Electric Wheelchair Vs. Mobility Scooter: Which Do I Use? - Falcon Mobility Singapore

Electric Wheelchair Vs. Mobility Scooter: Which Do I Use?

Electric Wheelchair Vs. Mobility Scooter: Which Do I Use?

There are many different types of Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) available in the market. You have motorised wheelchairs, non-motorised wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. Why consider the use of PMAs in Singapore? For starters, the increasing demand for mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs will continue to be the trend as Singapore’s population continues to age, and the need for convenience as compared to traditional wheelchairs increases for individuals with disabilities. 

Falcon Mobility offers a variety of used and new electric and non-electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters to people who have suffered neurological disorders or injuries to their spinal cords, have a disability or have an old aged disease.

With our range of PMAs for your short or long-term mobility needs, you can easily manoeuvre and navigate to where you want to go independently and safely. 

What are motorised wheelchairs? 

Motorised wheelchairs operate using an electric motor instead of manual power. They can easily be disassembled or folded for storage, especially if you are travelling overseas. Falcon Mobility’s electric wheelchairs offer great comfort and travelling distance while being significantly portable. 

What are mobility scooters?

Mobility scooters come in three or four wheels and run on an electric motor too. They generally offer more travelling distance as compared to motorised wheelchairs. 

Pros & cons

When making a decision on either PMA, you might want to consider the pros and cons to help you choose. Considerations like comfort and the sufficiency of leg-room as well as travel distance might be necessary to go through.

An electric wheelchair generally offers more leg room, can be easily folded to store and travel with, and is relatively light. However, regular maintenance is necessary, and you must charge it regularly. 

A mobility scooter, on the other hand, sometimes comes with additional storage at the front or back, has better travel speed and distance, and is generally more comfortable and stable, making it safer to ride. However, it typically requires more maintenance, can be challenging to fit in the cars, is heavier and bulkier, and is also more costly.

Things to consider when deciding on the right PMA

Once you have gone through the pros and cons of the various options, you will have a more precise grasp of the best-suited PMA for your specific needs. Here are additional considerations you might want to be aware of too. 

  • Do I prefer speed or comfort?
  • Three- or four-wheels?
  • How long can the PMA last on a single charge?
  • Can the PMA handle rough terrains should I require to travel on it?
  • Am I primarily using it indoors or outdoors?
  • How easily can it be disassembled?

While both motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters serve the same purpose of ensuring individuals with disabilities or injuries are able to independently navigate around, each of them is designed for specific purposes and needs. Create a list of what you expect in the PMA and see if the offered features serve the user’s physical needs and expectations.

Conclusion

As the technology of PMAs continues to evolve to cater to increasing needs, it is crucial to be kept up to date on its advancement and how they will continue to benefit the users. Nevertheless, you will need quality PMAs that meet your wants and needs while providing safety, reassurance, and quality. Do not be afraid to consult Falcon Mobility. Head down to our showroom for a free test ride on our comprehensive range of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs to find out for yourself which is best suited for you.

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