There are many types of home mobility aids that are designed in a manner to help make peoples lives easier. From adjustable beds to wheelchairs, the list of aids available to the general public is long and diverse. One of the most common and well known is the electric scooter, which is a device that is intended to make it easier for individuals with limited mobility get around. These aids are quite popular all over the world and millions of Americans use them everyday.
The basic design of an electric scooter is in some ways similar to that of an electric wheelchair, but there are several differences. One of the major differences is the difference between the wheelbase of an electric power chair and that of an electric scooter. An electric scooter has either 3 or 4 wheels and is much more spread out than an electric wheelchair. Usually the seat of an electric scooter is also located more towards the rear of the device and overall they have a much larger platform.
Another difference is the positioning of the controls. A wheelchair usually uses a joystick that is mounted onto the armrests. It can be mounted on either side and there are also many types of alternate control schemes available for people who are not able to easily use a joystick.
A scooter, on the other hand, uses a tiller control system that is similar to the handlebars on a bike. The tiller is mounted onto the front of the device and can be moved closer or farther away from the scooters occupant. Generally two hands are required to safely operate a scooter, but the accelerator can be operated easily with only a single finger.
As a result of how the two devices are designed, a mobility scooter typically offers reduced mobility when compared to a wheelchair. This is not to say they are cumbersome or hard to drive, only that due to the different uses, electric wheelchairs are designed to be much more maneuverable than a mobility scooter, but they both can and are often used indoors.
Also because of how the controls are set up, a mobility scooter can not be driven directly up to a table or desk. For the most part, electric scooters are intended to be used to transport a person between two areas, then once there the person can sit in the scooter or get up if necessary.
Electric scooters can be used in many situations and are extensively used outdoors as well as indoors. If you want to do a lot of off-roading though, you should invest in a 4 wheel scooter. 4 wheels are advantageous because they are better able to distribute the weight of the rider. As a result, these scooters also usually have higher weight ratings and improved stability. The downside however is that they loose some maneuverability. For tight quarter maneuverability, such as around a living room, the 3 wheeled scooter will perform the best, but 4 wheeled scooters aren't too far behind the curve.
Generally if you are able to walk, but have difficulty a mobility scooter will probably be your best bet. These are very affordable and can usually be transported with limited difficulty.
