For many people dealing with mobility issues, one of the first decisions is whether to purchase a mobility scooter or powerchair. Here is a quick guide to help you decide which is the best solution for you.
What Are Mobility Scooters?
Mobility scooters are a fantastic way of accessing your freedom again for somebody with mobility issues. These are battery-powered vehicles that have been designed to transport people who struggle to walk long distances. A mobility scooter’s speed and direction can be changed by the handlebars.
There are different classes in which different mobility scooters fit into. Class 2 mobility scooters are smaller 4mph and are only acceptable for pavement use only. Class 3 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 6-8mph and can be driven on the road as well as the pavement, these scooters are ideal for someone looking for a faster way of travel. 6-8Mph mobility scooters offer the longest range with some products offering up to 40 miles. As these can be driven on the road, it will need to be registered with the DVLA, however, you will not need to pay any road tax for your class 3 mobility scooter. Some mobility scooters can be disassembled or folded at the touch of a button to fit into your car or van for easier transportation.
What Are Powerchairs?
Powerchairs are electric wheelchairs are also battery operated. They are usually controlled by a joystick or touch controls that are on the armrest, these can be on the left or the right depending on which is best for the user. This allows for the user, a caregiver or a family member to control the speed and direction of the powerchair without having to reach too far.
A powerchair is not only great for outdoor use but can also be used inside of your home. If you are looking for a powerchair it would be a good idea to measure the size of your doorways to ensure that your powerchair will be able to fit through. Unlike a mobility scooter, powerchairs are far more customisable, with adjustments on the seat, height, footrest, back and footrest you can be sure to find the most comfortable for you. As well as this there are numerous add on’s and optional extras to make the user as comfortable as possible.
Main Differences Between A Powerchair and Mobility Scooter
The main difference between mobility scooter and a powerchair is how they are controlled. 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.
Another difference is the number of wheels they each have. Electric wheelchairs can have 6 or more wheels but more are equipped with 4. Most mobility scooters have 3 or 4 wheels.
As powerchairs are highly customisable and allow users to adjust the height, footrest back and headrest that can be more comfortable than a mobility scooter. Alternatively, a mobility scooter tends to be less comfortable, where some users have to stretch to use the handlebars.
How To Choose Between A Powerchair And Mobility Scooter
Choosing between a powerchair or a mobility scooter is completely up to you and your needs. A mobility scooter is great for if you need to pop outside to the park, if you’re popping to the shops or if you would like to travel on the road. Some mobility scooters can be disassembled for easier transport either manually or by the touch of a button.
Whereas powerchairs are great for both indoors and outdoor use and are a lot more customisable than a mobility scooter, they are available in a lot more colours and levels of comfort. Whether you need a customisable height adjustment, reclining backrest it or increased padding on the seat a powerchair would be the perfect option for you. Similar to mobility scooters some models of powerchair can be disassembled and taken apart or folded for easier storage and transportation.
If you are still unsure on whether a powerchair or mobility scooter is the best solution for you, feel free to give us a call or drop us an email at info@modernmobility.co.uk. Our team will be more than happy to provide free advice or set up a home or instore demo.