A lack of mobility can have a serious impact on your life, but mobility scooters and wheelchairs can help. According to ClinMed International Library, about 1.7 million people in the United States use mobility scooters or wheelchairs. If you're having trouble deciding between the two, here are five key differences.
1. Speed
Mobility scooters are typically faster than electric wheelchairs, which means they can be a better choice for public use. While an electric wheelchair is great for getting around the house, power scooters are typically the more popular option when it comes to traveling around town and running errands.
2. Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider when you're choosing between a mobility scooter and a power wheelchair. Many electric wheelchairs are heavier than mobility scooters, but they're typically less bulky. Mobility scooters may be lighter in some cases, but they're usually larger and a bit harder to transport. However, there are some portable options.
3. Versatility
Your electric wheelchair can't take you everywhere, but power scooters are a little more diverse. A good mobility scooter can tackle different types of terrain, including streets, sidewalks, dirt, gravel, grass, and concrete floors in grocery stores. When you have a good scooter, you're not as limited in terms of where you can go without help.
4. Portability
Electric wheelchairs are specifically designed so that they can be packed into a vehicle. Most electric wheelchairs can be folded up for storage, or you can install a rack to transport your wheelchair on the back of your car. There are portable scooters, but they're not as common.
5. Joystick Ease
Electric wheelchair joysticks are often harder to use than those on scooters, so people with limited motor function in their hands or arms may do better with a mobility scooter. However, there are tons of different models of power scooters and wheelchairs, each with different features and functionality, so you can find a scooter or wheelchair that's both powerful and easy to use.
Not being able to get around makes life a lot harder, but there are solutions that can help you regain some of your mobility. Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are common solutions for people who've lost mobility due to old age, weight, or disability. If you want to learn more about the differences between electric wheelchairs and power scooters, call Happy Living Medical Sales today.
