Manual Wheelchair

Mobility scooter or Power Wheelchair: Which is best for me?

Many people are unclear which Power Mobility device is best for their needs. In fact many users aren’t even sure what the difference between a power wheelchair and mobility scooter are. When deciding which device is best for you it’s important to consider many factors such as turning radius, seating options, portability, ambulatory strength and terrain the power wheelchair or handicap scooter will be used on. Speaking with a mobility specialist is ideal and will usually help you in deciding on which item is best to fit your needs.

The first factor to consider is if the mobility device you’re looking at provides adequate turning radius to get in and out of where you need to go. A power wheelchair although usually heavier provides a much tighter turning radius than most mobility scooters. Often Power wheelchairs have a mid wheel drive feature enabling them to turn within 18 to 22 inches offering the most maneuverability to get through tight areas like smaller homes and tighter doorways. A mobility scooter typically offers a turning radius of about 35-40 inches depending on the number of wheels and style of scooter. So consider where you’ll be using the mobility equipment when choosing the right one.

Secondly you’ll want to consider upper body strength and seating requirements for you power mobility device. While scooters are typically more portable and easier to travel with, their seats are normally less comfortable and require more upper body strength especially in the shoulders to operate. If you’ll be using the scooter for an extended period of time your shoulders can become very weak and tired from holding them up for great lengths of time while operating the handlebars also known as the tiller. While using a power wheelchair there is much less stress on your arms and shoulders. A power wheelchair is typically operated by a joystick on the right or left side depending on which hand you have more comfort with. When considering how much time you’ll be in the mobility scooter or power chair and your shoulder strength, also consider the comfort of the seat. While most scooters simply come with a small shoulder blade height seat, many power wheelchairs are offered with a high back seat with a head rest. This seating usually also has the option to upgrade the seating to a gel or foam cushion to prevent sores for those who are in their mobility device all day.

Lastly you want to consider portability of your power mobility device. While most standard mobility scooters can be taken apart easily to travel with most standard power wheelchairs cannot. In order to transport a power wheelchair easily you will more than likely need a vehicle lift attached to the rear of your vehicle. There are power wheelchairs on the market that offer the ability to be taken apart easily however they do not offer the same seating comfort and longer range that standard power wheelchairs offer.

So when choosing which device is right for you, consider all of these factors. This will ensure you have the best device to fit your needs for years to come and help make your life easier. If you have any specific questions on which Electric Wheelchair or mobility scooter is right for you, never hesitate to contact an authorized mobility equipment dealer to go through your options.

“Hands-on” Brakes for Manual Wheelchairs

Mesh Full Body Sling with Commode Opening R114 Size: Medium Features: -Mesh, padded fabric offers soft and supportive full head and neck support.-Commode opening for toileting.-Four-point hook-up.-Soft mesh fabric dries quickly, so slings stay in service.-New stretch-resistant feature means the slings will hold their shape, for superior support and ease of positioning.-Soft-brushed lining helps prevent sliding for ultimate comfort and ski…

Medline In Excel 1000 Wheelchair, 18 X 16, 250 Lbs. $115.79 Basic wheelchair features durable embossed black upholstery, diamond graphite powder-coat frame and full-length plastic armrests for maximum comfort. Swing-away footrests are detachable. Maintenance-free wheels have sealed bearings….

Frigidaire FFGF3013LW, 30 Inch Gas Range, White $527.00 This range features a spacious 42 cu ft oven with 2 oven racks and 4 burners that deliver 9500 BTUs of heat each The Broil and Serve drawer helps ensure your dish is cooked to your…

1000lbs. Hitch Mount Hoist $1,174.20 The TelcoLift is the most versatile, lightweight and collapsible lift ever designed. It services industries including but not limited to telecommunications, municipalities, general contracting, logging, landscaping, scooters and wheelchairs, and any application where one person is needed to lift an object into a truck, van, SUV, manhole, or CEV….

Physical Activities In the Wheelchair and Out: An Illustrated Guide to Personalizing Participation $19.66 As a person involved in the care and development of individuals with disabilities, you have both the opportunity and challenge to provide movement experiences that fit within the scope of each person’s abilities. Physical Activities In the Wheelchair and Out: An Illustrated Guide to Personalizing Participation helps you create physical activity options that encourage success by honoring …

Overcoming Paralysis : Into the Water and Out of the Wheelchair $14.95 A motorcycle accident made Scott Biehler a paraplegic. This book tells the inspiring story of his recovery-and details the revolutionary “Burdenko method” of water and land exercises that made it possible for him to move his legs again. Here is an indispensable guide to getting better for anyone who suffers from paralysis….

The Manual Wheelchair Training Guide $20.00 This book was designed to be used by wheelchair users, their families, friends, caregivers, and anyone else who might need comprehensive information about manual wheelchair skills. The illustrated instructions provide guidance for wheelchair users on how to negotiate indoor environments, obstacles, and outdoor terrain. The skills and information in this guide will hopefully help increase the indep…

Drive Medical Pedal Exerciser with Attractive Silver Vein Finish, Silver Vein (Knock down) $16.50 Exercise Peddler With Attractive Silver Vein FinishAttractive silver vein finishCompact for storage and transportComes completely assembledColor Silver Vein…

Hugo Portable Rolling Walker with Seat, Backrest and 8 Inch Wheels, Blue $99.99 Rolling Walkers by Hugo give you the mobility, convenience and portability that you need in a walker. These blue walkers have a built-in seat with backrest that provides a perfect place to sit and rest. In addition, a convenient under seat storage bag offers security for your valuables. Hugo’s Rollator Walker has height adjustable handle bars for proper posture and ergonomic hand grips …

Exerpeutic Motorized Mini ACTIVCycle $84.83 Exercise your legs while sitting at a computer, watching TV, or just relaxing in a chair with the Exerpeutic ACTIVcycle, which can also be placed on top of a desk or table for arm and shoulder exercises. Exercising using the ACTIVcycle promotes blood circulation, improves balance, and strengthens muscles. It comes pre-assembled and is ready to use out of the box. The ACTIVcycle has an adjustable s…