Comparing A Mobility Electric Scooter To An Electric Wheelchair

Find out more about two of the most commonly used mobility aids - the mobility electric scooter and the electric wheelchair, and decide which is right for you.

The main purpose of both a mobility electric scooter and an electric wheelchair is to provide freedom of movement for the user. But there are a few things to consider when you’re trying to decide which will be more suitable.

Being able to get around enhances a person’s life. With a mobility aid, you can be part of everyday life. Visiting family and friends, holding down a job, taking some courses, going shopping, even traveling becomes possible when you have freedom of movement.

It doesn’t matter if you suffer from a permanent disability, or have reached the stage in your life when walking for any distance has become difficult or painful. The important thing is to get the right mobility aid for your situation. Here’s how to decide.

A power mobility scooter is best used by individuals who can still walk unaided for at least a few steps, even if it’s with the use of a cane or a walker. He or she should be able to get on and off the scooter independently.

Electric powered wheelchairs are typically used by an individual who may have difficulty getting on or off a scooter. He or she may find that a scooter does not provide quite enough support, so a wheelchair is necessary. The good part is that with a motorized wheelchair, the individual still retains control, maneuvering the chair around independently.

Power mobility scooters come in either three or four wheeled models, so of course will not be quite as stable as an electric wheelchair. Steering is done with a tiller which has the controls on a handlebar. Some dexterity is required to use the tiller properly.

An electric power chair comes with six wheels for added stability. Steering is done using a joystick type of control. Electric wheelchairs are exceptionally easy to maneuver and are perfect for use just about anywhere.

Certain types of personal mobility scooters are more portable than others. Some are even designed to fold up for easy mobility. But if you have access to a ramp or lift, then you can take any type of scooter along easily, as long as your vehicle can accommodate it. 

Electric wheelchairs are not as portable but can also be taken from place to place. You will need a ramp or lift to load the chair into your vehicle.
 
Choosing the right mobility aid can help you lead an active fulfilling life. If you are able to use a mobility electric scooter to maintain your independence, there is a wide variety to choose from. But if you need the extra support of an electric wheelchair, don’t hesitate to get a power chair so you can get around with as much independence as possible.