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Powerchairs and mobility scooters serve similar purposes in providing mobility assistance to individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations, but they have key differences in design, functionality, and intended use.

1. Design:

   - Powerchair: Powerchairs resemble traditional manual wheelchairs but are powered by batteries and electric motors. They typically have a joystick controller for navigation and manoeuvrability.

   - Mobility Scooter: Mobility scooters have a seat similar to a chair or scooter, with handlebars or a tiller for steering. They often have three or four wheels and a flat platform for the feet.

2. Manoeuvrability:

   - Powerchair: Powerchairs usually have a tighter turning radius, making them more manoeuvrable in tight spaces such as indoors, narrow hallways, or crowded areas.

   - Mobility Scooter: Mobility scooters have a wider turning radius compared to powerchairs, which may limit their manoeuvrability in tight spaces but can provide better stability outdoors.

Researching and buying a mobility scooter or deciding on the right wheelchair can be a tough process and requires some research. The following information has been put together to ensure that you can feel secure in your purchase.

Firstly, we should note that there are no differentiating factors between self-propelled and powered wheelchairs / mobility scooters in Irish Law.

In the UK, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are categorised into three classes. It is useful to look at these classes as they will help differentiate different products available in the Irish market.

Powerchairs, also known as Electric Wheelchairs, are designed for people who are unable to walk or are only able to walk very short distances. Powerchairs enable you to remain independent in your own home or nursing home and also allow you to get out and about. Most Powerchairs are driven by the user via a joystick control.

While many people are a little apprehensive and doubt their ability to control the chair with the joystick, with a little guidance they soon get the hang of it and before they know it they’re whizzing about!

Choosing a Powerchair – Indoor or Outdoor.

There are a number of factors to be considered when choosing a Powerchair. Is your Powerchair for indoor or outdoor use, or both? If it is mainly for indoor use you will need to choose a chair that can be manoeuvred in tight spaces and around doorways. If your Powerchair is mainly for outdoor use you need to consider the type of terrain that the chair will need to cover and also if there are any major inclines. The addition of a kerb climber may be important if lowered wheelchair accessible kerbs are not plentiful in your area. Battery range and top speed need to also be considered.

Finding a Comfortable Powerchair

If you are spending a long period of time in a Powerchair, then your comfort is of upmost importance. We have a range of seating options available, e.g. high-back ‘captain style’ seats can offer better levels of comfort. All of our Powerchairs have adjustable seats, meaning that the width, depth and angle can be set up according to your size, giving a perfect fit every time. We also offer a range of belts, laterals and headrests to customise your Powerchair to suit your needs. Our seating experts will assess your needs and recommend the best solution for you.

Transporting a Powerchair

Another thing to consider is how you wish to get around with your chair. Do you want to be able to use the Powerchair as your seat in a vehicle? If so it will need to be a crash tested model. Or do you wish to be able to disassemble it for transport?

Which Powerchair is right for me?

Our advice would be to contact our specialist seating team and together we will organise an assessment and recommend the right chair for you.