In the AMBULATORY AIDS section, we started with a Single Point Cane as the first tool in maintaining balance and/or preventing falls.
After the Single point Cane, Pad Canes, Quad Canes, Walkers, Rollators and Wheelchairs have been used, there are still times when these tools are not enough to get to where you want to go safely and efficiently.
This is where POWER MOBILITY comes into play.
An Electric Power Motorized Wheelchair or Electric Power Mobility Scooter are amazing tools for mobility. Shopping, going to the Movies or anyplace is now within reach.
CHOOSING A MOTORIZED ELECTRIC POWER WHEELCHAIR OR ELECTRIC MOBILITY SCOOTER
Choosing a Motorized Electric Power Wheelchair or Electric Mobility Scooter to assist in restoring the person’s Freedom and Independence.
There is some confusion in the power mobility industry regarding Power Motorized Wheelchairs and Power Mobility Scooters. These are totally different devices which serve two different needs.
POWER MOBILITY SCOOTER USERS
A Power Mobility Scooter is designed for someone who still has decent Hand-Eye coordination and has enough upper body strength and the endurance level needed to sit upright with little support for extended periods of time.
Best said, a Power Mobility Scooter user is someone who can still walk with limited assistance for short distances but tires easily and/or gets short of breath.
POWER WHEELCHAIR USERS
Power Motorized Wheelchairs were designed for someone who still has the mental capacity to control the Power Wheelchair but has very limited physical ability. The Power Wheelchair user may or may not be able to support their weight for 1 or 2 steps. Today’s power wheelchairs (also known as Motorized Wheelchairs, Electric Wheelchairs or even Power Chairs) look much more modern than the rather ugly Wheelchair with a motor.
Electric Power Motorized Wheelchairs are designed to deliver the balance between indoor maneuverability and outdoor performance and durability.
With the recent expansion of Power Mobility and the increase in the number of products that are available, it can be difficult choosing the right model that meets the demands of your needs.
POWER MOBILITY SCOOTER AND POWER WHEELCHAIR RANGE
One concern many people have when looking for a Power Wheelchair or a Power Mobility Scooter is, “How far can I go before it runs out of power”? The answer is, in both cases, it depends😊
#1 User’s weight. #2 Going uphill or downhill. #3 Size and age of the batteries.
These are the major factors determining how long the batteries will last on a single charge. If you’re of average weight, on a level surface, new fully charged batteries, the average distance on most basic scooters is approximately 5 – 10 miles. Upgrades are available on some models. Power Wheelchairs usually have bigger batteries (since the user will often spend most of their day in their power wheelchair) they can usually go an average distance of 20-25 miles on a full charge.
POWER MOBILITY SCOOTERS & POWER WHEELCHAIR MANEUVERABILITY
Power Mobility Scooters are available in a 3- or 4-wheel variety. The 3-wheel Mobility Scooter is nimbler than the 4-wheel style because the 4-wheeler has a wider wheelbase for added stability and comfort. If your main intent is to use it outside, the 4-wheeler is more stable and a more comfortable ride. However, if the main use will be indoors in tighter areas, the 3-wheeler maneuverability is better suited for indoor use, it can truly amaze most users. Our sister Store MOBILITY DEPOT PLUS has an Indoor Test Track to see which model is best for your needs.
Power Motorized Wheelchairs, once you get the feel of the hand controller, you can spin on a dime and get around with the use of just one finger. The Power Wheelchair can be adjusted in many ways, it’s like a custom fit.
POWER WHEELCHAIR PORTABILITY
Another concern about Power Mobility is the ability to transport the equipment. Most Motorized Wheelchairs are a few hundred pounds and not easily transported without a ramp or rear lift of some kind. The lifts must be mounted to an appropriate vehicle to carry the added weight. However, today there are some that have Lithium Batteries and are made of CARBON FIBER. These Motorized Wheelchairs weigh under 50 pounds, some are under 30 pounds.
MOBILITY SCOOTER PORTABILITY
Mobility Scooters are much less involved than a Motorized Wheelchair and therefore are lighter. The common way to easily transport these is by taking them apart where the lightest parts are about 30 pounds. Some fold manually or automatically, these are about 50 pounds.
Take back your life, and let our caring professionals provide you with the best and most efficient Mobility Equipment available in today’s market.
Let us help you find the perfect mobility device for your specific needs.
Call us now for more information 818-860-7717.
