Scooter vs Electronic Wheelchair?

[Tinker-Belle]

Hey, this thought has come to my mind from another question. What is your preference, scooter or electric wheelchair, and why? Please give details. Thanks!!!!

[Peruzzot]

My Dad had a scooter that he used to help him get around while fighting a losing battle to lung cancer. He liked it better than a wheelchair because it had a longer battery life and had a removable basket in the front. With the basket in front it was easier for him to reach items he needed to carry with him. Plus he felt it operated closer to a motorcycle that he could no longer ride than a wheelchair. Sadly he passed away in April 2014 from the cancer. He had rented the scooter from a medical supply store in Michigan. You might be able to rent both a scooter and a wheelchair to help figure out which would work better for you.

[Tinker-Belle in reply to Peruzzot]

Hmmm. Now that's a thought. I'm sorry to hear about your father. Great info. Thanks!!

[Bygonelines]

For me it depends on the situation. If I am out and about in the neighborhood, store, etc. I much prefer the scooter. If I am in the house I prefer the power chair. Here are my reasons...

Scooter: Longer battery life, 4 wheel is more stable than the power chair on uneven surfaces, Basket in front for carrying things and can put a basket on the back as well. Handles hills better, can go on multiple terrains.

Power Chair: Because there is no basket can get closer to the counter to be able to do dishes, cook, etc. Also easier to do house work and to reach that book you want to read or that craft you want to do. Generally more comfortable to sit in than a scooter.

Manual Wheel chair: Not good for inside or outside unless you have someone to push you or you do not have problems with your arms. Easiest to get into a vehicle.

Cons...

Scooter: Less usable in the home, harder to get closer to the counters, table, etc. Takes up more room when not in use. Requires lift or ramp to get into vehicle and maybe into the home depending on the home.

Power Chair: Usually more expensive than scooter, less stable on uneven terrain. Requires lift or ramp to get into vehicle and maybe into the home depending on the home.

Manual Wheelchair: Requires plenty of arm strength or someone to push you. Can require a ramp to get into the home depending on the home.

I personally use a scooter at this time when out and about and will get a power chair when I get to the point of needing one for in the house. The bonus of having both is the you can keep them seperate and not track in mud, dirt of debris into your home. This will save wear and tear on you flooring.

[Tinker-Belle in reply to Bygonelines]

Wow, you've given me a lot to think about. I kinda want ALL of the pros in one and cons in the other. That would make the decision much easier if it ends up being something I can do. Hmmm. I guess that's not going to happen. Ugh. Now I have to do more thinking. This is great, though. Exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks!!

[Kenu]

Unless you’re house is handicapped design the power chair, is too low for sink, snack bar, etc. My best friends wife likes to transfer to recliner during the day and more comfortable 👍The recliner also raises up and down to get in and out of🤷🏼‍♂️. Medicare only pays for one, so she got the power chair thru them as it was almost $6,000.00 and Medicare paid all. Then she bought the less expensive scooter on her own and wrote it off on medical expense 🤷🏼‍♂️. Without a handicap house she says the scooter is easier to use and transfer from 👍. Wheelchair you have to have a ramp and carrier on vehicle and scooter fits in trunk. Just things to consider 🤷🏼‍♂️. 😉🙏🐾 Ken

[Tinker-Belle in reply to Kenu]

Wow. Thanks for the info. This helps a lot!

[tellnhelen]

I usedscooter until I needed a Walker. Now I use wheelchair and have scooter that I no longer use. As the reasons above are good. You have to decide what works best.

[Tinker-Belle in reply to tellnhelen]

That's why I'm leaning toward wheelchair, too. I couldn't transfer from the scooter to walk any distance...or even a couple steps... So, although a scooter sounds like lots of fun, I'm not sure it would make sense. Thanks for sharing.

[RobertCalifornia]

I use a scooter for distances over a quarter of a mile. Under a quarter I still use a walker. My wife and I still go camping in our RV and take the scooter with us. I have tried a wheelchair in a store setting. It was very easy to maneuver around in but I do not need it for the house (yet).

[Tinker-Belle in reply to RobertCalifornia]

I use a walker (rollator kind) to sit on in front of the sink to brush my teeth. Wheelchair does not fit in the bathroom so I transfer in the doorway. I wish I could still use the walker around the house. My advice to any MS newbie (or oldie who still walks) is STAY active as long as you can even if it hurts. Hind site, I guess. I bet camping is a lot of fun. That's great! Thanks!

[Babslover]

Hi tinker-belle, I have a buzz around that I only use outside, didn’t try in the house. Would need a ramp but for in the house I have a rollator kind of walker. I’m still walkable but not without my enjwalker I have an equilibrium situation. I really enjoy the buzz around, cannot fall it’s low and has 4 tires. Just need the weather to get better, no rain. Just letting you know my experience with my buzz around. Never tried a motorized wheel chair.

[Tinker-Belle]

Hmmmm. A buzz around? I'm not even sure what that is. I will have to look into it. I use a manual wheelchair in the house. My husband has to pull me up the front stairs backwards. We have a small ramp but it is not at the angle or range where I can handle it on my own. We live on a hill so we have a downstairs room next to the garage and laundry and such. I can not get down those stairs. I'd say, "poor me," but, hey, at least I don't have to do laundry anymore!! That job is now my husband's. Well, pretty much all of the jobs around here are! I use a rollator to transfer from the wheelchair outside the bathroom to the wheelchair inside so I can sit on it while I brush my teeth. I guess you didn't ask for all that information. Sorry, I can ramble. I'm going to look up a buzz around now. Thanks!!

[Tinker-Belle in reply to Tinker-Belle]

A specific type of Scooter. Ah! Thanks!!