Mobility Scooter vs. Powerchair: What’s the Right Choice for Old Age?

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about growing old? If you’re like most people, chances are you’re already worried about how you’ll move around, running errands, fetching groceries, and playing with your grandkids.

From osteoarthritis and Parkinson’s disorder to joint degeneration and slipped disc – people can develop a wide array of chronic ailments in old age that affect their mobility. Worse still, some seniors also suffer brain strokes, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.

But this doesn’t mean your age should come in the way of your ability to live an active and normal life with your family/friends. The good news is that mobility aids for seniors and people with disabilities have come a long way since the manual wheelchairs and rickety walking sticks of the past.

You can see more information about the different types of mobility aids available in the market on the Additional Aid’s Mobility website. From walkers and crutches to walking sticks and wheelchairs – you can choose from a vast selection of mobility aids to stay active in old age.

However, the broad spectrum of options will often leave you spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for options to maintain mobility as you grow old or want to help an aging parent, it’s essential to choose the right mobility aid based on your needs and budget.

One of the biggest dilemmas you’re going to face is whether you should choose a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. Both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs go a long way to help people with mobility impairments embrace an active lifestyle.

But if you’re new to the world of mobility aids, you might think that both these devices can be used interchangeably. In this blog, we’ve outlined a few key factors you must consider to choose between a mobility scooter and an electric wheelchair.

1. Operation

The first thing you must understand is how each device works. While both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are battery-powered, they differ in the way they’re operated. This, in turn, makes each device suitable only for certain kinds of people.

A mobility scooter consists of a handlebar and tiller that you can use to maneuver the vehicle and steer it in the right direction. Additionally, the handle features various buttons and controls that help you operate the vehicle. 

Typically, you can choose from different types of mobility scooters, such as:

• 3-wheel mobility scooters
• 4-wheel mobility scooters
• Compact mobility scooters

While 4-wheel mobility scooters offer steadier and sturdier, the compact ones are lightweight and can be easily folded to fit into the trunk of your car. However, you’ll need adequate upper arm and trunk strength to operate any type of mobility scooter.

So, if a user doesn’t suffer from limited dexterity due to paralysis, Parkinson’s disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, or some other ailment, a mobility scooter won’t be the right fit.

On the other hand, an electric wheelchair or powerchair is operated by a joystick mounted near the armrest. This makes it a great choice for people with dexterity issues or limited upper body and trunk strength. You can easily control its speed and direction by moving the joystick.

2. Usage

Are you looking for a mobility aid that’ll help you navigate the outdoors? Or do you just want the ability to move around freely inside your home? How long do you think you’re going to use the device in a day? Would you need to transport the device to another location in a truck or car?

Your answers to these questions will determine whether you should choose a power wheelchair or mobility scooter. For instance, if you’re looking for a device to help you move around in your neighborhood and go on grocery runs, a mobility scooter would be a better choice.

Mobility scooters are ideal for covering long distances, including steep slopes and rugged terrains. They’ll even come in handy when you want to enjoy a holiday in the mountains. It is, however, worth keeping in mind that a mobility scooter requires sufficient space to turn and maneuver. This makes it unsuitable for indoor use.

On the other hand, powerchairs are ideal for facilitating mobility indoors. They can easily move around and fit inside cramped spaces. Also, it’s easier to store electric wheelchairs inside your home.

Moreover, it’s possible to customize electric wheelchairs to provide the user with maximum comfort. From the seat and backrest to the armrest and foot support – you can tweak just about any component to ensure a comfortable posture. This makes it more suitable for prolonged use.

3. Cost

Although the price of mobility scooters, as well as powerchairs, depends on their features, the former tend to be more affordable. While the starting price of mobility scooters is just $1,500, a powerchair can cost you anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000. Make sure you keep your needs and budget in mind to make the right decision.

The choice between mobility scooters and powerchairs can go a long way to determine the quality of movement you enjoy in old age. But there’s no easy way to pick one over the other. Make sure you assess the pros and cons of each device to choose one that fits your requirements.