A Big Decision
Finding the right mobility aid can be daunting. Whether you’ve been considering getting a mobility scooter or powerchair for a while, or you have been facing mobility issues recently, knowing what the right solution can be is no small task. With so many options, we’ve created this quick guide to act as a starting place for learning what powerchairs and mobility scooters have to offer, how they compare, and who can benefit from them.
Current numbers indicate that almost a quarter of the UK population has a disability, so it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to mobility solutions. This is why we’re here to support you on your journey of exploring what kind of devices and mobility aids exist, and help you find the right ones for your specific needs.
What Are Mobility Scooters?
You’ve likely seen mobility scooters out and about before, but what exactly are they? A fantastic way of accessing your freedom, mobility scooters are essentially battery-powered seated vehicles that have been designed to transport people who struggle to walk long distances. Operated using handlebars, they come in a range of sizes, terrain-readiness, and speed capabilities. The maximum speed and size of a scooter determines what vehicle classification it is, which in turn dictates where you can drive the scooter – on the pavement, inside public spaces, and/or on the road.
Benefits of a Mobility Scooter:
- Range of sizes and weight capacities
- Foldable/car boot options available for easy transportation and storage
- Handlebar control
- Often feature front baskets for storage
- Can be fitted with canopies for wet weather protection
- Most with lithium-ion batteries are airline-approved
What Are Powerchairs?
Powerchairs take the concept of the wheelchair and elevate it to the next level. Powered using batteries (just like mobility scooters), they are steered using a control panel or joystick on the chair’s armrest. Not only are the armrest-mounted controls a great option for those who might experience ache or fatigue in the arms (when using handlebars), but they can be fitted to the left or right side, depending on what suits the user.
A powerchair is not only great for outdoor use, but can also be used inside of your home. If you are considering a powerchair it would be a good idea to measure the size of your doorways to ensure that your desired powerchair will be able to fit through.
Benefits of a Powerchair:
- Range of sizes and weight capacities
- Foldable/car boot options available for easy transportation and storage
- Joystick or touch control operation
- Usually not as long as mobility scooters; greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces
- Likely to have higher backrests for greater neck support
- Most with lithium-ion batteries are airline-approved
Main Differences Between A Powerchair and Mobility Scooter
Knowing which solution is best for you is a case of knowing the differences between the two. The four main categories in which mobility scooters and powerchairs differ the most are in terms of steering, wheels, customisation, and terrain.
Steering: Joystick vs Handlebars
Preference and physical capability are the main reasons why one person would prefer either steering option over another. Electric wheelchairs are most commonly controlled with a joystick, whereas a mobility scooter has handlebars with finger and thumb controls where all of the electrics are stored.
Wheels: More vs Less
While most mobility scooters and powerchairs have 4 wheels each, this is not always the case. Some electric wheelchairs can have 6 or more wheels, and some mobility scooters can have only three. The difference in wheel number can affect the vehicle’s turning point, maneuverability, and stability, so be sure to test drive a range of options during the buying process.
Customisation
Unlike a mobility scooter, powerchairs are far more customisable, with adjustments on the seat, height, backrest, and footrest, meaning you can be sure to find the most comfortable mobility solution for you. Furthering the theme of user comfort, there are a number of optional extras a user can make to a powerchair to ensure it aligns perfectly with their specific needs.
Mobility scooters are also customisable, but options for adapting a mobility scooter are based more about weather protection and storage instead. For those who plan to only use their mobility aid for trips out, this is perfectly fine, but if you are likely to rely on your device for a lot of your daily life, the powerchair’s superior levels of customisation will be vital in ensuring your comfort.
Terrain
No matter the terrain you intend to tackle, both mobility scooters and powerchairs have a range of options to suit your needs, with a few general differences worth noting. When shopping for a mobility scooter, it will be easier to find options that can handle tough outdoor terrain, but more difficult to find a model that might be suitable for use in and around the home. Conversely, it is more common for powerchairs to be better suited to indoor use and less difficult or treacherous outdoor environments. Think about where you will most often need to use the device – are you a homebody, an outdoorsy adventurer, or like to have options and adaptability to all kinds of environments?
How To Choose Between A Powerchair And Mobility Scooter
There is no right or wrong answer to choosing between a powerchair or mobility scooter, as the choice depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences. In our expert opinion, a mobility scooter is excellent for users who need something to get them to the shops or enjoying some fresh air at the park, but has limitations for use around the home or long-term everyday use. Powerchairs, however, are great for both indoor and outdoor use and are much more customisable in terms of comfort, but are better suited to users who need a mobility aid that can support them in more daily life activities.
Motability For Your Powerchair or Mobility Scooter
Whichever you decide to go for, you’ll be pleased to learn that both mobility scooters and powerchairs are available through the Motability Scheme!
As accredited Motability partners, Modern Mobility can help you through every aspect of the process, from choosing the right mobility solution for you, to handing over your perfect powerchair or scooter.
For more Motability information, read here, or take a look at our Motability-related articles.
Helping You Make The Right Choice
Don’t let the task of finding the right mobility solution overwhelm you. There’s lots of choices out there, and lots to consider, but we’re here to make sure you don’t have to go through your mobility journey alone. From answering questions and giving advice, to arranging demonstrations and booking FREE no-obligation home assessments, Modern Mobility is here for you.
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