| Several mobility aids are widely available | | | | properties make these types of wheelchairs |
| for physically handicapped individuals. These | | | | hard to keep or transport. |
| may vary from conventional canes and walkers | | | | |
| to much sophisticated electric powered | | | | To achieve optimum comfort, the adjustability |
| wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The latter | | | | of some features on both mobility aids is of |
| two can bring greater freedom and | | | | major importance. The seats, armrests, and |
| independence to disabled persons. Hence, this | | | | footrests of electric wheelchairs can be |
| article will be comparing the mentioned | | | | accordingly angled and adjusted for comfort. |
| mobility aids to help those concerned | | | | The seats and handlebars of mobility scooters |
| individuals to decide which of the two they | | | | can also be adjusted for the same purpose. |
| will purchase for themselves, or for their | | | | |
| loved ones who need it. | | | | An electric mobility scooter can be steered |
| | | | using handlebars like that with a bicycle |
| Both mobility aids utilize the same types of | | | | while an electric wheelchair makes use of a |
| rechargeable batteries. They can also run as | | | | joystick. |
| far as 15 miles or more before requiring | | | | |
| battery recharging. Also, both mobility | | | | Individuals with problems on mobility of the |
| scooters and electric wheelchairs can | | | | upper portion of their bodies may find |
| accommodate a weight of 500 pounds, or | | | | electric wheelchairs easier to manipulate |
| greater. Lastly, the controls for speed and | | | | compared to mobility scooters. For those with |
| acceleration are similar for both mobility | | | | impaired postures, electric wheelchairs may |
| vehicles. | | | | include motorized reclined, tilt, and stand |
| | | | options for support. Also, wheelchairs are |
| In terms of cost, electric wheelchairs are | | | | more comfortable for those who require |
| considered as the most expensive among all | | | | spending most of their time in their mobility |
| mobility vehicles. The advanced power, speed, | | | | aids. |
| and features of such wheelchairs can cost as | | | | |
| much as, or even exceed, the price of average | | | | So, which of the two aforementioned mobility |
| automobiles. The price of electric | | | | assistance vehicles is best for you? We have |
| wheelchairs can be as much as $15,000. On the | | | | compared the electric wheelchair and mobility |
| other hand, mobility scooters are more | | | | scooters. This is surely a great help for |
| cost-effective. The deluxe types of such | | | | affected individuals to make a wise and |
| vehicles can only cost a small fraction of an | | | | informed decision on which one to purchase. |
| electric wheelchair's price, that is, from | | | | Either of them will tremendously aid a |
| $1,000 up to $5,000. | | | | mobility impaired individual to become more |
| | | | self-reliant and to move around better. But |
| For storage purposes, mobility scooters are | | | | in the end, your decision whether to buy an |
| more convenient than electric wheelchairs. | | | | electric wheelchair or an electric mobility |
| Mobility scooters may be folded or dismantled | | | | scooter will greatly depend on your personal |
| and can be expediently kept in a closet or be | | | | needs, preferences and budget. If you can |
| transported in a car's trunk. On the | | | | comfortably mount a scooter then go for it, |
| contrary, electric wheelchairs are very heavy | | | | otherwise if balance is an issue, it will be |
| and are not foldable primarily because of the | | | | safer to ride the wheelchair type. |
| sturdy materials that they are made of. Such | | | | |