Besides electric wheelchairs, motorized scooters are also amongst the most advanced of mobility equipment, and they surpass the electric wheelchair when speed is taken into consideration, as they are able to reach a higher speed that makes them an ideal option if you are in need of travelling on a road. However, this, of course, is not the only advantage that a motorized scooter has over an electric wheelchair. On the other hand, as with any invention disadvantages are sure to make themselves prevalent. So here is a brief overview about why motorized scooters are better than electric wheelchairs. And why they are not.
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Advantages
Vast speed range
Mobility scooters provide you with the ability to make sharp turns when necessary, this is all due to their speed and their advanced control panel that enables you to instantly decrease and increase speed. They also have a wider speed range than electric wheelchairs, as some smaller scooters are able to travel to a maximum of 4mph while the larger ones (classified as Class 3/Road scooters) can travel up to 15mph.
Storage Compartments
Mobility scooters generally come with a basket attached to the front or/and the back of the scooter. This brings a sense of ease into your life, as you are able to store away your items safely, without thinking about how you’re going to make it back home with the heavy luggage for the day. Additionally, if you need to transport excessive and large furniture from one place to another, some scooters come with a hook at the back which enables you to attach small trailers that can aid you during transferals.
Extra Comfort
Mobility scooter seats are much more comfortable than that of electric wheelchairs, as they are thickly padded to ensure that you are not hurt and are kept safe even on those bumpy rides. Some of them come with embedded weather canopies that protect you from extreme weather conditions. It is possible to purchase these canopies separately if they are not present on the mobility scooter that you have purchased.
Added features that maximize safety
Mobility scooters come with the full package to ensure that you are seen and safe at all times while you are driving on the road. Like cars they have headlights, mirrors, bumpers, indicators and a horn. The four-wheeled mobility scooters are the safest, as they have equal balance on all four sides, providing maximum stability.
Disadvantages
More maintenance, more repairs
Due to their car-like structure and added features, they may need to go through check-ups and maintenance, more so than electric wheelchairs. This is all due to their great number of extra features there are more parts that may need replacing at separate times. Electric wheelchairs, on the other hand, have a minimal number of buttons and levers.
Exposed engine and gears
Because some mobility scooters come with weather canopies, users may tend to go on journeys even when it’s the rainiest of weathers. However, one should be aware that the engine and gears of mobility scooters may not be hidden behind frames and so may malfunction due to corrosion. This is not the case for all mobility scooters of course, and although a small number, finding a mobility scooter whose gear and engines are protected within a frame is possible. The CRM-HS-890 Full Size Bariatric Heavy Duty Road Class Scooter is one such example of a mobility scooter that has a frame wrapped around the important components to prevent any rain water reaching them. The controls of the tiller are also water resistant.
- PHILLIPS POWER PACKAGE IS A TRADE-MARKED EXCLUSIVE OFFER BY PHILLIPS HEALTH CARE ONLY, BEWARE OF OTHER SELLERS ON THIS LISTING THAT ARE NOT PHILLIPS
- Top Speed : 9.30 mph
- Drive Range: 23.30 Miles
- Wheel Type: 4-wheel
- Weight Capacity: 500 Lbs.
Encourages laziness
It is a fact, that mobility scooters tend to make individuals lazier, as they are so easy to use, fast and comfortable. This lack of exercise may lead to greater health risks, such as heart related issues, and obesity, as well as enhanced weaknesses in the legs.
Lack of portability
Mobility scooters are built in a bulky sturdy way in order to ensure your safety on the road, however due to this they are difficult to fit into cars, if you are travelling with your loved ones to distance places.
Cost
They are also rather expensive; their prices ranging from $550 for the smaller class 2 ones, to $3,500 for the class 3 ones. Although, you may be able to get insured by health insurance companies who may offer to pay a large amount of the fee. For instance, The Stand or Rise Scooter with a folding tiller that is manufacture red by ewheels is amongst the cheapest of mobility scooters with a quiet brushless motor. It can carry up to 300 pounds in weight and can reach a maximum speed of 15mph. However, a major downside is that you have to have a strong upper body to use this scooter, since its’ seat does not have a backrest and you are left with having to support yourself.
- SEAT TYPE: WIDE SADDLE SEAT
- TUNING RADIUS: 22 INCH
- TIRE TYPE: NON-MARKING, PNEUMATIC
- MAXIMUM SPEED*: 15MPH
- LOAD CAPACITY: 300 LBS.
So, whether you decide to purchase an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter, it is important to weight the advantages against the disadvantages. Which will benefit you the most in the long run? Is it worth buying a motorized scooter? Regardless of whichever one you settle on ensure that it is the right one that will alter your health in the positive.