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Scooter Vs Wheelchair Power
By Lala B., Thu Dec 8th
On the process of deciding the best apparatus for a paralyzedloved one to improve his indoor/outdoor mobility andindependence? There are two good choices you could consider:getting a scooter or a power wheelchair. In choosing which is which, you may have to consider severalfactors: control and maneuverability, weight capacity, speed,power, user safety, durability, and of course, the price. Here,we give you several comparisons of scooter and power wheelchairrelated to these factors: With regards to control methods, are steered with atiller, functioning like a bicycle’s handlebar. have 2different drive types, the rear and front wheel drive. In powerwheelchairs, the most common controller is a programmablejoystick. In general power wheelchairs are maneuverable in smalland tight spaces because of sophisticated electronic controlmethods. The weight capacity of a rear wheel drive scooter is from 250 to350 lbs. Heavy duty models can carry up to 500 lbs. Meanwhile,power wheelchairs can carry the same weight and because offeatures like power stand, power recline, power tilt and powerelevation on some models, they can accommodate more kinds ofseating and postural support. On the speed of a scooter, most models have a variable typespeed control knob so you can set the speed from 1 to 5 mph.while, power wheelchairs have a variable type speed control knobso you can set the speed from
1 to 5+ mph. With regards to theirpower capacities, front wheel drive usually have asingle 12 volt battery capable of traveling 5 – 10 miles beforerecharging. Rear-wheel drives have 2-12 volt battery capable of15 – 20 miles before recharging. Most electric wheelchairs areequipped with 12 volt batteries capable of going 15 to 20 mileson a full charge over level terrain. Both use gel cell sealedbatteries which are approved for transport. On the issue of durability and sturdiness of these apparatuses,Scooters can usually break down into parts for placement in thetrunk of a car and can be handled by vehicles with power orhydraulic lift. Power wheelchairs models don’t break down andare too heavy to be lifted easily. Scooters are also less safe for use as a seat in a motor vehicleand more difficult to tie down, while power wheelchairs tend tobe safer as a seat in a motor vehicle since they can accept a 4point tie-down.
Have you decided already? With regards to price,
areless expensive than power wheelchairs. The range of featuresavailable
in power wheelchairs tends to affect their prices.Whatever you choose to acquire,
remember that it will have todepend on the condition of the disabled who’s going
to use themechanism and what are her/his limitations as far as mobility ona certain
mechanism is concerned. That limitation will have tocome from a doctor’s or a
health care professional’sassessment.-30- |
