Which Mobility Product - Alliance...

Which Mobility Productis right for Me?Thousands of Americans affected by disease or disability have found a way back to mobility and the activities they used to enjoy with a scooter or power wheelchair. If you or someone you love suffers from limited mobility, a scooter or power wheelchair can aid with a return to greater activity, comfort, and satisfaction. The task of selecting the right scooter or power wheelchair for your individual needs can be challenging, but the benefits of choosing the right mobility product can be immeasurable.

It’s important that your mobility solution fit your lifestyle and unique needs. This beginner’s guide provides you with important information on your mobility product options, to help guide your conversations with the company that will assist you with your decision of which mobility product is best for you.

1 | PowerWheelchairAlliance.com

PoWer WheelchAir or scooter?Power Mobility products are generally categorized into two categories: power wheelchairs and scooters. There are a handful of differences between the two categories, the main being the way they are steered.

PoWer WheelchAirsA conventional power wheelchair has an electronic control, such as a joystick, that causes dif-ferent amounts of power to go to each of the rear wheels to control both speed and direction. In general, power wheelchairs are maneuverable in small and tight spaces because of sophisti-cated electronic control methods.

PoWer WheelchAirs hAve three different drive Wheel tyPes:

front-Wheel drive chAirs Mid-Wheel drive chAirs reAr-Wheel drive chAirs

The front-wheel drive chairs are built with large front drive wheels and casters in the rear.

The mid-wheel drive chairs have larger wheels on the rear and casters on the front.

The rear-wheel drive chairs are designed in such a way that the main drive wheel is centered under the user’s center of mass.

In addition, a more activity-focused group of chairs are known as specially-powered wheel-chairs, such as stair-climbing powered wheelchairs that are designed for off-road use.

A power wheelchair has a base that contains the motor, battery and wheels. The seating sys-tem is mounted on top of the base. Wheelchairs of this sort usually have four wheels and are controlled by input switches.

Power wheelchairs are also known as electric wheelchairs.


scootersA scooter has handlebars at the end of a tiller – attached to the front wheel – which are used to mechanically turn the wheelchair. The tiller controls the movement, but it is the lever at-tached to the handlebars that controls the speed. Scooters require more arm movement and hand function than power wheelchairs.

Scooters generally have three or four wheels. Most four-wheeled scooters have front wheels that are connected together so that when the tiller is turned left and right, the front wheels turn left and right together.

scooters hAve tWo different drive Wheel tyPes:

front-Wheel drive reAr-Wheel drive

Front-wheel drive scooters are usually smaller and are designed primarily to be used indoors, or outdoors on flat, paved surfaces.

The rear-wheel drive scooters are powered by motors connected to the rear axle. The increased traction created by pushing the weight of the rider rather than pulling it makes this type of scooter better for outdoor or long-term use.

In addition, more activity-focused scooters are known as outdoor-use scooters. These scooters are equipped with special features such as anti-tip wheels.

selecting the right Mobility Product for youThere are several questions to take into account when choosing the best scooter or power wheelchair for you.

How much time will I spend in my scooter or power wheelchair?

The time you spend in your scooter or power wheelchair will determine the level of comfort you need. The more time you spend in your scooter or chair, the greater the comfort level you require.

What type of steering system best suits my needs?

Your steering system is a vital part of your mobility solution. If you have limited arm and hand function, for example, a scooter is not the right solution for you. Will you be satisfied with the limited turning radius of the scooter, or do you need the greater maneuverability you get with a power wheelchair?

Do you prefer reclining or sitting upright?

Many power wheelchairs offer specialized features such as reclining seats. Most scooters do not offer this feature. However, if you don’t need or prefer not to recline, a scooter may be the right solution for you.

Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

Some power wheelchairs are designed for off-road use, with larger tires, advanced suspension, and unique designs to allow maneuvering over obstacles and prevent hang-ups.


deterMining your individuAl needsYour new scooter or power wheelchair should be selected carefully to ensure you have the right solution to meet your needs and that you have gotten the best value for the money invested. Take your time and consider all options before selecting your mobility solution. Only you know what is best for you. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured toward one purchase over another.

PoWer WheelchAirs (electric WheelchAirs)Power wheelchairs are the best option for individuals who have limited arm and hand function, or individuals who need greater maneuverability in tight spaces.

Transportation to and from various settings also is an important consideration. Is a van available to transport the individual in the chair, or is it necessary for the chair to fold or disassemble in order to be carried in an automobile trunk?

