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Power Wheelchair vs Electric Scooter, which one should you choose? Though both are used for transporting people from one location to another. Few people prefer wheelchairs over electric scooters because both are used for the same purpose. However, depending on the circumstances, both have different functionalities.
Basically, power wheelchairs are used inside and outside the home for short-distance travel, whereas electric scooters are used outside the house for longer-distance travel. There are a few more requirements for selecting either of these. So, let’s explore them closely to make a clear difference between a power wheelchair and an electric scooter.
We first start defining both of these mobility aids, and then we will compare them.
A power wheelchair is utilized by those who can’t walk independently and have weak arms for moving a manual wheelchair. Power wheelchairs facilitate them with electric controls and joysticks to move around quickly without using their body strength.
Electric wheelchairs are reliable and safe to maneuver, designed on users’ ergonomics to fulfil their needs. Wheelchairs are available with either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
The battery-powered electric scooter has three to four wheels, a handle, and a turnable seat. Scooters are larger than wheelchairs and have more legroom.
Individuals who use power-assisted scooters must have strong arms to use the handle.
Let’s discuss the other differences between these mobility devices.
The main distinction between these two is the presence of a controller. Both of these are controlled by two distinct controllers. Electric wheelchair controls with a joystick that can operate with a fingertip. Armrests are also available for riders.
While the electric scooter operates with handlebars, riders must eventually have more muscular upper body parts because the tiller needs to be handled for longer.
Power wheelchairs can be front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. However, it has a smaller turning radius than a scooter, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. It is simple to use in the bedroom and for indoor mobilization. As a result, you can use it for daily tasks inside and outside the home.
On the other hand, electric scooters have a tiller with a large turning radius, making it difficult to maneuver inside. It also has a more rugged and bulky design. However, it is best for long-distance travel.
In short, a wheelchair is suitable for indoor tasks, and an electric scooter is good for outdoor routines.
The majority of wheelchair models are foldable for transport and storage. You can fold it into single or separate pieces for easy transportation. It is intended to hold average weight, making it lightweight and easy to transport in the trunk. A heavier one, which is difficult to transport, is designed for bulky people.
Similarly, motorized scooters can fold. You can fold it into a single piece or separate it into multiple parts without using any tool. It’s simple to put back together.
Wheelchairs can support weights ranging from 300 to 700 lbs. But since foldable wheelchairs are made of lightweight materials, they have a lower weight endurance. In contrast, the bariatric wheelchair has a high load capacity of over 400 lbs.
On the other hand, mobility scooters can carry up to 450 lbs because they are fully designed and have suspension for use on uneven terrain.
If you travel frequently, it is critical to consider the battery. It makes no difference which of these two you choose. Any mobility device with Lithium batteries is suspect because airlines never approve batteries with capacities greater than 300Ah. All other batteries, as long as they are sealed, are acceptable to airlines. As a result, most electric chairs come with rechargeable battery cells weighing 7 to 9 pounds. A wheelchair battery typically ranges from 6 to 18 miles, sufficient for daily driving.
In comparison, the average battery life of a power scooter is 35 to 40 miles. However, other models can travel low as 10 miles, and some can travel as far as 60 miles.
Remember that battery range decreases with heavy riders or on uneven paths.
Both vehicles work best depending on your needs. The powerchair is helpful for indoor use because it is easy to maneuver, can be operated with a single hand, fits into small spaces, and is reliable and comfortable. You can modify it to meet your specific requirements.
Electric scooters are best suited for outdoor use and have high suspension for uneven terrain, but they are difficult to maneuver around the house. It is a dependable mode of transportation for someone who hobbles on short walks but has strong enough body muscles to operate its handle. In other words, someone with a weak upper body will struggle.
Simply, if you want to move around your house and neighbourhood, a wheelchair is ideal for you. Otherwise, you should choose an electric scooter for public places, nearby markets, and other outdoor activities.
So, we mention all the necessary points to differentiate between electric scooters and power wheelchairs. Both are useful, have unique applications, and reliable mobility sources for those with limited body movements.
