Are you thinking about buying a vehicle to help improve your mobility? That is a good idea…but what will you choose? Disability scooters or motorized wheelchairs? Let’s consider some of the fundamental differences between these two creations.
The collapsible wheelchair we all know today dates back to the 1930s and was invented by a man named Harry Jennings. The actual wheelchair as a device to help immobilized people dates back centuries before, all the way to the 6th century. The scooter is a relatively new invention, first created in 1968 and by a man named Allan R. Thieme.
When it comes to price, electric wheelchairs are usually more expensive than disability scooters. However, the more features you add on the scooter, the more expensive it can get. Motorized wheelchairs are not easily collapsible, and neither are heavy duty scooters. The only scooter you could transport in a trunk would be a compact scooter. Most wheelchairs are not foldable and are much heavier than scooters, and thus not as easily transportable for travel.
Disability scooters are steered using bicycle-like handlebars. While you do use mostly your hand to maneuver them around, you also use your shoulders. With a wheelchair you use a joystick. Scooters, which have swiveling chairs, feel less confining than wheelchairs, which have sturdy foot holders.
Scooters also benefit from a much more positive image than wheelchairs. Scooters are often recommended for people with whole or partial disabilities. They are even rented out at grocery stores and theme parks. Scooters don’t feel like a wheelchair and that’s one of the most popular reasons for buying one.
Aside from this, some scooters are very high powered and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. If you are planning on traveling or want to cover long distances, then a scooter may be the ideal buy.
Tags: disability scooters