Choosing Between Motorized Wheelchairs and Scooters

There are lots of different options when it comes to purchasing a mobility device, but you need to choose a mobility solution which matches your specific situation. You have to take your needs into account as well as your budget and what your insurance or Medicare is willing to pay for. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you choose between motorized wheelchairs and scooters.

Motorized mobility devices include scooters, power wheelchairs, and power-base wheelchairs. A scooter is a platform with a motor and chair on one end and a steering apparatus in front, with three or four wheels, which can be operated with one hand or two depending on the model. Power wheelchairs are like motorized versions of manual wheelchairs. Power-base wheelchairs are a chair mounted on a heavy wheel base.

The least expensive motorized mobility aides are scooters. These are excellent if you are able to sit, stand, and maneuver in and out of the scooter easily but are unable to walk for extended periods of time. In confined areas, the increased turning radius and size make them harder to use than power wheelchairs. You may prefer a power wheelchair if you need to use a wheelchair at home.

The smallest motorized mobility devices are power wheelchairs, based on the basic manual wheelchair design. Lightweight folding versions are available for easy storage and travel. Scooters and power-base wheelchairs generally have to be loaded into a vehicle with a ramp or lift. Power wheelchairs move around easily in compact spaces due to their smaller size, although power-base wheelchairs have a turning radius which is only slightly wider.

Strong and durable, power-base wheelchairs may come with six wheels. The front two are raised to help the wheelchair pass small thresholds and raised doorways. Power-base wheelchairs are more expensive than other motorized devices. Heavy duty power-base wheelchairs have the highest weight capacity; where a heavy duty power scooter can carry up to 500 pounds, heavy duty power-base wheelchairs can be purchased with a capacity of over 600 pounds, as high as 675 in some cases.

Take into account not just your current physical condition but how it may change in the future. If you may be unable to use a scooter in the future because of a lack of motor ability or arm strength, or if you may lose the ability to walk short distances, consider buying a power wheelchair now rather than having to buy one later. If you lose manual dexterity, a power wheelchair’s controls are designed to be easy to use.

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about your condition and how it may change; motorized wheelchairs and scooters are an important investment and your insurance and Medicare may only be willing to pay for the model your doctor recommends.

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