Electric Wheelchair vs Mobility Scooter: Which Is Best for Me?

Buying an electric wheelchair (aka powerchair) or a mobility scooter can be a daunting and difficult task, as it is usually a large investment and there are many options available with little perceived difference between them. As you are likely to use the electric wheelchair or mobility scooter frequently, maybe even daily if you need it to get around, it’s important you get the right mode of transport to suit your needs. 

Essentially, electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters serve the same basic function, to help those with reduced mobility travel around with ease, whether it be indoors or outdoors. Traditionally, the mobility scooter was thought of as aiding those with some level of mobility to travel around outdoors, whereas the electric wheelchair was reserved for those with higher levels of disability, who need to get around indoors as well as outdoors. However, as technology has advanced, the differences between these two mobility solutions have seemingly dwindled, but there are major and distinct differences between them both.  

In this article, we will talk you through the key differences between electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters and understand who is better suited to each, so you can be confident in your purchasing decision. 

What are Mobility Scooters?

Mobility scooters are battery-powered forms of transport that are designed to help some elderly and disabled people regain their independence by transporting them from A to B. Some tend to have a swivel seat to help with getting on and off and are operated through using the controls located on the handlebars. 

There are a few different classifications of mobility scooters depending on the design of the model. Class 2 mobility scooters have an upper-speed limit of 4 mph (6 km/h) and are acceptable for use on pavements, whereas Class 3 mobility scooters have an upper-speed of 8 mph (12 km/h) and are equipped to be used on a road or pavement. Class 3 scooters must be fitted with lights, reflectors, indicators, an audible horn and rear-view mirror, and when driven on the road must obey the guidance and highway code. They are also not excluded from additional VAT costs, these would be levied on an 8mph Mobility Scooter.

You do not require a licence to drive a mobility scooter, but to drive a class 3 scooter you must be aged 14 or above and the scooter has to be registered and taxed. 

What are Mobility Scooters Used for?

Mobility scooters have excellent travel distance on one charge and have large weight-bearing capabilities, with some heavy-duty models being able to carry up to 600 lbs, making them great for a trip to the store. The downside is that they are very bulky and do not have the guaranteed access into buildings that wheelchairs have, the majority of mobility scooter users tend to have more ability to walk short distances, due mainly to an ambulant disability, they can leave the scooter outside the store and browse on-foot. 

Mobility scooters can be heavy and large, but advancements in technology have resulted in lightweight options coming onto the market such as the EeZeeGo-SC1 Power Scooter, which can also fold automatically, at the touch of a button, and is powered with the latest in Lithium Battery Technology. These scooters can be transported and stored easily.

Who is a Mobility Scooter Better Suited To?

Mobility scooters are best suited to those with some degree of arm and torso strength to be able to grip the handlebars and operate the controls. There is also a small amount of balance needed to keep the scooter steady, especially around corners. As mentioned previously, scooters usually aren’t granted access into buildings, so the user may have to have the ability to walk short distances from where they park the vehicle, to the indoor area. 

Advantages of Mobility Scooters

• Road-worthy scooters available
• Some have a maximum carry load of up to 600 lbs
• Tend to have more shopping storage

Disadvantages of Mobility Scooters

• User may need some degree of arm and torso strength to operate
• User may need the ability to walk short distances
• Requires some balance
• Heavy and bulky
• Can’t be taken in most buildings
• Limited manoeuvrability indoors
• Large turning circle
• Limited use on different terrain on many models

What are Electric Wheelchairs?

Electric wheelchairs, also known as powerchairs, are battery-operated forms of transport that help some elderly and disabled people move around in their daily life. They are operated from a joystick on the armrest or can be remotely controlled by a carer or family member, giving you the freedom of independence over traditional manual wheelchairs. 

Unlike mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs can be used both indoors and outdoors. Older models of electric wheelchairs were not so good on rough-terrain, but since the development of more powerful chairs such as the EeZeeGo-QC2, there is no issue with driving across various types of outdoor terrain.

Electric wheelchairs are far more customisable than mobility scooters, offering its users adjustment on the seat, height, footrest, back and headrest to cater for all different body-types and ensure the user is as comfortable as possible. There are numerous add-on’s that can be purchased to make the user’s experience and life easier. 

What are Electric Wheelchairs Used for?

The battery life of electric wheelchairs now, is comparable to that of mobility scooters, making them great for a day out exploring, or a visit to the shops. They are far easier to manoeuvre than a mobility scooter, making them ideal for use indoors, and unlike mobility scooters tend to be allowed in all wheelchair-accessible buildings, such as Costa Coffee, your local cinema and access to disabled toilets without leaving it outside. 

Modern electric wheelchairs are lightweight and foldable, with the very latest in Lithium Battery Technology, allowing them to be stored and transported with ease. The EeZeeGo range, for instance, folds down to fit in the boot of most vehicles and are approved for taking on aeroplanes. 

Who is an Electric Wheelchair or Powerchair Better Suited to?

Those with a limited degree of mobility will find it much easier to control an electric wheelchair than a mobility scooter thanks to the joystick being located on the armrest, meaning they don’t have to stretch or move much to operate the device. They can also be operated by a carer or family member for those who are unable to control the wheelchair themselves.

They are the perfect choice for people who want to navigate from the indoors to outside with ease. Unlike mobility scooters they are allowed inside most wheelchair accessible buildings, making them great for shopping or a day out. Many people who would have originally opted for a mobility scooter in the past are now making the switch to electric-powered wheelchairs for this reason, and for all the added benefits listed below.

Advantages of an Electric Wheelchair

• Easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Newer models drive well on rough-terrain
• Highly customisable for different needs and comfort
• Joystick controlled from the armrest or remotely controlled by a carer
• Smaller and lighter than a mobility scooter
• All models fold for ease of transport
• Air travel approved
• Stable, not requiring as much balance from the user

Disadvantages of an Electric Wheelchair

• Most are unable to be driven on the road
• Cannot hold as much weight as some mobility scooters

The Main Differences Between Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

The way they are controlled

Electric wheelchairs and most commonly controlled with a joystick that can be attached to either left or right arm, whereas a mobility scooter has handlebars and a tiller where the electrics to control the scooter is housed. 

Number of wheels

Electric wheelchairs can have 6 or more, but most EeZeeGo wheelchairs are equipped with 4 wheels adapted for all-terrain. Mobility scooters usually have 3 to 5 wheels.

Comfort

Electric wheelchairs/powerchairs are highly customisable, allowing the users to adjust the height, footrest, back and headrest. Mobility scooters, on the other hand, tend to be less adjustable, and users may have to stretch forward to reach the handle-bars.

How to Choose Between an Electric Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter

With the advancements in technology, electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are now very different and you must consider what you will be primarily using the mode of transport for.

Scooters are great if you just need to venture outside and go to the shop, a park or other public place, or if you wish to use the mode of transport on the road. You must be cautious, however, as some places don’t allow mobility scooters inside due to their large size. So we recommend mobility scooters only to those that have the mobility to get out of the scooter and walk into a building if required. 

Electric wheelchairs are a great all-rounder, offering high customisation and fantastic manoeuvrability. In the past, people were put off electric wheelchairs as they were heavy and difficult to travel with and also tended to be very unaesthetic. However, modern electric wheelchairs tend to be made of lightweight materials. They can be folded down to a more manageable size for storage and transport, plus they look great, which contributes to better inclusivity, where people see the person rather than the wheelchair. 

If you are still confused and live in the UK, feel free to call us on 07488 398886 or 07786 243675 or contact us via the form below. We will be more than happy to offer our advice and can even come to your home to give you a demo, ensuring you are happy with the product before purchase.