When you’re looking for a powered mobility vehicle, you’ll usually face two options: a power wheelchair or a scooter. Both powered wheelchairs and scooters can provide you with comfortable transportation, but what exactly are the differences between the two? Let’s take a look at what power wheelchairs and scooters offer, and which option may be right for you.

Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are designed for long-term use, and are capable of being used both indoors and out. They are typically built upon four to six wheels for added stability, which also means the power wheelchair can navigate uneven terrain fairly easily. Because of its design, a power wheelchair is relatively easy to maneuver by means of a joystick. Because many people use power wheelchairs for long hours at a time, power wheelchairs are often equipped with generously padded, comfortable seats. The seats are typically adjustable in a number of different ways in order to maximize a user’s comfort. Power wheelchair seats also tend to be supportive and can be used even by someone with limited muscle strength. One major difference between power wheelchairs and scooters is the fact that power wheelchairs tend to weigh significantly more than scooters. Many power wheelchairs cannot be disassembled, meaning that you will need a vehicle lift in order to transport your power wheelchair. Additionally, power wheelchairs tend to cost more than scooters do.

Scooters

Scooters are designed to provide you with mobility, most often when you’re outdoors. While some scooters can be used indoors, they lack the agility and easy maneuverability of power wheelchairs, due to their longer design. Scooters often feature delta tillers, which can be easily grasped. Scooters are built with either three or four wheels. A four-wheeled scooter is more stable than a three-wheeled scooter, but usually has a larger turning radius than the three-wheeled option. Scooters come with different maximum speeds and travel ranges. They often feature a basket to hold items, and some come with lighting options. The seat on a scooter is usually less luxurious than the seat on a power wheelchair, and adjustment options are limited. Scooters tend to weigh much less than power wheelchairs do. Additionally, many scooters disassemble into pieces which can be easily loaded into a vehicle, simplifying their transportation. In many cases, you do not need a vehicle lift in order to transport a scooter. Scooters also cost less than your average power wheelchair. In terms of deciding whether a scooter or power wheelchair is best for you, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If you need a versatile mobility vehicle which can be used both indoors and out and which will be your main mode of transportation, then a power wheelchair may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a mobility vehicle which can provide you with transportation assistance when you’re out running errands or visiting friends, a scooter may be the right fit for you. Please give us a call if you have any questions. We’d be happy to help you find the right mobility option for you.