When you are on the search for a mobility aid, you might ask yourself, “Should I get a power chair or mobility scooter?”. Here at EasyGo Mobility, it is one of the most common questions that our clients ask us. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Power chairs, also known as electric wheelchairs, and mobility scooters can be very similar. But, they also have many differences as well. In this article, we will dive into the similarities and differences between power chairs and mobility scooters.
Overview
Power chairs and mobility scooters are both mobility aids that are battery-operated. They drive on at least three wheels that can be different sizes. Both power chairs and mobility scooters help give mobile independence back to their users. This allows their user to get back out into the world and enjoy life. Depending on the power chair or mobility scooter, they can be portable and suitable to use indoors and outdoors. Power chairs such as the EasyGo Power Chairs and scooters such as the Shoprider Echo Folding Scooter can be folded for easy storage and loading making them portable and ideal for traveling.
Portability
While there are some similarities in portability between power chairs and mobility scooters, the differences in portability are what really sets them apart. You can find portable scooters that are foldable and ideal for traveling. However, the weight capacity of portable scooters tends to be on the lower side. Many people looking to buy a scooter are looking for one with a higher weight capacity. To support a higher weight capacity, a scooter must be either full-size or heavy-duty. This makes these types of scooters not as portable since they are bigger and heavier. Some full-size or heavy-duty scooters can be disassembled for traveling, but that is not always convenient or ideal. Plus, they can get pretty heavy and expensive.
If you are looking for a truly portable mobility aid, a power chair is your best option. While there are some power chairs that are heavy and use large seats and require disassembly for transport, there are also many lightweight, portable, foldable power chairs available. Some folding power chairs can hold up to 300 pounds and fold within just a few seconds. They can be light enough to lift and store in your vehicle. Lightweight foldable power chairs may be FAA-approved so they can be taken on a plane with you.
Comfort
If you’re going to be using a mobility aid to get around, you want to make sure you’re comfortable. Both scooters and power chairs offer a variety of different sizes and styles of seats. Some seats offer the option to adjust the armrests, the seat height, and the backrest for additional comfort and support. It is also important to have sufficient space between the armrests and from the seat to the footplate/footrest. Some scooters and power chairs come with headrests for additional comfort.
Price
While generally close in price, scooters tend to be more expensive than most power chairs. This makes sense when you consider a few facts. Scooters are bigger and heavier and use large batteries. They have more features such as headlights and mirrors which add to the total cost of the scooter. Some scooters can be found for under $2,500.00. But, if you want a full-size or heavy-duty scooter that has a higher weight capacity and more features, it will probably cost over $2,500.00. On the other hand, while you may be able to find power chairs that are over $2,500.00, you can usually find a good power chair for under $2,500.00. Foldable and portable power chairs are usually around that amount and offer the mobility most people need. Some companies offer financing that splits your total payment into monthly payments which help make mobility aids more affordable.
Convenience
You want your scooter or power chair to be convenient overall. Both power chairs and scooters are convenient in their own way. While power chairs can be used outdoors, they tend to be more convenient to use indoors as they are usually smaller all around and provide the same ease of mobility as a scooter. Scooters can also be used indoors, but they can be big making maneuvering indoors difficult sometimes. Outdoors however scooters perform very well and usually have a longer driving range than power chairs. Due to their durability, they can go over obstacles a bit easier than power chairs. Both are convenient to turn on using a key, a button, or a switch. In terms of portability, foldable power chairs are more convenient. As mentioned previously, foldable power chairs are lightweight and can be loaded in your trunk. While foldable scooters are available and share that feature, others need to be disassembled to transport. Some scooters need to be transported on vans or lifts.
EasyGo Power Chairs
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable, foldable power chair, EasyGo power chairs will give you what you need. EasyGo power chairs are battery-operated, joystick-driven, foldable, and lightweight power chairs that fold in a few seconds and can be loaded in your trunk. Enjoy a comfortable ride on 10 or 12-inch wheels while driving a total distance of 15 miles at a comfortable 3.7 MPH. When it comes to comfort, portability, and convenience, EasyGo is the way to go. Call 1-833-709-3499 to learn about any promotions and learn more about one of America’s lightest and most affordable power chairs.
Conclusion
So which is better; a power chair or mobility scooter? The answer comes down to personal preference and personal needs. If you need something that is heavy-duty and will take you everywhere you need to go outdoors, a mobility scooter may be the way to go. If you need something more convenient and don’t need something with a high weight capacity that is ideal for indoors and outdoors, a power chair is a very considerable choice. We hope this article helps you better outweigh your options. Thank you for choosing EasyGo.
