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What is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:43 +0000

What is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

What is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

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Home Page > Health > What is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

What is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

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Posted: Aug 10, 2006 |Comments: 0
| Views: 180 |

What Is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?

Mobility scooters and powerchairs are often grouped together to differentiate them from traditional self-propelled, or pushed manual wheelchairs. There are however some fundamental differences between a mobility scooter and a powerchair.

Mobility scooters have three or four wheels and are steered using a bicycle style handlebar (or tiller) which requires two hands, and are designed to travel up to 35 miles. They are often used by people with limited mobility, or those who tire easily when walking. Depending on the model and type of mobility scooter, the scooter may dissemble into easy to manage components so that it can be easily transported in a car, or stored at home.

Powerchairs usually look more like traditional wheelchairs, and some models even look just like a traditional wheelchair with batteries and a motor attached to each wheel. The powerchair is driven using one hand by a joystick controller on the arm of the powerchair. Powerchair users tend to spend more time in their chairs than scooter users spend on their scooters. Because of this, powerchairs are usually more adaptable than disabled scooters and some models can have specialist seats and controllers fitted to suit the individual requirements of the user. For example, the powerchair can be controlled by hand, by a chin controller, or even using a sip and puff pipe operated with the mouth. The footrests can be specific to the user’s needs and can include swing away or articulating footrests. Powerchairs are also more likely to be used inside although some powerchairs are equally capable indoors and outdoors. Mobility scooters are more likely to be used outdoors, although some of the smaller ones can be used indoors.

Electric scooters usually have one motor to drive the rear wheels whilst powerchairs have two motors to individually drive the rear wheels. This gives the powerchair a smaller turning circle which is ideal for indoor use, and provides a lot of traction and control. Some powerchairs even have the option of an electrically operated hydraulic seat so that the user can reach traditionally unreachable places like cupboards and shelves. Disabled scooters tend to be less configurable than powerchairs, and have fewer optional extras.

Disability scooters tend to be less expensive than powerchairs. Powerchairs have two motors, and better, more supportive seating as users often spend a lot of time in the powerchair. Powerchair users may not be able to support themselves, or be able to walk at all, and so their requirements are different from mobility scooter users.

Traditionally, powerchairs were not as easy to dismantle as mobility scooters, but this is changing and most of the powerchair manufacturers offer powerchairs that will fit into a car boot. Designs are constantly changing and improving, and powerchairs are becoming as easy to dismantle and as rugged as mobility scooters. Some powerchairs have six wheels for added stability, and some are front wheel drive for added indoor maneuverability.

Now that you have found out more about the differences between mobility scooters and powerchairs, you can decide which will best suit your needs.

For more information about mobility scooters and powerchairs, please visit www.scootamart.com

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mobility scooter, electric scooter, disabled scooter, powerchair, electric wheelchair, wheelchair, mobility

Handicap Scooter vs. Wheelchair – How to Tell Which One is Right for You – by Scooter Review Team

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:45:04 +0000

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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Hurricane – Personal Mobility Vehicle – Candy Apple Red, Brown Vinyl

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:50:00 +0000

** Product Options-> Color: Candy Apple Red, Fabric: Brown Vinyl ** The Pride Mobility Vehicle – Hurricane , brings exclusive luxury touches and sleek styling to the world of personal mobility vehicles. With a top speed of 9 mph, heavy-duty construction and all-new features like Delta tiller with wraparound handles for easy operation, a full lighting package, and full front and rear dynamic suspension, the Hurricane is the perfect blend of performance, power and style. Please Note: Batteries are not included with this scooter and can be purchased separately. Click here to view interactive demo: Hurricane

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Pride Victory 10 3-Wheel Scooter – Red

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:49:10 +0000

The new Victory 10 mobility scooter by Pride delivers high performance operation with a sleek, sporty design. It features an exclusive; one-hand feather-touch disassembly provides the ultimate quick transport system. The Victory 10 comes standard with a new LED battery meter for increased accuracy and the long-lasting, high-intensity LED headlight offers optimal pathway illumination. With a full complement of advanced standard features like exclusive low-profile tires and wraparound delta tiller, the Victory 10 is a greater value than ever before.

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Square Tiller Basket

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:54:52 +0000

Square Tiller Basket for use with the Pride Mobility Wrangler Power Mobility Vehicle.

