When an individual can no longer independently get around or operate a car, the purchase of a mobility vehicle will help in filling the void caused by the loss of freedom and movement. Electric Scooters and powerchairs have become the most popular solutions as they are cheap to maintain, very safe to use and easy to drive. Generally, neither mobility vehicle requires a licence or compulsory insurance and can be easily obtained. Mirroring the automobile industry, the electric scooter and powerchair market has grown rapidly over the past decade, with falling prices and updated technology. Focus on the safety of users has also been a benefit passed directly onto the driver. There has literally never been a better time to invest in a mobility vehicle that fits your needs.
Electric Scooter vs Power Chair. The Pros and Cons There are many factors to consider when deciding on either an electric scooter or a power chair, and many products claim to solve all your life’s problems. The most important advice you can listen to should come from your healthcare provider, who is best positioned to explain your restrictions and recommend the right product to make life easier for you. The Table below also serves as a guide for you in ticking the boxes for the perfect fit, to accommodate your needs.
Advantages / Disadvantages
• Mobility Scooter
Transportable - many scooters are light, collapsible and can be folded down for easy transport.
Stylish - Scooters come in a variety of colours and shapes, resembling an automobile more than a wheelchair.
Built for all Terrain - With a choice of solid or filled tyres, scooters can better handle different gradients and surfaces.
Greater Effort to Operate.- Scooters require upper body strength to operate and manoeuvre, thus are not for everybody.
Difficult to navigate indoors - due to its wide steering turn, scooters pose a challenge in getting around tight spots in your home.
Safety Issues on the road - Inevitably while sharing paths and roads with fellow drivers and pedestrians, road safety becomes a concern.
• Electric Powerchair
Fully Customizable - Powerchairs can be designed and adapted to meet every need of the restricted driver.
Easy, Front Access - Getting in and off doesn’t require swivelling and turning of a scooter.
Accessibility - designed on a wheelchair, of which ramps and lifts are readily available.
Expensive - Advanced, feature-heavy models can cost almost as much as a car.
Heavy - It makes wheelchairs more difficult to transport, and can limit their capacity on certain manual ramps
Difficult to Adjust or Fold - will pose challenges when the chair is in transit and may require an additional manual wheelchair to get by.
Irrespective of each vehicles restrictions, they represent a major step in regaining independence and freedom. At Shoprider we are passionate about mobility and offer market-leading electric scooters and powerchairs that will fit your needs. Contact us today to see how we can get you on board.
