Differences between scooters and power wheelchairs

Scooters and power wheelchairs are  two important types of healthcare equipment which are suitable for people who suffer from mobility issues.  Sometimes when you have serious mobility issues and you need more than just the assistance of a cane or walker, it can be confusing to decide if the most suitable mobility equipment would be a power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Assisting seniors with mobility issues has become an easier task with the support of a scooter or power wheelchair. Both scooters and power wheelchairs can help people who have mobility issues but there are some differences in the purpose and usage of these two types of equipment.

A mobility scooter is designed primarily for outdoor use and has handle bars and a tiller for steering. A power wheelchair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and is steered with one hand using a joystick. A power wheelchair is very maneuverable and easy to use inside the home.

A scooter or POV (powered-operated vehicle) is a mobility device that has three or four wheels, a tiller for steering and a swivel seat. Because of the way a scooter is driven, this device requires good trunk control, good arm strength and mobility, as well as fine motor control. Also, you should know that the scooter seat and driving functions cannot be customized for individual needs.

Scooters have a larger turning radius than a power wheelchair, and therefore are more difficult to navigate inside the home or in tight spaces. Therefore, the best choice for mobility issues for indoor usage is a power wheelchair.

If you do not have any special seating needs and method of mobility, you can choose a scooter for outdoor use.

A power wheelchair has four or six wheels, a drive system and a seating system. Power wheelchairs  consist of three components which are combined into a single system – the base, the seating, and the drive mechanism. For controlling a power wheelchair, the standard mechanism is a joystick. The joystick speed and sensitivity can be adapted to each individual user.

Power wheelchairs can be customized to fit a variety of user needs and specifications, while also providing independent control for individuals.. Power wheelchairs can be fitted with power tilt, recline, elevating leg rests, and seat elevation. Also, they have some advantages that you can read about  here.

If you want to know more about the models of scooters and power wheelchairs available, you can visit our online store. At Advanced Medical, we are ready to serve people who have mobility issues. For more information on buying or renting scooters and power wheelchairs in Vancouver, please contact us.

Advanced Medical helps Canadians who live in Metro Vancouver BC with a wide range of healthcare equipment services.

Drop us a message: info@advancedmedicalbc.ca