Scooter or power chair users help?

HayleyGeek

Hi. I cant self propel in my manual and my partner works full time so am housebound most of the week. I miss being able to go outdoors or a trip to the library. I can walk a small amount with crutches or cane but the pain after a short while gets too much. 

I need something outdoors only with ability to use in a shop. It also needs to be able to travel over grass and gravel for day trips out to parks or events etc. And also needs to be able to fold away to fit in the car as adapted car is not an option. 

Can anyone advise at all on what they use and if their foldable equipment can manage small terrain change and curbs?

Also my other worry is PIP. I'm awared enhanced for 2 years from March until 2021. What happens if they take it off me? 

Thanks 
Hayley 

Matt_Scope

Hi @HayleyGeek I'm a manual chair user, not a power chair user, however I have many friends that use them.  There is a degree of personal choice in this. but there are now a few power chairs that are light weight and fold to an extent (and relatively less costly than the bigger chairs too).  I would look at these first as I think these probably offer the most advantages. If you need something that really folds very small though, then it would have to be a scooter which would also be a cheaper option, however the smaller lightweight scooters may not be great on grass and gravel and may also be more likely to be restricted on buses.  
There are retailers and mobility shops that will let you try out there chairs and scooters, I would try to visit one of these before making your choice.
Not quite an answer for you I'm afraid, but I hope that helps.  I will try to send a link to these lighter chairs if I find it. 
Good luck! 

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @HayleyGeek and thank you for sharing this with us. I imagine it's taken some time to get your head around this idea. There are lots of options out there. This article reviews the 13 best folding electric wheelchairs which you might find useful.