Scooters and electric wheelchairs are both useful mobility aids and can be expensive purchases, so it’s important to choose the right aid for your needs. It’s estimated that there are over 8.5 million adults in the United States using mobility aids, and the mobility requirements of those people are quite diverse. Wheelchairs offer more support and stability for people with severe mobility difficulties and are good for use around the home. Mobility scooters, on the other hand, are typically designed for outdoor use.
This guide looks at the difference between mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs in more depth, discussing the pros and cons of each. It also provides some advice to help seniors choose the best mobility scooter or wheelchair for their needs.
Mobility Scooters vs. Electric Wheelchairs
Both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are motorized aids for helping people get around. They differ in size, turning radius and the way the seat is designed. Scooters are usually designed for outdoor use by seniors who are generally mobile and only need help when traveling longer distances. In contrast, electric wheelchairs are designed for use around the home, having a smaller turning radius and a more supportive chair so that people can remain seated in them for longer periods.
| Mobility Scooters | Electric Wheelchairs | |
|---|---|---|
| Turning Radius | Large (More than 45 inches) | Small (often less than 25 inches) |
| Chair Style | Often a backless design | Supportive design with adjustable back |
| Speed | Can be up to 15 miles per hour | Usually 4 to 8 miles per hour |
| Wheel Style | Small/low ride height | Elevated for extra comfort/manual operation |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Mobility Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs
Both mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are designed with a specific use in mind, with mobility scooters offering a good riding experience outdoors and electric wheelchairs being better suited to use around the home. Some seniors may find themselves swapping between devices depending on their plans for the day. However, the price, range and portability of the devices should be considered before making purchasing decisions.
Pros and Cons of Mobility Scooters
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Several sizes are available, including compact, three-wheeled designs that can fold up for easy transportation. | Compact designs often sacrifice comfort by having smaller/less adaptable seats.
The turning radius of these scooters is much greater than that of an electric wheelchair, making it hard to use them indoors. |
| Weight | The lightest scooters weigh as little as 60 pounds, but longer-range scooters can be much heavier. | Bulky scooters can be difficult to get in and out of vehicles. |
| Cost | The cheapest scooters cost less than $800. | Medicare and Medicaid are unlikely to cover the cost of this kind of mobility aid. |
| Range | Lightweight scooters charge quickly but typically have a range of less than 10 miles. | These devices need regular recharging. |
Pros and Cons of Electric Wheelchairs
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Electric wheelchairs are usually bigger than scooters, but folding/collapsible designs are available. | Collapsible electric wheelchairs usually offer less padding/support than their larger counterparts. |
| Customizability | Many electric wheelchairs offer adjustable backrests and arms. Some manufacturers allow customers to tweak the style/features of their chairs, even down to the location of the controls. | Customizable electric wheelchairs cost far more than a basic scooter. |
| Cost | The most affordable electric wheelchairs cost between $1,000 and $1,500. A portion of this cost may be covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid for eligible individuals. | Seniors who want to customize the design of their electric wheelchair or who want something particularly lightweight/fast can expect to pay far more for this. |
| Comfort | Electric wheelchairs are designed to be used for longer periods, and this is reflected in the extra level of comfort they offer. | Extra comfort means extra bulk, so electric wheelchairs tend to weigh more than the lightest scooters. |
Choosing a Mobility Scooter vs. Electric Wheelchair
Mobility scooters are aimed at individuals who are able to get around at home without difficulty but who struggle to walk long distances. They’re designed for use outdoors or in open spaces, such as shopping malls, where a person might otherwise need a walker or a cane. These mobility aids are designed for someone who can get in and out of the scooter chair unaided and who simply wants to be able to ‘ride to the shops’ instead of having to ask for help from a loved one or carer.
In contrast, electric wheelchairs are designed for seniors who need help to move around at home. The extra seat padding and back support mean they’re more comfortable for prolonged use, and the smaller turning radius means the user can navigate tight corridors or rooms full of furniture more easily. Electric wheelchairs can be used outdoors, but they’re usually slower than mobility scooters and often have a shorter range.
FAQs
Will Medicare cover the cost of mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs?
Medicare Part B may cover a portion of the cost of an electric wheelchair or a power-assisted scooter designed for use in the home. These devices are classed as durable medical equipment, but the purchase of this type of equipment must be pre-approved following a medical assessment. A scooter designed for use exclusively outside the home by a senior who’s otherwise mobile and doesn’t require help with the activities of daily living is unlikely to be covered by Medicare.
Will Medicaid cover the cost of these mobility aids?
Medicaid may cover the cost of an electric wheelchair for those who are on a low income and classed as having a clinical need for this kind of assistive device. To be eligible for a power-assisted device, a senior must require help with the activities of daily living and be unable to operate a manual wheelchair. However, Medicaid is unlikely to cover the cost of a mobility scooter that would exclusively be used outside the home.
Do you have to be disabled to use a mobility scooter?
Anyone can use a mobility scooter. These scooters are sold by a variety of manufacturers, and their relatively affordable price means they’re popular with seniors who are generally mobile and who simply want to conserve their energy while running errands. Many scooters allow people to travel faster than the average walking speed, so they’re a good option for seniors who no longer feel confident driving a car.