Right now you may be at a point in your life where you need help getting around. You can’t move around the house and outside like you used to. And walking in a grocery store to do your shopping is now a monumental task. In these instances, that’s where a good electric wheelchair or handicap scooter comes into play. Problem is, which one do you pick? What follows are different points to keep in mind so as to help you make the right decision.
· First off, if you’re working with a clinician or aid, talk with them about your particular situation and get their feedback. Odds are, they’ll be able to tell you decisively whether a scooter or wheelchair is right for you.
· The control issue: Keep in mind scooters are steered with a tiller much like a bicycle’s handlebar. While electric wheelchairs are operated by a programmable joystick. That said, your upper body ability to manipulate a “handlebar” style control vs. a joystick will go a long way in determining which one you choose.
· Posture/Support issue: If the mobility aid user has a posture/spinal support issue then a wheelchair will usually be the better buy as they tend to offer features like power stand, power recline, power tilt, and power elevation.
· The transportation issue: When it comes to the user of the mobility aid doing a lot of driving and traveling, which device you choose will largely be based on this too. For instance, handicap scooters depending upon the model can be broken down into multiple parts for each storage in a car’s trunk or stored in a min-van or SUV. Whereas, a wheelchair (unless a foldable, non-electric) cannot be stored in the trunk. In that case, an electric wheelchair requires what’s called a lift and may very well require a wheelchair van for transportation.
· On the driving issue: When it comes to going from your mobility aid to actually driving your VAN/Mini-van, it’s important to note that scooters aren’t as safe as a seat in a motor vehicle. They’re also harder to tie down. However, you can operate your vehicle from a power wheelchair – and they’re safer than a handicap scooter because they have a 4-point tie down.
· On price: Scooters are more affordable than wheelchairs. Of course, when comparing the two a lot of it has to do with the “add-on” features you request.
Written by the Mobility Scooter Review Team. Go to www.electric-mobility-scooter-reviews.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on mobility scooters.

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There are many people around the world who have mobility difficulties due to diseases, accidents or other causes. A mobility device can be a solution to such problems as it allows a person to move freely from one place to another. The wheelchair is probably the most common mobility device. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. Other mobility devices such as the lift chair can also greatly improve one’s life. The purpose of all the devices is to help people regain their mobility and lead a simpler life. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of quality mobility devices.

The wheelchair is the most popular and widespread mobility device in the world. From the basic form there have been many developments over time in order to meet the occupant’s personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are very common nowadays because of the particular needs a user might have. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual wheelchair category is naturally the firs to have been invented and is still used on a large scale all around the world. The category includes three types of wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. Each of the three types has proven to be very useful in different circumstances and for different categories of users. No matter what type of mobility device you are looking for, at improvelife.com you will find exactly what you need.

Electric wheelchairs are generally used by persons who find using a manual wheelchair very difficult. The impossibility of using a manual chair can be the consequence of an arm or shoulder disabling condition. There are a few main categories in which electric wheelchairs can be divided in. For instance, there is the rear, center or front wheel driven chair category and the four wheel chair category. Furthermore, some models are very similar to manual wheelchairs while others have automobile-like seating and do not resemble manual chairs at all. Where dimensions are concerned, powerchairs can just as well be small and portable or large and heavy. An electric wheelchair can be designed to be specifically used indoors or outdoors, depending on the occupant’s needs. Controlling an electric wheelchair is usually done by means of a joystick. However, if the occupant lacks coordination or the use of his hands or fingers, other customized controllers can be used in order to safely operate the wheelchair. Powerchairs can also offer other special features such as powered recline or leg elevation.

A lift chair is very helpful to people who have mobility problems and have trouble getting up from a chair by themselves. There are several types of lift chairs available, depending on the user’s necessities. A 2 position lift chair can have a slight recline position and a lift position. When the user reclines in a two position chair his back and thighs remain at a 90 degree angle. A 3 position lift chair has a lifted position, recline position and reading position. This is the most popular category because it meets most people’s needs and budgets. Infinite position lift chairs allow the user to sleep very comfortably and they recline completely. This type of chair gives the user more positioning options, including the ‘elevate the feet above the heart’ position. When looking for a lift chair, remember that there is also a wide variety of colors and fabrics to choose from so that the chair fits perfectly into the home décor. You should always keep in mind that lift chairs should be comfortable as well as functional. Accessories like heat or massage can also be included into your customized chair.

Many devices have been developed during the past few centuries to help people with mobility problems lead easier lives. Since the invention of the wheelchair, many other devices followed. Wheelchairs have also been constantly improved, leading to the development of electric wheelchairs. Another commonly used mobility device is the lift chair which helps people who find getting up from a chair difficult. At improvelife.com you will encounter a wide variety of mobility devices.

Finding a quality mobility device at a convenient price is not easy. However, it’s not impossible to find a very good wheelchair or lift chair at a good price. Electric wheelchairs also don’t have to be out of your price range. Visit ur website for more information.

Electric wheelchairs are either rear or front wheel driven. Some of them are center driven or four wheel driven. These powerchairs come in many varieties like small portable models, foldable models, and models that can be dis-assembled. Large, full-featured electric wheelchairs that are called rehab chairs are also available. Powerchairs are designed for persons who have arm and leg disablement. Such people would find the operations of hand propelled wheelchairs quite difficult.

Electric wheelchairs are fitted with electric motors that are powered by 4 to 5 ampere rechargeable batteries. These motors are outboard boat engine types. The batteries come in dry or wet types. Dry type batteries are the most preferred ones due to ease of operation and maintenance. Electric wheelchairs are also fitted with battery chargers so that plugging into standard wall outlets is easy.

