On
process of deciding best apparatus for a paralyzed loved one to improve his indoor/outdoor mobility and independence? There are two good choices you could consider: getting a scooter or a power wheelchair. In choosing which is which, you may have to consider several factors: control and maneuverability, weight capacity, speed, power, user safety, durability, and of course, price. Here, we give you several comparisons of scooter and power wheelchair related to these factors:
With regards to control methods, scooters are steered with a tiller, functioning like a bicycle’s handlebar. Scooters have 2 different drive types, rear and front wheel drive. In power wheelchairs, most common controller is a programmable joystick. In general power wheelchairs are maneuverable in small and tight spaces because of sophisticated electronic control methods.
The weight capacity of a rear wheel drive scooter is from 250 to 350 lbs. Heavy duty models can carry up to 500 lbs. Meanwhile, power wheelchairs can carry same weight and because of features like power stand, power recline, power tilt and power elevation on some models, they can accommodate more kinds of seating and postural support.
On speed of a scooter, most models have a variable type speed control knob so you can set speed from 1 to 5 mph. while, power wheelchairs have a variable type speed control knob so you can set speed from 1 to 5+ mph. With regards to their power capacities, front wheel drive scooters usually have a single 12 volt battery capable of traveling 5 – 10 miles before recharging. Rear-wheel drives have 2-12 volt battery capable of 15 – 20 miles before recharging. Most electric wheelchairs are equipped with 12 volt batteries capable of going 15 to 20 miles on a full charge over level terrain. Both use gel cell sealed batteries which are approved for transport.
