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Mobility Scooter vs. Wheelchair: Which Option Is Best for Me?
Mobility scooters are great mobility options for people who want to be mobile, but still, have the support of a mobility device. If you are looking for mobility help that is comfortable and convenient, then mobility scooters may be right for you.
However, there are also plenty of reasons why wheelchairs may be better suited to your needs.
In this article, we will discuss how mobility scooters can help with everyday tasks as well as what type would work best based on your personal situation.
Mobility Scooters Come in Many Shapes and Sizes
Mobility scooters are mobility devices that you can ride, similar to riding a bicycle. They come in all different shapes and sizes depending on what your mobility needs require. You can find mobility scooters for indoor or outdoor use as well as ones that fold up easily for storage purposes if necessary.
Some even have covered so they look like regular chairs when not being used but still offer the same amount of support while sitting down at the dinner table with family members or friends without having to feel embarrassed about using it indoors.
Mobility Scooters Can Be Handles on Various Terrains
One of the biggest benefits mobility scooters offer is that they are made to handle various types of terrain. Many models come with large, heavy-duty tires that can easily move across grass or even sand depending on where you will be taking your mobility device most often.
Mobility Scooters Have Large Steering Wheels for Added Control
Another benefit mobility scooters have over wheelchairs is their steering wheels. They are much easier to grip and turn than a wheelchair.
Therefore, if you want more control over how fast you go while still being able to see everything around you clearly without feeling overwhelmed by having too many things in front of you at any given time then a mobility scooter may be best suited for your needs instead.
Some Mobility Scooters are Easy to Transport
Mobility scooters are also easy to transport if you need mobility help that can be moved easily.
You can fold up many mobility scooter models and put them in the back of your car or even store them under a bed until needed again. If storage is an issue for you, then mobility scooters may work best since they do not take up as much space as wheelchairs would indoors.
Mobility Scooters are Faster than Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters are also much faster than wheelchairs, which can be important if mobility help is only needed for short distances.
For example, mobility scooters may not work best to get you across a football field or even around the gym between classes at your university.
However, they will definitely do the trick when it comes time to go out shopping with family members on weekends.
Wheelchairs Have a Higher Turning Radius
If mobility scooters do not suit your mobility needs, then a wheelchair rental near me is another great mobility option.
Wheelchairs have a higher turning radius than mobility scooters so they may be more difficult to turn when in tight spaces such as narrow hallways or even around corners.
However, since most wheelchairs come with large wheels on both sides, it is easy for them to handle different types of terrain making them perfect if you enjoy being outdoors no matter what type of weather Mother Nature decides to bring along too.
Wheelchairs are Extremely Stable and Durable
One of the biggest benefits of mobility wheelchairs is that they are extremely stable and durable.
There was a time when most mobility scooters were made from very cheap materials, making them basically disposable after just a few years depending on how often you use them.
However, many modern-day mobility devices come with steel frames for added strength as well as heavy-duty rubber wheels rather than plastic ones that can easily crack or break over time if not properly taken care of.
Mobility Scooters are More Expensive than Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters are also more expensive than mobility wheelchairs. However, the price difference is usually only a few hundred dollars depending on what type of mobility device you choose to buy.
Therefore, mobility help may not need to be as pricey as it once was making mobility options for seniors much more affordable today.
This is compared to years ago when mobility devices were quite rare and very costly due to limited access by most people who needed them back then too.
Mobility Scooters are Bulkier Than Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters are also bulkier than wheelchairs.
For example, mobility scooters typically cannot be folded up like mobility wheelchairs can which means they take up more storage space in your home or garage when not being used.
However, mobility scooter prices have gone down significantly over the years making them much more affordable for seniors who want to enjoy an active lifestyle with their family and friends no matter what type of terrain they go across together most often too.
Wheelchairs are More Difficult to Move Around
Wheelchairs are also more difficult to move around if mobility help is needed on a regular basis.
For example, you cannot easily fold up mobility wheelchairs and put them in the back of your car or even store them under a bed until they are needed again like mobility scooters can be stored at times too.
However, since most people who use mobility devices choose to stay indoors for the majority of their time these days, then storing one wheelchair inside may work just fine for many seniors as long as it gets used regularly enough that moving it from place to place becomes easy over time.
Mobility Scooters are More Comfortable to Use
Mobility scooters are also more comfortable to use than mobility wheelchairs.
For example, many mobility scooter models come with a padded seat for added comfort when in motion while most mobility wheelchair models do not have this type of seating.
This can make them quite uncomfortable during long-term travel times especially if you suffer from arthritis or other conditions that cause pain and discomfort in your joints, back, legs or feet too.
Ready to Buy a Mobility Scooter?
As you can see, there are several reasons why you should buy a mobility scooter. To learn more about this subject, continue reading our blog for more helpful articles.