| There are many types of home mobility aids that are | | | | operated easily with only a single finger. |
| designed in a manner to help make peoples lives | | | | As a result of how the two devices are designed, a |
| easier. From adjustable beds to wheelchairs, the list of | | | | mobility scooter typically offers reduced mobility when |
| aids available to the general public is long and diverse. | | | | compared to a wheelchair. This is not to say they are |
| One of the most common and well known is the | | | | cumbersome or hard to drive, only that due to the |
| electric scooter, which is a device that is intended to | | | | different uses, electric wheelchairs are designed to be |
| make it easier for individuals with limited mobility get | | | | much more maneuverable than a mobility scooter, but |
| around. These aids are quite popular all over the world | | | | they both can and are often used indoors. |
| and millions of Americans use them everyday. | | | | Also because of how the controls are set up, a |
| The basic design of an electric scooter is in some | | | | mobility scooter can not be driven directly up to a table |
| ways similar to that of an electric wheelchair, but there | | | | or desk. For the most part, electric scooters are |
| are several differences. One of the major differences | | | | intended to be used to transport a person between |
| is the difference between the wheelbase of an | | | | two areas, then once there the person can sit in the |
| electric power chair and that of an electric scooter. An | | | | scooter or get up if necessary. |
| electric scooter has either 3 or 4 wheels and is much | | | | Electric scooters can be used in many situations and |
| more spread out than an electric wheelchair. Usually | | | | are extensively used outdoors as well as indoors. If |
| the seat of an electric scooter is also located more | | | | you want to do a lot of off-roading though, you should |
| towards the rear of the device and overall they have | | | | invest in a 4 wheel scooter. 4 wheels are |
| a much larger platform. | | | | advantageous because they are better able to |
| Another difference is the positioning of the controls. A | | | | distribute the weight of the rider. As a result, these |
| wheelchair usually uses a joystick that is mounted onto | | | | scooters also usually have higher weight ratings and |
| the armrests. It can be mounted on either side and | | | | improved stability. The downside however is that they |
| there are also many types of alternate control | | | | loose some maneuverability. For tight quarter |
| schemes available for people who are not able to | | | | maneuverability, such as around a living room, the 3 |
| easily use a joystick. | | | | wheeled scooter will perform the best, but 4 wheeled |
| A scooter, on the other hand, uses a tiller control | | | | scooters aren't too far behind the curve. |
| system that is similar to the handlebars on a bike. The | | | | Generally if you are able to walk, but have difficulty a |
| tiller is mounted onto the front of the device and can | | | | mobility scooter will probably be your best bet. These |
| be moved closer or farther away from the scooters | | | | are very affordable and can usually be transported |
| occupant. Generally two hands are required to safely | | | | with limited difficulty. |
| operate a scooter, but the accelerator can be | | | | |