Electric Wheelchairs Vs. Mobility Scooters

When you compare electric wheelchairs vs. mobility scooters, you almost have an unfair fight on your hands because the two devices are meant for two very different purposes. The best way to compare and contrast these devices is to look at what they are supposed to be used for, how efficient they are in these applications, and in what instances it might be better to use one over the other.

Electric wheelchairs were created to give mobility to injured and handicapped individuals who have no ability to walk on their own. In many cases, electric wheelchairs are used by paraplegics and quadriplegics who are paralyzed and unable to walk at all. Some of these wheelchairs are specially equipped with head controls for those who have no movement in their arms or hands, either. Many people who use electric wheelchairs spend much of their waking lifetime in that chair, much as an able bodied individual would spend the majority of their time walking or sitting in a normal chair. That means that electric wheelchairs are meant to become natural extensions of the body, comfortable like home to the individual using the chair.

Mobility scooters, on the other hand, are for those who are weakened, temporarily injured, or elderly and unable to walk long distances. These individuals have use of their limbs but may be lacking endurance and simply cannot be on their feet for long periods of time. This could also apply to some super morbidly obese individuals because the weight of their own bodies is crushing on their ankles and knees. Mobility scooters are fashioned to help people with such issues get around in large public places where a lot of walking is involved. This could mean a trip to the nearest supermarket to buy groceries or a vacation to go see the Grand Canyon. In any case, mobility scooters are not nearly as personalized as electric wheelchairs.

The real question to ask when determining which device is better for the application is, how permanent is the condition of the patient? Is this person ever going to be able to walk on his or her own, or will the individual be spending a lifetime depending on wheels? If it is a permanent condition, you almost certainly need an electric wheelchair. However, if it is temporary or only on certain occasions that assistance is needed, a mobility scooter is probably a better solution.