At Complete Care Shop, you’ll find an exceptional range of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The wide variety of options are designed for people with different levels of mobility limitations. Whatever your level of mobility, a wheelchair or mobility scooter from us could greatly improve your daily life and independence. But, what’s better for you – an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter? Find out below.
What is an electric wheelchair?
An electric wheelchair, which is often called a power chair, is a mobility device that’s designed to help people who live with mobility impairments or disabilities. Unlike a standard self-propelled-wheelchair or attendant-propelled wheelchair, electric models are built with electric motors and batteries that provide quicker, powered movement.
Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people who not only live with mobility issues but also have limited upper body strength and coordination. This could be anyone from a young person with a disability to an elderly person who cannot push their own wheelchair.
What are the benefits of an electric wheelchair?
There are many benefits that an electric wheelchair provides, and they include:
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Enhanced mobility
Electric wheelchairs make it easier for people to move around if they have limited upper body strength or mobility. -
Reduced physical exertion
Having an electric motor within a wheelchair means the person using it doesn’t have to use anywhere near as much energy to get where they want to. -
Increased independence
Previously, they may have needed somebody to push and control their wheelchair but an electric wheelchair gives them the power to go where they want to without support. -
Longer travel distances
Electric wheelchairs have strong batteries built into them that can take the user a lot further than they may have been able to go by pushing themselves. This opens up a lot more of the world.
What is a mobility scooter?
A mobility scooter is a motorised vehicle that’s designed to assist people who live with mobility limitations. A scooter is a popular mobility aid for individuals who find it difficult to walk, whether due to injury, disability or age. Mobility scooters are built for short to medium-distance journeys, such as navigating parks and shops.
What are the benefits of a mobility scooter?
Like electric wheelchairs, there are a wide range of benefits for mobility scooters, including:
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Enhanced mobility
Due to being a motorised vehicle, people using a mobility scooter have much better mobility compared to being without one. They can easily travel to the local shops or meet friends for dinner in their mobility scooter. -
Independence
Mobility scooters offer people who use them much greater independence by allowing them to go where they want to without relying on assistance from family, friends or carers. -
Improved quality of life
Mobility scooters can significantly enhance the quality of life for people with mobility issues. They can participate in social activities that they may not have previously been able to. -
Safety
Mobility scooters come with a range of safety features like lights, turn indicators and a horn to increase their visibility on the roads and pavements. -
Comfort and posture support
Mobility scooters normally feature comfortable seating with adjustable accessories that allow the person to use it to maintain good posture. This helps to reduce the risk of pressure sores or discomfort during extended use.
Electric wheelchair vs mobility scooter
While mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are both motorised mobility aids that are designed to increase the mobility of people living with injuries or disabilities, they do differ in some aspects. Mobility scooters, for example, are designed for people who have some degree of walking ability and are looking for enhanced outdoor movement. This makes them ideal for navigating larger spaces and travelling longer distances. They offer a more upright and secure seating position with a number of safety features that make them visible to other vehicles on the road. They also have handlebars and brakes for more control during movement.
In contrast, electric wheelchairs are designed for people with little to no walking ability and are more focused on precise manoeuvring. They feature a joystick for navigation and offer great support in various environments.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the person needing support and the type of mobility assistance required.
Mobility aids at Complete Care Shop
At Complete Care Shop, we have a wonderful set of mobility aids in addition to wheelchairs and mobility scooters. We have plenty of walking aids, like walking sticks and rollators, as well as ramps to help with access to buildings and vehicles.
If you require any more assistance, please contact us for help and advice.