Power Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter?

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

Hi Y'all. It has been a month since my epidural. Still not able to stand or walk more than a few minutes. Not able to stand and cook and delivered meals expensive and doing only one delivered meal per day. Eating fruit at night.

My hip pain return about one week ago and back pain yesterday. Have been using a stand up walker.

DH has his health issues. He drives a Honda CRV and easier for him to put my walker in the back seat. I am concerned about the weight of a wheel chair and scooter. I hate to admit that I have gained weight and considered obese. Trying to lose weight. Dealing with so many issues and decisions.

Any information greatly appreciated.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@SouthernBee Do research on both that will handle your weight AND will break down easily to put in car.

The heaviest thing on the power wheelchairs & mobility scooters are the batteries.

Pick out the one that YOU like, wheelchair or scooter.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I have mobility scooters, actually I have 3 of them. Two are quite large so transporting them is out of the question. The third I can quickly disassemble or assemble in 30 seconds. I can barely wrestle it into my SUV as the heaviest piece weighs about 35 lbs. I don't think it would fit in a small Honda.

A power wheelchair would take a specially equipped van and is very heavy.

You need to do some research.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Mz iMac : Thank you. A major decision and lot of research.

@Mz iMac wrote:
@SouthernBee Do research on both that will handle your weight AND will break down easily to put in car.
The heaviest thing on the power wheelchairs & mobility scooters are the batteries.

Pick out the one that YOU like, wheelchair or scooter.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@SouthernBee I forgot to add. "Some" insurance companies will pay for them either 100% or partially IF your physician rx them. Call your health insurance & ask.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

ninjawife · ‎11-15-2011

If you are considering a power wheelchair, you should consider a wheelchair evaluation done by an occupational therapist or physical therapist that specializes in wheelchair evaluations. Your doctor would need to write a prescription for this type of evaluation. The evaluation and wheelchair may be partially or fully covered by your medical insurance should it be determined it is medically necessary (your doctor would have to write a letter of medical necessity for the insurance company) A scooter may also be covered if it is a medical necessity.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@Mz iMac : I appreciate your help. So sorry that you are dealing with so much.

My orthopedic doctor will do the rx when needed.

This is a major decision and expense. I have good insurance.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

@ninjawife : Thank you. I will contact my doctor.

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

Years ago my mother had a scooter and they had a thing on the back of the car to hold it. My dad was in good physical condition though so not sure how heavy it was.

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

@spumoni99 wrote:
Years ago my mother had a scooter and they had a thing on the back of the car to hold it. My dad was in good physical condition though so not sure how heavy it was.

@SouthernBee

With your DH's health issues, you may need to check and see if a lift could be placed on the back on his car for either one.

I agree that your best bet would be to visit a wheelchair specialist to see what would be recommended for your situation. And to try each out for the pros and cons and to consider how each would work in your home as well as when you have to be out and about.

Also, DH needs to input on what he will be able to handle.