Should I Get an Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter?
Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters help people with limited mobility maintain their independence in different ways and contexts. Your specific abilities and limitations, the way you want to use the device, your transportation options, your personal preferences, and your budget will determine whether an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter would be best for you.
What Is an Electric Wheelchair?
An electric wheelchair is a battery-powered mobility device that is maneuvered electronically with a joystick or keypad. This device is designed for individuals who need all-day mobility support. It requires minimal physical effort to operate.
Pros of Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs have controls that are easy for individuals to adapt to quickly and use.
Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people who lack upper-body strength and need extra support when operating their mobility device.
Electric wheelchairs come with extensive customization options.
They promote independence for individuals with limited mobility who may not otherwise have the ability to move autonomously on their own.
Cons of Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs have smaller wheels than mobility scooters and are less suitable for rough outdoor terrain.
Electric wheelchairs typically cost more than mobility scooters.
Electric wheelchairs go slower than mobility scooters, generally at 4-6 mph, with some models capable of traveling at 8-10 mph.
Electric wheelchairs typically have shorter travel ranges than mobility scooters.
Electric wheelchairs are less portable than mobility scooters.
What Is a Mobility Scooter?
A mobility scooter is a battery-powered mobility aid that has a central steering column with handlebars connected to the tiller for navigation. It is designed for individuals who have some mobility but need assistance with longer distances.
Pros of Mobility Scooters
Modern mobility scooters are easy to learn and operate for people with generally good upper-body strength.
Mobility scooters generally cost less than electric wheelchairs.
Mobility scooters are designed to be driven outdoors, with models suited to a variety of terrains.
Mobility scooters have a wider speed range and higher top speeds for on-road driving. The models that we stock in our showroom have speeds between 3 and 14 mph.
Mobility scooters often travel further on a single charge than electric wheelchairs.
Many mobility scooter models are light, portable, and either disassemble or fold easily for transportation. This makes them ideal for packing them in the car and taking on an adventure.
Cons of Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters require their users to have a fair to good amount of torso control. They aren’t suitable for individuals with limited mobility in their torso or those who have difficulty sitting up for long periods of time.
Mobility scooters require arm strength, balance, and finger dexterity to safely steer and control the tiller.
Mobility scooters have a larger turning radius than electric wheelchairs. This makes getting in and out of tight spaces more difficult. It also makes them less suitable for indoor use.
Older mobility scooters typically have less customizable seating and support compared to electric wheelchairs. Newer models allow the user to adjust the height of the seat, footrest, and armrests, and many come with suspension and memory foam padding in the seat for greater comfort on long rides.
Differences Between Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs serve different purposes, lifestyles, and mobility needs.
|
Feature |
Electric Wheelchair |
Mobility Scooter |
|
Control |
Joystick, keypad, or adaptive |
Tiller/handlebars |
|
Customization |
Extensive |
Moderate |
|
Physical effort |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Turning radius |
Very tight |
Wider |
|
Best use |
Everyday use indoors and outdoors on smooth surfaces |
Outdoor use or more rugged terrain |
|
Transport |
Heavier, although some models fold |
Lighter and easier to fold or disassemble |
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Choosing between a mobility scooter and a power wheelchair depends on:
Your physical abilities
How frequently you intend to use the device
The environment where you intend to use it
How often you will need to transport it
Your preferred comfort level
Your budget
Physical Ability
The main difference between power wheelchairs and mobility scooters lies in the physical requirements of the user.
Abilities Needed to Drive an Electric Scooter
Mobility scooter users need arm strength, torso control, and the ability to climb one step.
Arm Strength
Mobility scooters are driven with handlebars connected to the tiller, so the user needs to have sufficient upper-body strength to hold their arms out for long periods of time. They also need to be able to steer with both hands.
Torso Control
Depending on the model you choose, you will need to be able to sit up straight and hold yourself steady in the seat, as lighter models don't usually have a seat belt or headrest. If balance is an issue, consider a four-wheel mobility scooter rather than a three-wheel model, as the former offers greater stability.
Capable of Climbing One Step
To use a mobility scooter, you need to be able to fold up the armrests and climb up onto the platform to sit down and climb off the platform to dismount. Some models have a swivel seat for easier mounting, which is a valuable feature for those with back problems.
Abilities Needed to Drive a Power Wheelchair
Operating a power wheelchair requires different physical abilities than a mobility scooter. The device can also be adapted for a wide range of needs.
Able to Perform Small Movements
Instead of a tiller, power wheelchairs are controlled with a joystick or a control pad that can be operated with one hand. If you don’t have the hand strength or fine motor control to use a joystick, the power wheelchair can be modified to respond to small movements of the chin or tongue.
The ability to customize the accessibility features of a power wheelchair makes this the most suitable option for people with conditions like muscular dystrophy who don't have full upper-body control and those who lack the strength to propel a manual wheelchair.
Able to Charge the Power Chair
Aside from driving the power chair, you will need to be able to charge the power wheelchair, i.e., plug in the charging cable to the control panel and the wall. If you don’t have the fine motor skills or strength to plug your device into a power outlet, a caretaker or family member can help.
Electric Wheelchairs Are the Most Customizable Option
Apart from the type of controller, electric wheelchairs can be fitted out with a customized, padded captain's seat, adjustable folding footrests, an adjustable headrest, and accessories like a USB charging port. Some reclining electric wheelchairs even raise the user to a standing position. If you need maximum support and customization, a power wheelchair is usually the best option.
Frequency of Use
How often you plan to use the mobility device will also affect the choice between mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Generally, mobility scooters are best for light or infrequent use, whereas power wheelchairs are best for all-day use.
People who buy mobility scooters will often use the scooter:
To go to the store
To go to the doctor's office
To visit family
For day outings
When visiting amusement parks
When traveling
People who can perform most activities themselves but become fatigued when walking long distances benefit from a motorized scooter. Some people even rent a mobility scooter as a one-off for a day trip, conference, or vacation, or for a few weeks following an illness or surgery.
In contrast, people who buy power wheelchairs usually use the chair all day, every day. The electric wheelchair becomes an extension of their body and their primary way of getting around. Because they are made with frequent use in mind, power chairs typically feature a heavy-duty design.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
The choice between an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter also depends on whether you want a device for indoor or outdoor use.
Features for Indoor Use
For indoor use, you'll want a mobility device with a small turning radius for maneuvering around objects and navigating tight spaces. For maneuverability indoors, electric wheelchairs are by far the best choice as they have a tighter turning circle than any type of mobility scooter. However, if you want to buy a mobility scooter for indoor as well as outdoor use, there are three-wheel models that handle small spaces quite well.
Features for Outdoor Use
For outdoor use, you'll need a mobility device that:
Handles uneven terrain
Drives for long distances on a single charge
Offers a higher maximum speed
Has a higher weight capacity (for carrying bags)
Taking all of these factors into account, heavy-duty, four-wheel electric scooters are often the best choice for outdoor use as they offer excellent stability and higher speeds. The top-tier mobility scooters at our showrooms in Denver and Boulder, for example, reach speeds of up to 18 mph and drive for up to 15 miles on a single charge.
To offer a comparison, our rental electric wheelchair has a maximum speed of 3.5 mph and a driving range of 31 miles. While you might not want to drive this model on the road due to the lower speed, it's definitely sufficient for heavy, frequent outdoor use if your physical limitations would make a mobility scooter unsuitable.
Transportability
If you are planning to travel with your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, make sure you choose a model with batteries that are TSA-approved. Whether you have a mobility scooter or an electric wheelchair, airlines will transport your mobility device for free.
For transporting the mobility device in or on a motor vehicle, you might need a model that comes apart to fit in the car or van's storage space. If you need a more heavy-duty model that doesn't come apart, researching how to transport a mobility scooter and how to transport an electric wheelchair beforehand will assist you in your planning.
Comfort
For maximum comfort, it's really difficult to beat an electric wheelchair. Whereas mobility scooters come with standard vinyl seating, power wheelchairs have a wide range of seating options with everything from a solid seat pan to a fully contoured captain's seat.
If you can drive a mobility scooter and you have especially long legs, three-wheel models offer more legroom than four-wheel models due to the central position of the single front wheel. You should still ensure that the height and weight capacity of a mobility device are suitable for you before renting or purchasing it to avoid having to scrunch.
Cost
Whether you opt for an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, there is a wide range of options from basic to heavy-duty. A basic motorized scooter is often the most affordable option of the two for people with good mobility. We cover pricing ranges and factors for both devices in our articles on the cost of mobility scooters and the cost of power wheelchairs. However, it's important to choose a device based on your specific needs and comfort rather than the price.
FAQ
Can I use a mobility scooter indoors?
Absolutely! Many three-wheel mobility scooter models can be used indoors, allowing you to easily maneuver around tight spaces thanks to the smaller turning radius. Power wheelchairs, however, are designed for indoor use and are typically better suited for tight spaces and indoor maneuverability.
Do I need upper-body strength to drive a power wheelchair?
You don’t need much upper-body strength to drive a power wheelchair, as they are controlled by a joystick or control pad. They can also be modified to respond to head or chin movements.
Which is easier to transport, a mobility scooter or a power wheelchair?
Mobility scooters tend to be lighter and are easier to disassemble or fold for transport. Power wheelchairs tend to be heavier, bulkier, and harder to fit into smaller cars. Research and plan ahead if you’re thinking of traveling with a power wheelchair.
Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter: The Verdict
When weighing all the factors, a powered wheelchair is usually best for people with the use of only one hand, limited upper-body strength, or extensive accessibility needs. A mobility scooter is usually best for people who get around quite well without help but struggle to walk long distances.
Talk with your doctor, a physical therapist, and the specialists at a mobility aid store to help you select the best-powered device for your needs. They will also help you make the most of all the features it has to offer.