Electric Wheelchair or a Mobility Scooter?
As physical mobility decreases and we start looking into assistive devices for ourselves or others we are faced with some questions. Which should I get a motorized wheelchair or a mobility scooter? Are they same? Which one is better for me? Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters have a lot in common and have some differences. For more information on motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters go to the blog post titled Electric Wheelchair.
A mobility scooter has a seat with a flat area for the feet and is steered by a handlebar. This makes it less like a wheelchair and more like a temporary vehicle. While this is good for some it often presents challenges for others. Scooters are helpful for persons who can stand and walk short distances but are physically unable to walk long distances due to fatigue. A scooter user needs to be able to sit upright without support and be physically able to steer the handlebars.
The drawback to the mobility scooters is that they require upright posture and some upper-body mobility and strength. A mobility scooter is often more affordable than a power wheelchair, however, insurance providers are less likely to pay for a scooter because it is not considered medical necessity. Scooters are also usually heavier and longer are less maneuverable than wheelchairs. Scooters are also more restricted to the places they can go and limited to accessibility of public places like buses. Persons with severe arthritis in the shoulders, hands or arms or a weak heart should not consider a mobility scooter.
Electric wheelchairs are typically used by those without the physical ability to use a manual wheelchair, those mostly chair or bed bound, and those with severe mobility issues. Motorized wheelchairs are simple to operate and require less physical functions. An individual with a condition that will reduce physical function in the near future should consider a motorized wheelchair instead of a mobility scooter.
If a motorized wheelchair would improve your life and you would like to see if you can qualify for the power chair through your insurance then please talk to a mobility specialist by filling out this form. You will be contacted by phone shortly for a simple mobility consultation. If there is any other questions please make a comment at the bottom of this post.
A mobility scooter has a seat with a flat area for the feet and is steered by a handlebar. This makes it less like a wheelchair and more like a temporary vehicle. While this is good for some it often presents challenges for others. Scooters are helpful for persons who can stand and walk short distances but are physically unable to walk long distances due to fatigue. A scooter user needs to be able to sit upright without support and be physically able to steer the handlebars.
The drawback to the mobility scooters is that they require upright posture and some upper-body mobility and strength. A mobility scooter is often more affordable than a power wheelchair, however, insurance providers are less likely to pay for a scooter because it is not considered medical necessity. Scooters are also usually heavier and longer are less maneuverable than wheelchairs. Scooters are also more restricted to the places they can go and limited to accessibility of public places like buses. Persons with severe arthritis in the shoulders, hands or arms or a weak heart should not consider a mobility scooter.
Electric wheelchairs are typically used by those without the physical ability to use a manual wheelchair, those mostly chair or bed bound, and those with severe mobility issues. Motorized wheelchairs are simple to operate and require less physical functions. An individual with a condition that will reduce physical function in the near future should consider a motorized wheelchair instead of a mobility scooter.
If a motorized wheelchair would improve your life and you would like to see if you can qualify for the power chair through your insurance then please talk to a mobility specialist by filling out this form. You will be contacted by phone shortly for a simple mobility consultation. If there is any other questions please make a comment at the bottom of this post.
Labels: electric wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs
posted by OrbitMedical at 4:08 PM 
Wheelchairs
1 Comments:
I would like to introduce to you a unique wheelchair lift system http://www.wheelchairaccess.co.uk from Sesame Access Systems.
The System is imbedded into a staircase turning them into a retracting set of stairs that reveal a platform lift for wheelchair access. These stairs can be clad in the same existing material or whatever material the customer requires, from carpet to marble.
Please have a look at their web site at http://www.wheelchairaccess.co.uk for more details on the Sesame System.
If you would like Sesames Technical Information Pack for your records please visit this page http://www.wheelchairaccess.co.uk/tech.html
I hope this information can be of some use to you.
Thank you.
Steven Lyons
Defining phrases such as Disabled access, Disabled lifts, Wheelchair lifts, Stair Lifts, Platform Lifts, and Wheelchair Users.
Post a Comment
<< Home