Go
to Top of Page We have so
many products at Enjoy Life Mobility that it is hard to summarise them. Every day new aids are being invented and existing ones improved
to make our life a bit easier to manage when mobility lessens,
be it through age, illness or an accident. Sometimes it can be some of the smallest actions
that are hard to achieve. So whether it is managing to reach
to wash your back in the shower or getting to the shops when
you can't drive - we hope to have a solution to help you. Should you be unsure about the suitability or choice of any product
please do not hesitate to contact us for free advice. We will do
our best to provide you with the facts to help you make an informed
choice and guarantee that there will be no "hard sell". Scooters,
Power Chairs , Electric & Manual Wheelchairs - Just how do I
choose? The final choice is always a very personal one for the individual
and depends on their needs, circumstances, price and personal
likes and dislikes.
However, here are a few facts
to help explain the major features and differences between the product ranges. Manual Wheelchairs - probably
the most familiar to us all.
- lightweight (feather light can weigh as
little as 9Kgs / 18lbs)
- foldable
- easily transportable
- used for static and short distances
- can be self propelled
with two hands or assisted
- huge range with additional
comfort options if spending a lot of time in the chair
Electric Wheelchairs - same
design as the manual wheelchair but electric driven.
- medium weight
- on removal of batteries can be folded
- can be transported
- used for static, short & medium distances
- usually self propelling with easy forward & reverse one-handed
operation. Can have controls at the back for an
assistant to operate.
- Good range of products with additional comfort options
if spending a lot of time in the chair.
Power Chairs - Designed as a
very comfortable chair with powered wheels and batteries underneath.
- medium to heavy weight
- can be dismantled but not really foldable
- can be transported depending on car size and usually needs
ramps
- used for static, short, medium and even longer distances
- self propelled using one-handed joystick allowing great
control and manoeuvrability
- very comfortable especially if spending a lot of time in
the chair
- good suspension so ideal for indoor and outdoor use
Scooters - becoming a far
more familiar sight. Designed as a seat of varying sizes and
comfort on a platform with wheels electrically driven and steered
by a "handlebar" arrangement. There are again 3 main types of scooter - the mainstream /
luxury, the Midi range and the Mini range. These are discussed
in more detail on the main scooter page of our web site.
- light,
medium & heavyweight options
- mini range especially is easily
folded or dismantled
- mini range designed for easy transportation. The Midi
and Luxury ranges can be transported depending on car size
and usually needs ramps
- self propelled and steered by "handlebars"
(special one-handed Delta bar operation is available
on larger scooters)
- used for static, short, medium and long distances with
various speed options available too
- able to be used for carrying additional items like shopping
etc. depending on model
- ideal for outdoors - pavements, terraces, shopping centres,
roads. Also the smaller models can be used around the
house too.
- Whilst the mini range offers portability the Midi &
Luxury ranges offer greater comfort, suspension, lights
and even indicators on the luxury range plus extra distance
even allowing operation on hard packed ground (although
not off road or 4 wheel drive)
We hope this information gives you a better idea of these
product types and how they compare with each other. As with
all things technological jargon can often get in the way
and confuse the facts so please don't hesitate to contact
us for any further information or see if our detailed product
pages in the range help you decide if one of these is the
product that fits your needs. |
