Regain Your Freedom of Mobility
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Do you or a loved one have mobility limitations that make walking an extremely difficult, tiring, or painful task? Whether it’s just a temporary situation due to an injury, or a more permanent disability, an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter can enable you to lead a more fulfilling and active life! And because so many models are portable, wherever you’re going, a travel wheelchair or scooter goes, too! It’s amazing how these mobility devices can be folded or broken down quickly, so you can take it anywhere. They are lightweight and compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car, yet sturdy and configured to provide hours of seating comfort.
What’s the difference between an electric wheelchair and a mobility scooter? Electric wheelchairs, also called power chairs, are steered with a joystick, allowing for more control and requiring little arm or hand strength. An electric wheelchair allows you to steer using just your fingertips. Your hands and arms are also supported at all times on a power chair. Power chairs are for individuals who have upper extremity problems. A mobility scooter is controlled with handlebars, or “tillers,” which require more upper body strength. This is because you must be able to hold the tiller/handlebars for extended time periods. The handlebar control also requires greater upper body strength. As long as the rider has some ability to walk a few steps and has adequate upper body strength and dexterity to operate and control the mobility scooter, it can make all the difference in quality of life. Electric power wheelchairs offer the user more options for customization, while electric mobility scooters cannot be adapted to fit the individual’s needs.
Sometimes just getting around the house can be difficult, so an electric wheelchair or 4 wheel mobility scooter can be a valuable source of independence. Those who have difficulty walking but still perform work from a desk at home or in an office will find that a 3 wheel mobility scooter serves well as a stationary seat that swivels from side to front to easily accommodate and transport the rider to and from desks, file cabinets and office equipment without the need to walk.
Physical impairments need not prevent anyone from participating in daily activities as well as special occasions with family and friends! No matter which you or a loved one chooses— an electric wheelchair or an electric mobility scooter — either will restore independence and freedom of mobility to help boost an active lifestyle!