Choosing between an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter may seem like a difficult choice, because on the surface they can seem very similar.

However, an electric power wheelchair has very different uses and would suit different users, depending on their lifestyle and needs.

Read on to find out more and why we think electric wheelchairs offer users the optimum experience.

1. Folding Electric Wheelchairs are much more capable than equivalent weight mobility scooter

One of the main advantages of a folding electric wheelchair – specifically LITH-TECH’s Smart Chair ranges, including the Smart Chair X model – is that pound for pound they are lighter than mobility scooters. This is especially the case when you consider their capabilities and build quality.

Our brand name, LITH-TECH, is short for lithium technology, because we use lithium-ion batteries in our electric wheelchair ranges. These batteries are much lighter than the bigger, bulky lead acid batteries, which are commonly used in mobility scooters. The batteries used in our chairs are also plane-safe, and offer optimal charge, meaning they’ll run for longer. These factors should reduce worries over range anxiety, especially during travel.

The weight of the equipment is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re new to this way of getting around. It can be more challenging to transport a mobility scooter over a light electric wheelchair.

2. Electric Wheelchairs have a smaller turning circle

Another popular benefit of electric wheelchairs is that they have a much smaller turning circle than scooters. This makes them more suitable for small, tight, or awkward spaces such as in shops or around the house. This can be reassuring for a user when you travel to new locations, as navigating a smaller or tighter environment or setting in a bulky mobility scooter can seem daunting if you don’t know how much room you’ll have to play with.

At LITH-TECH, all the Smart Chairs we offer are able to spin on their own axis, which makes them extremely manoeuvrable in just about any environment. Again, this should fill you with confidence if you’ll be using the electric wheelchair somewhere new.

3. Electric Wheelchairs are much more practical

Electric wheelchairs are generally smaller and less bulky than mobility scooters, which makes them easier to fit into the boot of a car or take as luggage onto public transport. The folding electric wheelchairs are also a lot easier to set up than mobility scooters. You simply need to unfold the wheelchair and attach a joystick, whereas with a scooter you will likely need to connect two parts together, and then add the seat and battery.

Being able to travel with your mobility device is an important aspect to consider when deciding between a wheelchair or a scooter. If you are someone who likes to holiday or spend weekends away, it will be greatly beneficial to know that your electric wheelchair can be taken anywhere with you, even on a train, bus, or plane.

4. Folding Electric Wheelchairs are safer and more stable than mobility scooters

At LITH-TECH, we use the best, most durable materials to manufacture our folding chairs. This means you can rely on your Smart Chair to stand the test of time and perform well across a variety of terrains. Whether you mostly use your chair on paved roads and paths, or you need it to travel across more difficult surfaces such as grass and sand, a LITH-TECH chair is up to the challenge.

The travel (lighter style) mobility scooters which are the most comparable to lightweight electric wheelchairs also come with much smaller wheels as standard than you would get on something from our smart chair range, this makes them less capable and also less safe.

Did you know that mobility scooters are whats called long wheel base, they are also very narrow meaning they can often even tip over completely? Where as folding electric wheelchairs are whats called short wheelbase with a good centre of gravity making them almost impossible to tip.

5. Electric Wheelchairs have a better seating position

You might have heard of the phrase (a neutral seating position.) This is what we are looking to achieve when fitting our customers in the right wheelchair for them. It is basically means right creating right angles with your body, so neutral back, knees and legs with your shoulders set back.

On scooters you have a very un-neutral seating position where your back and shoulders are lend forward, hunched over so your hands can make good contact with the handle bars this puts a lot of strain on your body if used over a long period of time.

On our wheelchairs you can also purchase additional accessories such as leg extensions or a LITH-TECH Electric Wheelchair Headrest to making your comfort and seating position even better. We even have models like our new Smart Chair Recliner which reclining backrests for those who require additional posture solutions. Unlike our electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters tend to be generically designed, and don’t take into consideration users’ unique conditions.

6. Electric Wheelchairs are more customisable than scooters

Another huge benefit to wheelchair users is their customisable features. Whether it’s posture related or the available accessories one can add to make their life easier.

At LITH-TECH we offer a wide range of accessories which means you can get the very best from your chosen wheelchair. Our electric Wheelchair Leg Extensions for example provider users with a customised seating position and added comfort. You can add accessories such as UPGRADED CUSHION which will not only alter the comfort but also change the seating height which is incredibly important if someone has long legs for example.

How LITH-TECH Can Help

Whether you priority is easier access on transport, appearance, manoeuvrability, or general safety, it’s electric wheelchairs that have the most to offer when it comes to mobility choices. If you need guidance in choosing the most suitable model for your needs, take a look at our buyers guide for information about what kinds of things to consider.

Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with the team if you have further questions.