Choosing Between an Electric Wheelchair and a Mobility Scooter

The main benefits of an electric wheelchair are its size, ease of use, and tight turning circle. This makes them ideal for indoor as well as outdoor use, with most models easily navigating tight corners and supermarket aisles. The new lightweight foldable wheelchairs with Lithium Batteries and are made of carbon fibre such as the IGo Lite or the Quickie Q50R Carbon making them perfect for anyone travelling by car or train. They are operated by a joystick control set into one of the arm rests and require little physical strength to control their movement. Some models can also be operated manually by a carer or family member, requiring less effort than a manual wheelchair.

In terms of disadvantages, powerchairs cannot be legally driven on the road. Because of their lightweight design, some models can struggle with uneven terrain or roadside kerbs. They often have less storage capacity than a mobility scooter, so you can’t guarantee being able to carry everything you need in one trip.

The main advantages of mobility scooters are their durability and versatility. They can carry a lot of weight (up to 600 lbs., or 42 stone, in the case of some heavy-duty models) and often come with storage areas, making them ideal for a local shopping trip. Their powerful batteries are long-lasting, meaning you can travel long distances on a single charge. They tend to have a low centre of gravity, allowing you to travel over smooth pavement and uneven terrain with equal ease.

The downside to mobility scooters is that they are not as nimble as electric wheelchairs and are often much bigger. This makes tight corner turns more difficult and means that you won’t be able to fit your mobility scooter into some buildings, though most major stores have sufficient room for you to do so. This makes the mobility scooter a better choice for customers who have some measure of mobility and can walk short distances without assistance, since they can leave their scooter outside while they go shopping. Scooters are also heavier to operate, requiring a certain amount of upper-body strength to steer.