Living with Limited Spoons – and how to use them wisely…

If you live with a chronic illness, disability, or even just fluctuating energy levels, you might already know what the Spoon Theory is. For those who don’t, it’s not about cutlery—but it is about limitations, choices, and preserving energy.

It’s a theory that we know resonates with many of you in our community, and which we’ve discussed in our testing. Here’s an overview of how the 3Scooter can help (plus some other tips we’ve learnt along the way).

What Is the Spoon Theory?

The Spoon Theory was created by Christine Miserandino as a way to explain what it’s like to live with chronic illness. In a nutshell: every activity in your day—from brushing your teeth to making a cup of tea—costs you “spoons.” And unlike people who have a full tank of energy, people with chronic conditions wake up with a varying and limited number of spoons to use.

Whether you're living with chronic illness, pain, fatigue, or disability, here are four practical ways to stretch your energy further:

1. Plan ahead and prioritise

Start your day by choosing what really needs to be done—and what can wait. Tackling your most important or energy-draining tasks when you feel strongest (often earlier in the day) can help avoid that sudden crash in the afternoon.

👉 Studies show that pacing and planning reduce fatigue and give us more control over the day. It’s a key technique used by occupational therapists supporting people with chronic conditions. Source: (Knoop et al., Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2012) – showing that activity management improves daily functioning in people with chronic fatigue.

2. Use tools that lighten the load

From electric can openers to lightweight kettles and mobility scooters, the right tools can take pressure off your body and free up your energy for the things you want to do, not just the things you have to do. Many of you told us that you resisted the idea of a mobility scooter for as long as possible. But the right product (that makes you feel good about using it), can make all the difference when it comes to conserving energy.

👉 Research shows that using assistive tech reduces fatigue and helps people stay more active and independent throughout the day.
 Source: (Pettersson et al., Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2020) – Assistive devices significantly enhance autonomy and energy management for people with physical limitations.

3. Stay hydrated and eat regularly

It sounds basic, but it works. Even being a little bit dehydrated can zap your energy and leave you feeling foggy. Keep water nearby and try to eat small, steady meals with slow-burning carbs and protein to avoid energy crashes.

👉 Studies have found that staying hydrated is directly linked to better energy and concentration, even in people without chronic fatigue.

4. Rest before you hit empty

One of the best ways to save your spoons is to rest before you feel completely drained. Building short, regular breaks into your day helps you recharge gently and avoid a total energy crash later on. 

A 20-minute nap during the day is also a powerful way of maintaining energy - especially in the heat! In Spain, the Siesta holds cultural value — as a marker of balance, family, and self-care — even if not everyone actually naps every day.

👉 Resting early and often is a proven pacing technique—it helps you stay steadier across the day, rather than running on empty by lunchtime.

Why the 3Scooter Is a Spoon-Saver!

At Supersmith, we designed the 3Scooter with real-world energy limits in mind. We asked ourselves: How can we create a scooter that supports someone’s day instead of draining it?

Here’s how the 3Scooter helps you protect your spoons:

✅ Ultra-stable and Go-Anywhere

The 3Scooter’s stable design helps in two ways: 1) less concentration and stress, remaining stable means you can spend less of your focus watching the terrain ahead, 2) less physical jerking from side to side means that you burn less energy as you 'float' across bumpy terrain.

✅ Light to lift, easy to fold

Whether you're loading it into a car or storing it indoors, the 3Scooter’s clever folding mechanism and lightweight frame mean you won’t need an extra set of hands—or a whole day’s energy—to manage it.

✅ Designed to make you feel great

You shouldn’t have to compromise on style or function. The 3Scooter has a sleek, contemporary design that looks more like a personal tech product than medical equipment. That matters. It means fewer spoons spent on explaining yourself or feeling self-conscious in public spaces. 

✅ All-day support

With a long-lasting battery and intuitive controls, the 3Scooter helps you make the most of your energy. Whether it’s a quick shop or a full afternoon out, you can rely on it to support you not to limit you. So you can concentrate on the day ahead and not how to get there!

Using Technology to Support Real Life

The Spoon Theory isn’t just a metaphor—it’s daily reality for millions. And it reminds us that the little things matter. A button that’s easier to press. A scooter that doesn’t fight back. A design that helps you go further with less effort.

That’s what we’ve tried to build with the 3Scooter: a smart, beautiful tool that gives you more choice, more freedom, and more energy left for what really matters.