When considering purchasing a scooter or a power chair, you might have a lot of questions. There are many differences between motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs. By understanding these distinctions, you will be able to choose which mobility product is right for your needs. One of the biggest differences between a scooter and a power chair is how they are operated. Mobility scooters are equipped with a tiller and handle bars, as opposed to a power wheelchair, which is operated using a joystick. Your range of mobility in operating a device may indicate whether a scooter or power chair is best for you. Another difference is the number of wheels they have. An electric scooter typically has three or four wheels, whereas an electric wheelchair typically has six wheels or more. Most power chairs have two large drive wheels and four smaller wheels called casters for added stability. Power wheelchairs come standard with captain’s style seating and there may be optional seating available, such as a solid seat pan or a Synergy® seat. The Jazzy Select 6 power wheelchair offers a few seating options to choose from. Scooters usually come with standard vinyl seating, although the seat can be adjusted and may be able to swivel, such as the Victory® 10 3-wheel scooter. When it comes to comfort, electric wheelchairs are equipped with a height-adjustable foot platform that can flip up when not in use. Leg room on a scooter can vary depending on the type of mobility scooter chosen. A three-wheel scooter offers more leg room for taller individuals, while a four-wheel scooter is equipped with a broader wheelbase to ensure even weight distribution for stability.
To determine whether you need a motorized wheelchair or an electric scooter, ask yourself where the mobility product will be used. While many motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs can be used both indoors and out, power chairs offer more maneuverability indoors. With its front-wheel drive design, the Jazzy Select motorized wheelchair is extremely compact and maneuverable. In contrast, many scooters are more rugged and designed for outdoor use, such as the Revo™ 2.0 electric scooter, which is equipped with suspension components for navigating varied terrain. Another point to consider when choosing between a scooter or a power chair is your method of paying for the mobility device. Medicare may cover a portion of the cost of a power mobility device for use in your home, providing it is shown to be medically necessary. You need to schedule a face-to-face examination with your doctor to discuss your needs for a mobility device. During the exam, your physician must first consider the use of a cane, walker or manual wheelchair, before considering a scooter or power chair. A face-to-face exam and a special prescription from your doctor is required before Medicare helps pay for your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. If you have private insurance, it’s important to speak to your insurance representative regarding requirements for reimbursement.
It’s interesting to know that a mobility scooter will be equipped with a tiller and handlebars. My husband and I are thinking about taking care of his grandmother, and we are looking for advice about what to do to keep her in good shape. I will let him know about the benefits of mobility scooters to help his grandmother.
Hi Ellie!
I actually know someone else who has been in a similar situation trying to keep a loved one active. Even having the ability to get out and go to the mall/shopping plazas has made such a difference! Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions, always happy to help!
Best Regards,
Amanda
My 91 year old mother recently fell and didn’t break any bones luckily but has virtually no ability to push herself up out of her scooter. She is extremely heavy and my 93 year old Dad can’t help her. They live alone. I am wondering if a mobility chair would have a higher seat? She told me she can’t add height to her scooter without it becoming top heavy, unstable. She has a recliner that lifts her to almost a standing position. Her toilet is 18.5 inces high and nearly impossible for her to get up from. She was just in a nursing home for two weeks and demanded to come home, with daily health care worker, but in between visits is already proving to be a big problem on the first day home.
Hi Sue! I hope you are doing well. I’m so sorry to hear that your mother fell recently. It sounds like she could use something to help her with transitioning from surface to surface. Let me know what you think of this chair? It has an elevating seat: https://www.pridemobility.com/jazzy-power-chairs/jazzy-air-2/
So does this one: https://www.pridemobility.com/jazzy-power-chairs/jazzy-select-6/
I would also suggest speaking with her physician about her mobility options to see if insurance is an option.
I hope you have a great day!
Why doesn’t it (powerchairs) come with a phone charger and or cell phone holder, or saddlebag?
Hi Tonya, thank you for your inquiry! Many of our power chairs have optional accessories that can be added like a USB phone charger, a cell phone holder, and a saddlebag. We recommend speaking with an authorized dealer to see what your price is and how to order. You can find one here: http://www.pridemobility.com/find-a-dealer.asp
I need a powerchair with seat recline neck support and hydraulics positioning leg motion ,I’m laurencett8@gmail.com I’m Lauence Taylor and I’m preparing to purchase a new powerchair, I presently have a storm torque 3 powerchair,I also would request your help and guidance in regards to a medical wheelchair product invention that I need help to produce and plan ,it has been on my mind for a long time I’m 58 now and I don’t want to not have my plan produced please help with details to help me unite with professional techs whom can further help in establish a better specific plan on establishing an inovative plan to produce my planned wheelchair product.
We recommend reaching out to one of our authorized providers at: http://www.pridemobility.com/find-a-dealer.asp