scooter or chair

[LATW]

Ok, I called about getting a scooter so that I can go out to the mall, zoo, park, basically enjoy my life again.  I have a rollator and it helps me around the house and for short distances but going too far leave my legs weak and burning.


I called a scooter store and a home health store and they both have said I should go for the power chair because it will fit my needs better than the scooter.  Won't fall over, I do not have to stretch to use the power switch.

I feel funny about this.  Not that I can't see the reasoning behind what they are saying but I can still walk.  

I do have AFO's I have fallen.  Just tipped over today.  when I start to go there is no stopping.  I am not sure what to do.  

I was told I should get one before I injure myself.  Any advice?

LA

[LATW]

Hey!  Thank you for that information both Suzanne and Julie.  LA

[Suzanne78]

I would suggest you consider one of the new lightweight scooters.  Pride Ultra Go Go is a good one. They make a three wheel and a four wheel.  Unless you are heavy, the three-wheel has a smaller turning radius.  Stores will usually suggest a $4,000 scooter or wheelchair over an $800 lightweight scooter.  From someone who actually has used a scooter and wheelchair, I would recommend a lightweight scooter for your needs.  Full sized scooters and power wheelchairs are very heavy to transport.  The new lightweight scooters break into about 5 pieces with the heaviest part being about 30 pounds.  They assemble and disassemble quickly.  I just helped my nephew get one through insurance.  It was a long and arduous process but I hung in there and they finally agreed to cover it.  Your insurance will probably have their own supplier of durable medical equipment but if you follow this link it will show you what I am talking about.
http://empoweredlivingtoday.com//index.php?option=com_product&task=product&id=173&Itemid=251

Suzanne

[Sarahsmom46]

I haven't seen this idea given yet, but the neuro I was seeing at the NIH suggested a scooter for me also and said that I may want to contact the MS society and see if they have one you can "borrow" while you decide what works best.  It wouldn't hurt to ask.

Julie

[LATW]

They sound like a better plan then the scooter.  :-)

[LLWB]

Re: for carrying a motorised wheelchair, the make a small platform that can be attached to the back of your car, pickup, van, etc. It even has an electric lift. You lower it to the ground, drive the chair off, then lift it back up, . No need to take it apart, altho they can be taken apart in sections to take with you without the expense of the lift. They fit in the trunk. FYI

Maggie

[LATW]

Thanks everyone.. Lots of great advice and things to think about.  I have a guy coming out next week to do an assesment.  His wife has MS so that might be a real help to me.
LA

[Deb61]

I did a little thinking about this when I was having trouble walking (which thankfully I don't have issues anymore).  I would check in to what your insurance company will cover.  Scooter are way cheaper, if you have to pay for it yourself.  If your insurance covers both, you may consider having the insurance company cover the motorized wheelchair and pay for a scooter yourself if you want both.  Most insurance companies won't pay for both.  This is the same with manual wheelchairs and motorized devices, too, by the way.

A scooter can be broken down and placed in your car.  You can also get one of those trailers to put them on.  A wheelchair can't be broken down, and they're too heavy to lift in and out of a car.  You may have to purchase a special van to put them in. I don't think they can go on a trailer, but I could be wrong.

Wheelchairs really aren't designed for hills and terrain.  If you're using it outdoors, you probably want to go with a scooter.

If you have upper body problems, however, you may have trouble with a scooter.  You have to maneuver with the use of the bicycle-like handle bars.  It's hard to maneuver in tight places.  

If you have to spend much of your time in a motorized something, you probably will be more comfortable in a wheelchair.  Also, as mentioned previously, they are much more stable.  If you aren't and want to go out more and spend more time out of the chair than in, a scooter would be better.

Here's some questions, then, to ask yourself:
1.  How much do I depend on a motorized device?
2.  Do I have storage space?
3.  Do I have a vehicle that will hold an electric wheelchair?
4.  Will I use it more in the house?
5.  Will I want to use it outdoors?
6.  What will my insurance company cover?
7.  Will my insurance company cover more than one mobility device?
8.  Where's most of my disability--in my upper body or lower body?

For me, I wished I could have both--a wheelchair for the house and a scooter for when I was going out.  Because my insurance company wouldn't pay for both, I'd probably pay for a scooter out of my own money (prices range from $1,000 to $5,000) and have the insurance company pay for the motorized wheelchair (which are about $10,000 to $15,000).  

[LLWB]

When my husband was first dx with brain tumors (metastised lung cancer) he appeared at first to have had a stroke, and couldn't walk well. His Dr said to rent a chair/scooter. A power chair wasn't available, so had to rent a scooter. It was very awkward for him to use, he had trouble pushing the control buttons with his hands, and it was too large to get around the house easily, altho he did use it in house. He also used it outside on the ranch, on gravel road, in shop, etc. He didn't like the scooter at all.  If I had to get one for myself, I would definitly go for the power chair. Only need on finger to use it, more comfortable to sit in, very easy to negotiate in house. I see people going all around my small town in them. I can't remember exactly how long a charge will last. Most places will bring it to your house, and show you how to use it. And, also, will apply to your insurance co or Medicare for you.  We were in the process of getting a power chair for him when he passed away.Much better than the scooter, IMHO.

Maggie

[Nancy_LA_MA]

What about transporting either.  Wouldn't a specially-fitted van be needed for a scooter - or would it only be used for short distances from the house?  

At times here, we have had 2 or more college students dependent on electric wheelchairs.   They go all over town and into various residential areas and all over either of the two (one quite large) campuses in town.

I saw a lot of scooters when we were in Lincoln (UK).  It's a Very Hilly place - but, there were all these people scooting all around the shopping area (pedestrian mall), stopping outside stores, getting out a folding cane, and going inside.  I saw only one electric wheelchair and one being pushed by relatives.  Scooters kept these people in the mix - of course, they lived within 'walking distance' to the center of the business district.  

[Lulu54]

Ladies,
Wheelchairs are not only for people who can't use their legs. They are great assistive devices to help you to conserve your energy for doing things other than walking.  

From previous discussions here about scooters and wheelchairs, I think this is a decision to be weighed carefully.  

Many insurance companies in the US will not cover the cost of a scooter if its meant to be used out of the home, but they are usually too bulky to use inside your house.  I think I have that right ... it sounds crazy, doesn't it?

And also most insurance will only assist with the purchase of one of these over so many years, so you want to be sure to get the wheelchair or scooter that will give you the most functionality.

You might check in your area and see if there is a medical equipment dealer  that you could rent one of these from for a short period and try it out first.  Just explain your question and they should be willing to help you sort out which is best for you.

Good luck in making this decision.

my best,
Lulu

[LATW]

Are you still walking?  I thought one would need to wait until they are not able to walk at all before getting a chair.  

LA

[Wobbly]

I'm kind of in the same situation as you...the Neuro keeps telling me to get a scooter... and I'm not sure what to do?  and not sure if a Chair would be better?  

hope we get some feedback from friends here..??

take care
wobbly
dx