Physical considerations to take into account when considering a power wheelchair purchase include:• Posture• Strength• Sensation• Visual acuity and perception• Ability to learn how to use the wheelchair safely

A functional evaluation should include:• Actual use of the wheelchair in

everyday settings• Evaluation of the individual’s ability

to get in and out of the wheelchair• Assessment of the ability to perform

needed activities from the wheelchair


PoWer WheelchAir configurAtions And coMPonents

Frames Many traditional-style models utilize the conventional cross-brace frame, which allows the chair to be folded or collapsed for storage and transport once the batteries have been removed. Other traditional models and some power base chairs disassemble for transport. A number of chairs, however, are designed to be transported while carrying the user; consequently, they do not fold or disassemble.

Upholstery Wheelchairs need to be able to withstand daily use in all kinds of weather. Consequently, manufacturers provide a variety of options to users, ranging from cloth to new synthetic fabrics to leather. Many manufacturers also offer a selection of upholstery colors to allow for individual selection and differing tastes among consumers.

Seating System

Most seating systems are sold separately from the wheelchairs themselves, as seating must be chosen on an individual basis. It is important when selecting a wheelchair or a seating system to ensure that the two components are compatible. Power base chairs, because of their more modular construction, frequently feature customized chair-style seating systems.

Brakes Most power wheelchairs utilize a dynamic braking system in which the motor and brakes work together to slow and stop the chair when the joystick or other controller is released. This system will also automatically engage the brakes when the power is off, or when the chair is not being powered in a forward or reverse motion with the controller.

Wheels/Tires Power base chairs typically use four wheels of the same size, usually 8 to 10 inches in diameter. These chairs may have pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, or solid tires.

Footrests A variety of footrest assemblies are available on both types of wheelchairs. They may be a rigid single unit, 90 degree-90 degree platforms, folding, flip-up, detachable, adjustable length, hemi- height, or have a combination of features.

Armrests Armrests also come in several styles or with a combination of features. They may be full-length, desk-length, or wraparound, and they may be fixed, removable, pivoting, and/or adjustable height.

Controls As a standard feature, power wheelchairs generally include a manually controlled joystick to regulate the chair’s speed and direction. However, most manufacturers offer customized control options to accommodate the varied abilities of the user, including sip-n-puff systems, head and chin switches, push-button controls, trackballs, and tillers. Many chairs also have programmable control features which allow the user or a dealer to adjust or set the chair’s speed and control limits as the user’s abilities change.

Drive System The drive system is the means by which power is delivered to the chair’s wheels. Standard drive systems include gear drive, direct drive, and belt drive. The type of drive system used affects the power available to propel the chair and the amount and type of maintenance the chair requires.

Batteries The type of battery used is a determining factor in the range and power of a power wheelchair. Generally, the larger the chair’s batteries, the greater the power and the longer the chair’s range between charges.


scootersTypically, scooter users have some ability to walk, but are limited in distance or stamina– people with milder forms of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, stroke survivors, arthritis, and cardiac conditions, among others.

In addition, if you have uncorrected vision disabilities, conditions which may cause confusion or memory loss, or conditions which inhibit proper safety awareness, a scooter may not be the right mobility solution for you.

Scooters are used to increase and extend the range of personal mobility and help conserve energy. Scooter users often have difficulty propelling manual wheelchairs and do not require the sophisticated electronic controls and seating systems common in powered wheelchairs.

There are a number of physical factors to consider when determining whether a scooter is an appropriate mobility aid. A scooter user must:• Generally be able to sit upright for

extended periods• Have sufficient seated balance to maintain

an erect posture• Have sufficient upper body and arm strength to

master the controls, steer, and maneuver the unit

scooter configurAtions And coMPonents

Base Unit The base unit is essentially the body of the scooter. The base consists of a steel, aluminum, or composite frame with a fiberglass or composite floor to support the feet and batteries. Some scooter bases also include a shroud over the front wheel and drive head, creating a dashboard for the unit. The base also includes the wheels and the drive train. In some scooters, the seat post is also part of the base. The base unit is the primary determinant of whether the scooter is designed for indoor or outdoor use, the vehicle’s maneuverability, the size of its wheelbase, its ground clearance, its turning radius, and its overall dimensions.

Modular Units On some scooters, the base unit may be comprised of modular units or may otherwise be disassembled for transport and storage. These same features may also allow the scooter to be converted from three- to four-wheeled models and/or from indoor to outdoor use.

