Electric Mobility Scooters vs. Manual: Which Is Right for You?

If you are looking to travel in or around your town or city, you have multiple options. Related8 simple exercises to avoid weight gain104 reasons you should go out to walk moreSome people enjoy walking because it is a good way to stay healthy. Some prefer to bike because it can be fun and quick. However, if walking long distances or riding a bicycle is difficult for you, you could look into two other fantastic forms of transportation: a manual mobility scooter, and an electric mobility scooter. These are both going to assist you get around better so let us dive in.

Functionality vs. convenience: A comparison

Gearing up: First, we have the manual mobility scooters. Another name for these scooters are push wheelchairs or transport chairs. They are powered by you, what makes them special. That means you turn the front wheels with your own arms and hands. Meanwhile, your feet can rest on footrests beneath the desk. Then many manual mobility scooters are designed to be lightweight, which makes them easy to lift. They’re also able to fold up, so you can easily store them when not in use or take it with you in a car.

Now, we will compare that with electric mobility scooters. These scooters operate a little differently because they use a battery and an electric motor. It means you don’t need your arms to shove them. Instead, you drive them using a thumb lever or finger controls. Some models even include a joystick to assist you with steering. Electric scooters generally cost more than manual, but they are easy and offer a lot of convenience (you can use these scooters with little or no physical effort).

Considering The Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Choice

That said, both types of scooters have their advantages and disadvantages, so keep that in mind. For example, manual scooters tend to have a lower purchase price and require less maintenance, so your expense on the repairs will be less. They do require more physical strength to use, though, because you push them with your arms. Now, one of the big benefits of electric scooters is that they do most of the work for you so they’re much easier to use. If you have difficulty using your arms though, this can be very useful. But remember that electric scooters can carry a higher upfront price tag and may require more maintenance in the long run, like battery replacements.

Choosing the Right Ride

There’s more than one thing that you should consider when the time comes to decide if you want a manual or electric Mobility Scooter. A major contributor is the depth of your own strength. If you have decent upper body strength and don’t need to travel far, a manual mobility scooter may be a good option for you. It can be a way to keep you mobile, as well. But if you have difficulty using your arms or need to travel longer distances, an electric scooter may better suit your needs. It will help you reach where you need to go without tiring you too much.