact, well-built, and cleverly designed to fold up like a suitcase. He thought, “That could be just what I need.” So he got in touch with the team at Movinglife and booked a demo.

When he saw the scooter up close, it ticked nearly all the boxes. As a former engineer, he appreciated the design straight away. It was clearly built to last and didn’t scream “medical device” like so many others. But as soon as he gave it a go, a problem became obvious — he simply couldn’t manage it properly with only one arm. Folding it, steering it, lifting it — it was all just a bit too much. The scooter was brilliant, just not for him.

To their credit, the Movinglife team didn’t just wave him off. Instead, they said, “We might have something else for you.”

They brought out the EZY EXPLORER — a lightweight, carbon fibre electric wheelchair. John gave it a go and within minutes, he was moving around easily, with confidence, and most importantly, completely independently. No awkward lifting, no clunky controls. It just worked.

But it wasn’t just about ease of use. What really impressed him was that this chair could go anywhere. Gravel, grass, woodland paths — the kinds of places John loved to be in. And with its long battery life, he wasn’t constantly checking the power or cutting trips short. It folded up easily too, and he could pop it in the boot of his car without anyone else needing to help.

“I live in the countryside. I need something that can handle the outdoors, not just shop aisles and pavements,” he said. “This chair does exactly that.”

Being able to get out and about again was a game-changer. But it wasn’t just about freedom of movement — John found a whole new passion. While recovering, he happened to catch the 2012 Paralympic Games on TV. That’s where he saw American archer Matt Stutzman — born without arms — take a silver medal using just his feet and a specially designed bow. It was one of those lightbulb moments.

“If he can do that with no arms, surely I can have a go with one,” John thought.

He started training, rigging up a harness to suit his needs, and putting in hours of practice. It paid off quickly. Not long after, he was competing — and winning. At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, he struck gold — twice. Once in the individual men’s compound (W1), and again in the mixed team event with teammate Jo Frith. They beat the Czech Republic, took down Korea, and stood proudly on the podium.

And the wins didn’t stop there. Silver at the 2015 Para World Championships, gold in the mixed team. More gold in 2016 at the European Championships in France. In 2017, a bronze with Phoebe Pine at the Worlds in Beijing. That same year, he was awarded an MBE for services to archery.

These days, John’s training hard with his sights set on the Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Whether it’s practising out in the woods or travelling for competitions, the EZY EXPLORER is with him every step of the way — in the boot of his car, rolling over country paths, or gliding across competition grounds.

What stands out most in John’s story isn’t just his determination — though that’s clear — but how the right mobility solution made all the difference. When one option didn’t work, Movinglife didn’t try to force a fit. They listened, they understood, and they found something that did work. And that’s what we believe in: mobility isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Some people need something ultra-light to get on a plane. Others, like John, need something that can handle rough terrain and keep going all day. Whatever your lifestyle, we’re here to help you find the right fit — so you can keep moving forward, on your terms.

---

---

Also in Life with a Mobility Scooter - Articles