Operating either a joystick or a controller usually controls electric wheelchairs. Hand controllers, chin controllers, puff/sack controllers are specifically designed for persons with varying degrees of operational difficulty. The controller is the most expensive part of powerchairs and is quite delicate. Electric wheelchairs come with several optional functions like tilting, reclining seat and leg elevators, etc. to facilitate healthy and functional operations.

Electric wheelchairs for kids are generally those used by mentally disabled children or children affected by polio. These wheelchairs are custom made to suit the age of the child as well as the usage like indoors or outdoors or both. Polio affected kids and paraplegics were using hand supports till a few decades ago. Such hand supports normally resulted in severe body strain to the kids. The advent of electric wheelchair for kids has greatly relieved such kids of their suffering.

Travel had been on the rise and persons using wheelchairs are no exception. Traveling on vacation, travel for education, employment or participation in sports meets and general commuting for shopping, etc. have become indispensable for persons using electric wheelchairs. Portable and foldable models of wheelchairs require storage space, when not being used. As such, public transports like buses, trains and airplanes specifically provide electric wheelchair carriers. Buses with low boarding platforms that can literally lift wheelchairs into the buses have also been designed to serve such people. Such platforms are electrically or hydraulically operated.

Nowadays, in the United States, sales and service facilities for electric wheelchairs are quite widespread. You do not have to go too far to buy an electric wheelchair of your choice. As these powerchairs are made-to-order types, deliveries take some time but are normally very reliable. Electric wheelchair parts repair has also become quite easy, reliable and economical due to the healthy competition between the various electric wheelchair manufacturers.

Operation of an electric wheelchair by patients or disabled persons carries a certain amount of risk. Accidents could not be avoided at one time or another. Such accidents could be minor or major. Hence, insurance companies provide both accident/life insurance policies, as well as medicare policies to cover such risks. It is always advisable to take suitable insurance policies for physical and financial protection. Electric wheelchairs and medicare go hand-in-hand for persons confined to wheelchairs.

Electric power scooters, or mobility scooters as they are called, are normally fitted with two rear wheels, a seat with a flat area to place the feet and a handlebar in the front to operate one or two steerable front wheels. Swiveling seats are also available. Electric power scooters are invariably electric powered by rechargeable batteries that could be charged from standard electric outlets. Certain models of mobile scooters are gasoline-powered. Such electric power scooters have been most welcome for persons confined to wheelchairs. They find such scooters handy for commuting to schools and colleges as well as to workplaces and shopping. Electric power scooters are normally cheaper than powerchairs. Insurance companies and healthcare agencies like Medicare prefer to insure or extend medicare facilities for people using such scooters.

Eric Comforth is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics. There is more wheelchair information at
Wheelchairs For You.

Mounting health costs and cuts to government funding are making wheelchair users seek heaper alternatives like used electric wheelchairs. Secondhand electric wheelchairs are no doubt heaper than new ones but a lot of care should be taken when buying a used electric wheelchair.

Sources of used electric wheelchairs are primarily relatives, friends, and local support groups. Information about used electric wheelchairs is also available in advertisements on bulletin boards, newsletters, Web sites, at local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, or local disability organizations. Information for finding used wheelchairs can also be found in newspaper classifieds or in pawnshops.

It is wise to also solicit advice from a therapist or physician before buying a used electric wheelchair. Private health insurance and state vocational rehabilitation centers sometimes cover the cost of used electric wheelchairs. The Technical Assistance Project (TAP), supported by the federal Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act) of 1988, also provides financial support for the purchase of disability equipment. Sometimes, wheelchair vendors also provide guarantees and warranties for used wheelchairs.

One disadvantage of buying a used electric wheelchair is the non-transferability of the warranty on the chair. There are also certain other disadvantages to consider such as the chair’s physical dimensions, capabilities, condition, fittings and accessories. Because of the many different options and accessories available for wheelchairs it is better to be well informed before buying a used electric wheelchair.

Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

Electric wheelchairs are very expensive and therefore, it can be a difficult decision whether to buy one. However, Medicare usually covers up to 80% of the cost of electric wheelchairs. Any secondary insurance company will usually cover the rest.

To obtain Medicare for electric wheelchairs, certain criteria have to be met:

1. The person’s condition is such that, a wheelchair or scooter is a must for mobility.
2. The person cannot operate a manual wheelchair, hence an electric wheelchair or an electric scooter is required.
3. The person is capable of safely operating the controls of a wheelchair or scooter.
4. The person can safely transfer in and out of a wheelchair or scooter.
5. The person has adequate trunk stability to safely ride a wheelchair or scooter.
6. The person has not purchased a wheelchair or scooter and obtained reimbursement for that purchase within the last five 5 years.
7. Medicare must be the primary insurance carrier for filing the initial claim with them.
8. If Medicare had covered the cost of a manual wheelchair previously, that chair should be returned to the company for claiming the cost of an electric wheelchair from Medicare.

If all of these criteria are met, then the person seeking support from Medicare should provide a description of the functional limitations affecting the patient, which supports the medical necessity of the POV; patient diagnosis requiring the POV. This information must be furnished on letterhead or other documentation, which identifies the specialty of the ordering physician. The recommendation for a wheelchair for which reimbursement is requested needs to be ordered by a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist, or rehabilitation medicine specialist.

Medicare supports up to 80% of allowable charges however, reimbursement amounts vary from state to state. $100.00 is deductible yearly for Medicare’s Part B. All Medicare claims are settled within 30 days. For guaranteed assurance, it is better to fill out a pre-approval form from Medicare.

Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.