If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Advice needed on electric wheelchair/mobility scooter please
Options
MissMarple
Community member Posts: 187 Pioneering
I'd like to speak to people who use an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter. I'm considering buying one and would be grateful for any advice what to pay attention to when choosing a model.
I have severe fatigue. I'm OK walking a few metres inside my home, but need someone to push me in a wheelchair outside. I thought that an electric wheelchair and/or mobility scooter would make it possible for me to leave the house on my own. I'd like to go to the nearby park or attend medical appointments using a taxi. I would need something lightweight, that I can get through the front door/gate on my own and doesn't require specialist transport vehicles. Do lightweight electric wheelchairs exist? What works outdoors on pavements? How far can I go on one battery? I've tried to look up the details, but it feels overwhelming. So many things to consider, and it's a huge expense to get it wrong.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Comments
-
Hi
I have both and they are not lightweight
A chair is easier to access more places as scooters are often too big to get in and move around in smaller places
Neither will go up steps and you can only really use drop kerbs safely
Personally I use my electric chair more than my scooter it is a folding one and fits in car boot -
Thanks @janer1967 I read somewhere that electric wheelchairs are usually extremely heavy due to the battery, that one person can't even lift them. So I'm confused how can yours be put in the car boot if not lightweight?
-
They are heavy but can be lifted in my boyfriend or son put mine I couldn't do it but I only have 1 leg so thats why
Scooters are OK if you can get up and walk around a bit like to toilet in pub or something but you would struggle getting in toilets in scooter unless large disabled toilet
The chairs have lot smaller turning circle
Best advice is to go to a mobility shop tell them what you want it to do and it's use and try some out -
Thank you.
-
@MissMarple
There are also Power "add-on" units. These attach to a manual chair for when you are outdoors. You can detach them for indoors. I have never used them as I am a full-time electric wheelchaiir user.
Google something like "power assisted self-propelled wheelchair". More importantly get specialist advice tailored to you.I am a Scope Community Volunteer Adviser with knowledge of "life"! Lived experience including employing personal assistants, being gay, sport & leisure inclusion & participation, mental health issues.What is the bravest thing you've ever said? asked the boy. 'Help,' said the horse. 'Asking for help isn't giving up,' said the horse. 'It's refusing to give up.” -
Thank you @JustPete I didn't even know such thing as 'add on' exists. Much appreciated.
-
@MissMarple no probs, let us know how you get on!
I am a Scope Community Volunteer Adviser with knowledge of "life"! Lived experience including employing personal assistants, being gay, sport & leisure inclusion & participation, mental health issues.What is the bravest thing you've ever said? asked the boy. 'Help,' said the horse. 'Asking for help isn't giving up,' said the horse. 'It's refusing to give up.” -
Hello @MissMarple
I wanted to check in to see how you're getting on and if you had made any decisions about either getting an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter?
I hope @janer1967 and @JustPete have provided you with some useful information if you have any other questions, then please just reach out to us all, we would be more than happy to help.
Libby
Online Community Information Coordinator
Scope
Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
Did we do a good job at answering your queries or concerns? If so, complete our feedback form now. -
Thanks for asking @Libby_Scope I'll probably visit a mobility store to get expert advice as @JustPete suggested.
-
I think that's a great idea @MissMarple, then you can ask as many questions as you like and feel confident when making your choiceOnline Community Information Coordinator
Scope
Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
Did we do a good job at answering your queries or concerns? If so, complete our feedback form now. -
Just wanted to also add that no accommodation should ever feel like too much. These people are there to help and it’s so important to be comfortable in whatever you choose. You know how to achieve that better than anyone & there’s always more that can be done with these things. Generally, if one place can’t meet your specific needs, they will know somewhere else that can. Don’t settle!Community Volunteer Host (she/her) with a passion for writing and making the world a better place for disabled people to exist.
-
Hi @MissMarple. Did you ever manage to find the right chair/scooter? I bought a mobility plus electric wheelchair. Best thing I ever did. Has given me so much independence. It’s lighter than most electric wheelchairs but you may still need assistance getting it in & out if the boot. Great for hospital, supermarkets etc. not really made for rough terrain but I have used it on pavements from time to time.If you’re still looking. There’s also an exhibition in Birmingham where there are many different companies showing their products. It’s great way of trying out the equipment before you buy anything. Here’s the link:
https://www.naidex.co.uk/naidex-2022-agenda
you can still register for free tickets -
Thanks @Spoonie_Naila I bought a mobility scooter. It's very lightweight (20 kg) and folding into a small suitcase size. Going out still floors me, but at least I've managed a few trips independently to the corner shop/pharmacy.
-
@MissMarple glad you found something to give you a bit of independence. I find scooters difficult as they tire my arms out. Wheelchair’s much easier to navigate but not as robust as scooters.
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 13.1K Start here and say hello!
- 6.7K Coffee lounge
- 70 Games lounge
- 386 Cost of living
- 4.3K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 199 Community updates
- 9.3K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 770 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 589 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 363 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 739 Transport and travel
- 31.8K Talk about money
- 4.4K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.2K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 5K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.2K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 870 Chronic pain and pain management
- 180 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 317 Sensory impairments
- 819 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.