Should I Get an Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter?
Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters help people with limited mobility maintain their independence, but there are many differences between the two that are important to understand if you're looking to purchase a mobility device. Your specific abilities and limitations, the way you want to use the device, your transportation options, and your budget will determine whether an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter would be best for you.
Physical Ability
The main difference between power wheelchairs and mobility scooters lies in the physical requirements of the user:
Abilities Needed to Drive an Electric Scooter
Arm Strength
Electric scooters are driven with a tiller connected to the handlebars, so the user needs to have sufficient upper body strength to hold their arms out for long periods of time. They also need to be able to steer with both hands.
Capable of Climbing One Step
To use a mobility scooter, you need to be able to fold up the armrests and climb up onto the platform to sit down and climb off the platform to dismount. Some models have a swivel seat for easier mounting, which can be a valuable feature for those with back problems.
Torso Control
Depending on the model you choose, you will need to be able to sit up straight and hold yourself steady in the seat, as lighter models don't usually have a seat belt or headrest. If balance is an issue, consider a four-wheel mobility scooter rather than a three-wheel model, as the former offers greater stability.
Abilities Needed to Drive a Power Wheelchair
Able to Perform Small Movements
Instead of a tiller, power wheelchairs are controlled with a joystick or a control pad that can be operated with one hand. If you don’t have the hand strength or fine motor control to use a joystick, the power wheelchair can be modified to respond to small movements of the chin or tongue.
The ability to customize the accessibility features of a power wheelchair makes this the most suitable option for people with conditions like muscular dystrophy who don't have full upper body control and those who lack the strength to propel a manual wheelchair.
Able to Charge the Power Chair
Aside from driving the power chair, you will need to be able to charge the power wheelchair— i.e. plug in the charging cable to the control panel and the wall. If you don’t have the fine motor skills or strength to plug your device into a power outlet, a caretaker or family member can help.
Electric Wheelchairs Are the Most Customizable Option
Apart from the type of controller, electric wheelchairs can be fitted out with a customized, padded captain's seat, adjustable folding footrests, an adjustable headrest, and accessories like a USB charging port. Some reclining electric wheelchairs can even raise the user up to a standing position. If you need maximum support and customization, a power wheelchair is usually the best option.
Frequency of Use
How often you plan to use the mobility device will also affect the choice between scooters and electric wheelchairs. Generally, mobility scooters are best for light or infrequent use, whereas power wheelchairs are best for all-day use.
People who buy mobility scooters will often use the scooter:
To go to the store
To go to the doctor's office
To visit family
For day outings
When visiting amusement parks
When traveling
People who can perform most activities themselves but become fatigued when walking long distances can benefit from a motorized scooter. Some people even rent a mobility scooter as a one-off for a day trip, conference, or vacation, or for a few weeks following an illness or surgery.
In contrast, people who buy power wheelchairs usually use the chair all day, every day. The electric wheelchair becomes an extension of their body and their primary way of getting around. Because they are made with frequent use in mind, power chairs typically feature a heavy-duty design.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
The choice between an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter also depends on whether you want a device for indoor or outdoor use.
Features for Indoor Use
For indoor use, you'll want a mobility device with a small turning radius for maneuvering around objects and navigating tight spaces. For maneuverability indoors, electric wheelchairs are by far the best choice as they have a tighter turning circle than any type of mobility scooter. However, if you want to buy a mobility scooter for indoor as well as outdoor use, there are three-wheel models that can handle small spaces quite well.
Features for Outdoor Use
For outdoor use, you'll need a mobility device that:
Can handle uneven terrain
Can drive for long distances on a single charge
Offers a higher maximum speed
Has a higher weight capacity (for carrying bags)
Taking all of these factors into account, heavy-duty, four-wheel electric scooters are often the best choice for outdoor use as they offer excellent stability and higher speeds. The top-tier mobility scooters at Mobility Plus Colorado in Denver, for example, can reach speeds of up to 5mph and drive for up to 15 miles on a single charge.
To offer a comparison, the rental electric wheelchair at Mobility Plus has a maximum speed of 3.5 mph and a driving range of 10 miles. While you might not want to drive this model on the road due to the lower speed, it's definitely sufficient for heavy, frequent outdoor use if your physical limitations would make a mobility scooter unsuitable.
Transportability
If you are planning to travel with your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, make sure you choose a model with batteries that are TSA-approved. Whether you have a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair, airlines will transport your mobility device for free.
For transporting the mobility device in or on a motor vehicle, you might need a model that comes apart to fit in the car or van's storage space. If you need a more heavy-duty model that doesn't come apart, researching how to transport a mobility scooter and how to transport an electric wheelchair beforehand will assist you in your planning.
Comfort
For maximum comfort, it's really difficult to beat an electric wheelchair. Whereas mobility scooters come with standard vinyl seating, power wheelchairs have a wide range of seating options with everything from a solid seat pan to a fully contoured captain's seat.
If you can drive a mobility scooter and you have especially long legs, three-wheel models offer more legroom than four-wheel models due to the central position of the single front wheel. That said, you should always ensure that the height and weight capacity of a mobility device are suitable for you before renting or purchasing it to avoid having to scrunch.
Cost
Whether you opt for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, there is a wide range of options from basic to heavy duty. For people with good mobility, a basic motorized scooter is often the most affordable option of the two. However, it's important to choose a device based on your specific needs and comfort rather than the price.
Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter: The Verdict
When weighing all the factors, a powered wheelchair is usually best for people with the use of only one hand, limited upper body strength, or extensive accessibility needs. A mobility scooter is usually best for people who can get around quite well without help but struggle to walk long distances.
Ultimately, talking with your doctor, a physical therapist, and the specialists at a mobility aid store will help you select the best-powered device for your needs and make the most of the features it has to offer.