Both power chairs and electric mobility scooters have done wonders for the elderly, the paraplegic, as well as those suffering from multiple sclerosis or other walking disabilities. These battery operated vehicles have given such people independence and freedom of movement that they could not have dreamed of just a few decades ago. At the same time, each of these two machines have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are trying to decide whether to get an power chair or mobility scooter, you should consider the following: Advantages of Mobility Scooters 1) Available in a variety of designs that don’t look like a wheelchair 2) Many can be folded down or disassembled for easy transport. 3) Often come with an extra battery. 4) Usually much lighter than power chairs. 5) Have higher ground clearance as compared with power chairs. 6) Can maneuver steeper inclines. 7) Have a swivel seat that locks at a 90 degree angle allowing easy sitting without obstructions to maneuver around. 8) Great for outdoor areas †like malls, and grocery stores. 9) Much more economical than Power Chairs - most start at under $1,000! Disadvantages of Mobility Scooters 1) Requires Upper Body Strength - The steering mechanism is similar to the handlebars on a bike, thus the user needs upper body strength and use of both hands to operate and control. 2) No back support †So the user needs full upper body functionality to sit upright independently. 3) Only ideal for users that can stand and walk short distances by themselves or with a cane 4) Not well suited for indoors areas - Due to a large frame and wide turning radius, mobility scooters are difficult to navigate indoors or in narrow hallways. 5) Not covered by insurance †most insurance companies refuse to cover mobility scooters. Advantages of Power Chairs 1) Fully customizable with seats that may be raised and lowered. 2) Directional controls that may be in the form of a joystick, chin levers, a tongue piercing, or even a straw that fits in the users mouth. 3) Open front load for easy transfer. 4) Much smaller in size than mobility scooters. 5) Small turning radius thus ideal for indoor areas. 6) On board battery chargers - simple to plug in any wall outlet to recharge. 7) Adjustable foot rests to fit to the user's body and for their comfort. 8) May be insured †With physician consent, most insurance companies will cover at least a percentage of the cost of a power chair. Disadvantages of Power Chairs 1) Expensive - Even the cheapest ones cost thousands of dollars. 2) Cannot be disassembled - Power chairs are meant to be left assembled. 3) Extremely heavy - An accessible van is vital for transport. 4)Low Ground Clearance - Maneuvering over rough terrain can be challenging. 5) No extra luggage - Are meant to carry the user only and don’t have baskets in front or below the seat like mobility scooters. 6) Less Power than Mobility Scooters - Have smaller motors and can usually only drive up an 8 degree incline at most.
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