|  | Conditions Treatments | Disabilities

Wheelchair Alternatives

The United Spinal Association advises that before you buy a wheelchair alternative, you consider how it will affect your lifestyle. If you enjoy being outdoors, will you be able to navigate on gravel, sand or grass? When you're at home, can you travel easily from room to room, or do some rooms have narrower doors?

There are many mobility options, so with proper research you'll find a wheelchair alternative that's right for you.

  1. Mobility Scooters

    • If you can still walk a few steps, sit up straight without upper body support and have the arm strength to control a steering wheel, a mobility scooter may be a wheelchair alternative that will meet your needs.

      Mobility scooters look similar to wheelchairs, but are designed like motor scooters. The seat sits over the two rear wheels. Some seats swivel to allow the user to get on and off the scooter more easily and to avoid being blocked in by the front handlebars, which control either one or two wheels. Your feet rest on a flat area.

      Most mobility scooters are battery operated, and one or two batteries are usually stored on board the scooter, along with the battery charger. There are several types of scooters.

    Compact Mobility Scooters

    • A compact mobility scooter gives you the independence go out for fresh air or to do errands within a 10-mile radius, fits easily in your back seat or trunk, and can be broken down and stored in your closet until you're ready for your next trip.

      These scooters can make tight turns, letting you easily navigate a crowded store or maneuver through a narrow door.

      Disadvantages of compact mobility scooters are low ground clearance, which may cause the scooter to get stuck on uneven pavement or a curb, and certain models may not have a swivel seat, which will make it harder to get on and off the scooter. You can only go 10 miles before you need to recharge your battery.

    Three-Wheeled Mobility Scooters

    • Three-wheeled mobility scooters are built more solidly, so they last longer than compact mobility scooters. However, they can still make the tight turns, thanks to the independent motion of their front wheels.

      If you're tall and have achy, stiff legs, you'll appreciate being more comfortable and having more leg room.

      These mobility scooters are suitable for short trips. Each model is different, but the usual travel range for mobility scooters is eight to 30 miles. Some models may be equipped with safety signals such as headlights, tail lights and turn signals.

    Transport Chair/Rollator

    • To use the transport chair/rollator, you need to be able to walk a few steps.

      Combining a rolling walker and a transport chair, the transport chair/rollator features a contoured adjustable back rest and a padded seat, so you can ride in comfort, and your feet will be supported on a comfortable footrest. When you want to use the rollator, the footrest conveniently folds down out of your way.

      A seat lock keeps the transport chair/rollator from accidentally folding up while you're using it, and when you're finished for the day, fold it up by your bed or store it in the closet or car trunk.

Disabilities - Related Articles