Electric Wheelchair vs. Mobility Scooter: Which is Right for You?
Both electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters provide people with limited mobility with greater independence. They allow users to undertake daily activities like visiting the shops or seeing friends and family. While they serve a similar purpose, there are essential differences between them. Choosing the right one ultimately comes down to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding between an electric wheelchair and a mobility scooter.
Primary Use: Indoors vs. Outdoors
One of the biggest distinctions is where each device excels.
- Electric Wheelchairs are generally better suited for indoor use. Their smaller turning circle makes them highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces like hallways, kitchens, and around furniture. While they can be used outdoors, they perform best on flat, even terrain like paved paths and access ramps.
- Mobility Scooters are primarily designed for outdoor use. They are more robust, with larger models capable of navigating difficult terrain, steep hills, and travelling long distances of up to 50km on a single charge. Their larger size and turning circle can make them difficult to operate in smaller indoor spaces.
Operation and Control
How you operate the device is another crucial difference.
- Electric Wheelchairs are operated using a joystick, typically mounted on the armrest. This requires less upper body strength and mobility to control, making them suitable for individuals with limited arm or hand function.
- Mobility Scooters are operated using a tiller and handlebars, similar to a bicycle. This requires both hands to steer and control the speed and brakes, demanding a greater degree of upper body strength and coordination.
Seating and Comfort
If you plan to spend a great deal of time in your mobility aid, comfort is key.
- Electric Wheelchairs often offer more advanced seating options for comfort and postural support. Many models allow you to recline the backrest and raise or lower the footrests independently, providing more positions for long-term comfort.
- Mobility Scooters have simpler seating, similar to a standard vehicle seat. While comfortable for shorter trips, they typically offer less customisation for posture and pressure care compared to electric wheelchairs.
Who Are They For?
As a general guide:
- Mobility Scooters are best for people who are still fairly mobile around the home but find it difficult to walk long distances outdoors. They are for users who have good upper body strength and the ability to transfer on and off the scooter safely.
- Electric Wheelchairs are better suited for individuals who need mobility assistance both indoors and outdoors, and may spend most of their day in the chair. They are the better choice for those with limited upper body strength who would find a tiller difficult to operate.