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Hurricane – Personal Mobility Vehicle – Candy Apple Red, Grey Fabric

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:31:10 +0000

** Product Options-> Color: Candy Apple Red, Fabric: Grey Fabric ** The Pride Mobility Vehicle – Hurricane , brings exclusive luxury touches and sleek styling to the world of personal mobility vehicles. With a top speed of 9 mph, heavy-duty construction and all-new features like Delta tiller with wraparound handles for easy operation, a full lighting package, and full front and rear dynamic suspension, the Hurricane is the perfect blend of performance, power and style. Please Note: Batteries are not included with this scooter and can be purchased separately. Click here to view interactive demo: Hurricane

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Hurricane – Personal Mobility Vehicle – Viper Blue, Brown Vinyl

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:30:48 +0000

** Product Options-> Color: Viper Blue, Fabric: Brown Vinyl ** The Pride Mobility Vehicle – Hurricane , brings exclusive luxury touches and sleek styling to the world of personal mobility vehicles. With a top speed of 9 mph, heavy-duty construction and all-new features like Delta tiller with wraparound handles for easy operation, a full lighting package, and full front and rear dynamic suspension, the Hurricane is the perfect blend of performance, power and style. Please Note: Batteries are not included with this scooter and can be purchased separately. Click here to view interactive demo: Hurricane

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Shoprider Sunrunner Four Wheel Personal Travel Scooter

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:07:29 +0000

The Sunrunner 4 comes equipped with a deluxe captain seat, full tiller shroud, wicker basket and mirror. With four wheels, this scooter can move and turn securely. The Sunrunner 4 is perfect for those who want stability and luxury in their everyday life at a value price.

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Pride Mobility Victory 10 – Three Wheel Scooter

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:05:37 +0000

The sleek, sporty Victory 10 scooter, available in 3 and 4-wheel models delivers high performance operation, all-new features and Feather-touch disassembly. With a full complement of advanced standard features like exclusive low-profile tires, backlit battery gauge, and wraparound delta tiller, the Victory 10 is a greater value than ever before.
Plus, the Victory 10 Scooter uses new lightweight, non-marking tires, manufactured exclusively for Pride. A traditional foam-filled tire is rigid and inflexible whereas these state of the art tires have some give, just like an air-filled tire, for a smoother, more comfortable ride. These great looking black tires are flat free and won’t scuff floors or walls. Even in areas where the tire has been subjected to significant wear, it still doesn’t scuff. No matter how deep the tire wear is, the floor and wall stays clean.

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What Is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair? – by www.scootamart.com Staff

5 Wheel Mobility Scooters — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:46:12 +0000

What Is the Difference Between a Mobility Scooter and a Powerchair?
Mobility scooters and powerchairs are often grouped together to differentiate them from traditional self-propelled, or pushed wheelchairs. There are however some fundamental differences between a mobility scooter and a powerchair.
Mobility scooters have three or 4 wheels and are steered using a bicycle style handlebar (or tiller) which requires 2 hands, and are designed to travel up to 35 miles. They are used by people with limited mobility, or those who tire easily when walking.
Powerchairs usually look more like traditional wheelchairs, and some models even look just like a traditional wheelchair with batteries and a motor attached to each wheel. The powerchair is driven using one hand by a joystick controller on the arm of the powerchair. Powerchair users tend to spend more time in their chairs than scooter users spend on their scooters. Because of this, powerchairs tend to be more adaptable than disabled scooters and some models can have specialist seats and controllers fitted to suit the individual requirements of the user. For example, the powerchair can be controlled by hand, by a chin controller, or even using a sip and puff pipe operated with the mouth. The footrests can be specific to the user’s needs and can include swing away or articulating footrests. Powerchairs are also more likely to be used inside although some powerchairs are equally capable indoors and outdoors. Mobility scooters are more likely to be used outdoors, although some of the smaller ones can be used indoors.
Electric scooters usually have one motor to drive the rear wheels. Powerchairs have two motors to individually drive the rear wheels. This gives the powerchair a great turning circle, and provides a lot of traction and control. Some powerchairs even have an electrically operated hydraulic seat so that the user can reach traditionally unreachable places like cupboards and shelves. Disabled scooters tend to be less customisable than powerchairs, and have fewer optional extras.
Disability scooters tend to be less expensive than powerchairs. Powerchairs have two motors, and better, more supportive seating as users often spend a lot of time in the powerchair. Powerchair users may not be able to support themselves, or be able to walk at all, and so their requirements are different from mobility scooter users.
Traditionally, powerchairs were not as easy to dismantle as mobility scooters, but this is changing and most of the powerchair manufacturers offer powerchairs that will fit into a car boot. Designs are changing so that powerchairs are becoming as easy to dismantle and as rugged as mobility scooters. Some powerchairs have six wheels for added stability, and some are front wheel drive for added manoeuvrability.
Now that you have found out more about the differences between mobility scooters and powerchairs, you can decide which will suit you best.

For more information about mobility scooters, please visit www.scootamart.com

Share and Enjoy: