[amazon_image id="B002VWKPSW" link="true" target="_blank" size="medium" ]Drive Medical Phoenix 3 Wheel Compact Portable Travel Power Scooter, Red / Blue[/amazon_image]
If you require the assistance of a mobility device, you will notice that there are both electric mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs meant for helping you get around. While both act as forms of transportation, there are significant differences in the way each performs as a mobility device.
Method of Operation
The electric wheelchair and the mobility scooter are operated in very different manners. The mobility scooter utilizes handlebars similar to those found on a bicycle for steering. The electric wheelchair is controlled by a joystick found on the armrest. This difference is significant for those who may have limited upper body mobility. An electric wheelchair will be much easier to steer and control for a person with limited movement.
Weight of the Device
Potential buyers will notice that an electric wheelchair is much heavier than the mobility scooter. While this may seem like a minor difference, it actually has several consequences. First, the wheelchair will be much more difficult to fold up and store than the mobility scooter. Because it doesn’t fold away, wheelchair users will often need a modified van for transporting the chair, whereas many scooter users can get away with folding up their scooter or pulling it in a small trailer for portability. The added weight makes the wheelchair much sturdier than the mobility scooter, but the lightness of the scooter enables it to have greater maneuverability. The sturdiness of the wheelchair means that its seat is often more comfortable and more stable than that of the mobility scooter.
Cost of the Device
Shoppers will find that there is a significant price difference between the mobility scooter and the electric wheelchair. Mobility scooters are generally much less expensive than the wheelchairs. This is partly due to the fact that the scooter is often intended for part time or occasional use, while electric wheelchair users will likely be depending on their wheelchair full time. Many people who rely on a walker or cane like the convenience of having a mobility scooter also, but they don’t need the dependence of a wheelchair.
The differences between the electric mobility scooter and the electric wheelchair demonstrate that there is a mobility device available to people with all levels of needs. Wheelchair accessories and mobility scooter accessories are available to help further customize the device for your needs. By taking into account the various factors that differentiate the two mobility devices you will find the one that best suits your needs.