Power, Electric, & Motorized Wheelchairs    

When I talked to my physical therapist about possibly getting an electric mobility scooter (I have Periodic Paralysis and too much walking can trigger an attack), she automatically recommended a power wheelchair. “Wheelchairs are much better in-doors,” she said. “You’ll have a place to rest your arms, and all you’ll need to move to control the chair is one little joystick.” She said that most wheelchairs have better seats and are upgradeable. “Insurance will usually only pay for one chair or scooter every five years,” she said, “So you need to consider not just your current needs, but what you might need five years from now.”

So, after all that, why did I buy a scooter? My disease varies from day to day, but is not especially progressive. I need a scooter that can be with me (in the trunk of my car) at all times, rather than a chair that might one day need enough power to run a breathing machine. Since there was a good chance insurance would refuse to pay for my chair, I also need mobility equipment I could afford on my own.

At the same time, my physical therapist was absolutely right about a joystick being easier to control than handlebars, but I’m doing okay with a tiller. She was also right that wheelchairs are better than scooters for tight in-home conditions. However, since I will mostly use my scooter to avoid long walks at stores, malls and parks, in-home use isn’t a big issue for me.

My choice was a scooter. What’s the best choice for you? It depends on you, your needs, your prognosis and your budget. You need to take your time, try both and consider not just the technology, but how you are going to fit it into your lifestyle; then you’ll make the right choice for you.