Electric Wheelchair vs Mobility Scooter: What’s the Best for You?

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs share many commonalities but also differ significantly from one another. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are both intended to enable people with limited mobility to go from point A to point B.

It can be challenging to decide between a scooter and a powerchair, though. Continue reading to learn our opinion of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Mobility Scooters

Battery-powered mobility scooters are operated by switches positioned on handlebars. The person can easily determine their speed and direction while comfortably seated in the built-in chair.

The ease of usage of mobility scooters is great for those who have never used one before. Because they are made for outside use, consumers have more freedom when choosing where to go.

Those who are primarily physically fit and have strong feet and arm muscles to hold their stance comfortably for extended periods of time are typically better suited for scooters. Scooters can easily navigate rough or steep terrain, enabling users to travel over distances and surfaces that they might otherwise find challenging on foot.

Also, if a mobility scooter is not foldable, it may take up quite a bit of room. In order to store a class 3 scooter or any other large model, you must have enough space. They are therefore not the best option for those with small houses when space is a problem.

Electric Wheelchairs

A power chair is essentially a wheelchair with an electric motor and battery power that is made for continuous usage. For increased comfort, they provide support for the person’s sides and back. The wheelchair can be operated using hand controls on the armrests without extending the arms or stooping too far forward. For those with restricted upper body or arm mobility, this enables a stable position.

Electric wheelchairs are better for people with restricted movement and physical strength than mobility scooters. They enable the user to control everything they require without straining or having to sit uncomfortably for extended periods of time thanks to their compact form.

Moreover, powerchairs can be modified to a user’s specifications. Electric wheelchairs are extensively adaptable to match the user’s comfort and postural support requirements, much like manual wheelchairs are. To make sure the user is as comfortable and supported as possible, you can adjust the seat height, depth, armrest height, footrests, and even the backrest angle.

Even though powerchairs are simple to manoeuvre, they can be trickier to handle than a standard mobility scooter. Compared to a scooter’s switches, a joystick or touch buttons are typically more delicate and can take more practice to master.

Conclusion

In conclusion, because mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are so dissimilar from one another, it is quite difficult to compare them directly. In general, we would always advise that more healthy individuals (those who can stand and walk without assistance) utilise a mobility scooter.

An electric wheelchair is a better option for those who are less mobile and need more assistance. You can visit our shop and consult with our team at More than Mobility if you are still undecided about which one would be better for you.