6 | scooterAlliance.com

scooter configurAtions And coMPonents (continued)

Brakes Most rear-wheel drive scooters utilize an electronic or electro-mechanical dynamic, regenerative braking system. This type of braking system works in tandem with the motor, first to slow and then stop the vehicle when the pressure is released on the thumb levers or the controls are otherwise disengaged. When the scooter is not being powered forward or in reverse, the brakes are engaged, thus preventing the scooter from moving. During the application of the brakes, excess power from the motor is channeled to the batteries, providing recharging.

Batteries Most scooters utilize 12- or 24-volt motors and electrical systems with one or two 12-volt batteries to power the drive train and controls. 12-volt systems are most frequently found on front-wheel drive scooters, and usually require one 12-volt battery, although two six-volt batteries are sometime used. Some manufacturers offer add-on units for 12-volt systems which allow them to utilize two batteries to extend the scooter’s range between charges, although speed and power are not affected. Rear-wheel drive systems generally require two 12-volt batteries to power 24-volt systems. There are three basic types available for use with scooters: Lead acid (or wet cell) batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and gel cell batteries.

Wheels and Tires

The size of the wheels and tires on a scooter have a direct affect on a scooter’s stability and maneuverability around obstacles. Scooters are generally equipped with six-, eight-, or ten-inch wheels, although other sizes may also be used. Some models use the same size wheels both front and rear, while others may have smaller wheels in front and larger rear wheels. Smaller wheels are generally found on front-wheel drive scooters intended for indoor use.

Seating The most common seat found on scooters is a chair-style seat similar to those found on boats. The basic seat is molded hard plastic or fiberglass, but most manufacturers offer a padded-seat option, usually with a choice of vinyl or fabric upholstery. Vinyl upholstery is frequently less expensive, but because it is a slipperier surface, it may not be the best choice for those whose disability makes it difficult to maintain position or balance.

Armrests Some scooters offer armrests only as an option; others offer fixed armrests as standard with flip-up armrests available.

Tiller The control and steering mechanism for the scooter, usually containing the controls to drive the scooter forward or in reverse, as well as steering the front wheel or wheels. Most scooters offer one type of standard tiller with other controllers available as options.

Thumb Levers Thumb levers are the most common controls, allowing the user to keep both hands on the handle bars while using the left thumb to power the scooter in reverse and the right to power the scooter forward. The amount of pressure applied to the lever will determine the speed of the vehicle (unless it is equipped with a proportional speed control). Consequently, a fair amount of hand control is necessary for safe operation.

Joysticks Since a joystick controls both speed and direction, scooters equipped with them generally do not have the post-and-handlebar tiller; the joystick is usually attached to an armrest or to an armrest extension, with a choice of right or left mounting.


Key considerAtions When choosing A Mobility Product

scooters

The steering on a scooter functions much like a handlebar on a bicycle. There are two different drive types of scooters: rear and front wheel drive.

Rear wheel drive scooters are capable of carrying between 250 to 350 lbs., depending on the model of scooter. Heavy duty rear wheel drive scooters are available and can carry up to 500 lbs.

Front wheel drive scooters have smaller 6” wheels and can carry up to 150 lbs. Front wheel drive scooters are designed for indoor use or strictly on level pavement.

Scooters have the largest turning radius of any mobility products. They tend to shine with access to large hallways or the outdoors.

Since a scooter seat sits on a column, scooters are less safe for use as a seat in a motor vehicle and their base usually makes them more difficult to tie down.

Rear wheel drive scooters have two - 12 volt batteries capable of traveling 15 to 20 miles before recharging is needed.

PoWer WheelchAirs

The most common controller in a power wheelchair is a programmable joystick, however many other methods of control are possible as power wheelchairs have sophisticated electronics to control their motors.

Power wheelchairs can accommodate more kinds of seating and postural support than a scooter. Some power wheelchair models have features like power stand, power recline, power tilt, and power elevation.

Power wheelchairs come with more tire and powerbase options. This means a model can be chosen that can handle more kinds of terrain--indoors or outdoors.

In general, power wheelchairs have more maneuverability in small or tight spaces. Because some power wheelchairs are mid-wheel drive, they can turn on their own center.

Power wheelchairs can accept a 4 point tie-down in a motor vehicle which could tend to make them safer as a seat in a motor vehicle.

Most electric wheelchairs are equipped with two gel cell 12 volt batteries capable of going 15 to 20 miles on a full charge over level terrain. These sealed batteries are approved for transport.


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