Mobility scooter vs electric wheelchair

[JustBeingJobless]

I’m having to face facts - I need some wheels as I’m struggling more and more with walking and I’m finding I’m just plain avoiding going places as I can only manage a short distance, even with sticks or my rollator/trolley. I very briefly had a mobility scooter last year, but it wasn’t really up to much (didn’t like hills etc) so I sold it in disgust after getting marooned on a pine cone on holiday

I’m now looking at either a better scooter, or an electric wheelchair. Wheelchair just seems so flippin” final though, if that makes sense? Scooter says I’m struggling a bit, whereas wheelchairs feels like I’ve accepted I can’t walk and I’m not sure I’m ready for that!

However, a wheelchair would, in many ways, work better as I’d like to be able to walk my dog more and they’re one handed operation as oppose to having a steering column, plus they’re smaller and more likely to be able to go in everywhere (booked to go somewhere in November that doesn’t allow scooters in, so would have to be pushed around in a hired chair by my friend and I really don’t want that!), and it would take up less floor space to store.

I also suspect that people would take me more seriously in a chair; wrong as that is. One of my friends said she sees a mobility scooter and often assumes the person is just lazy, whereas a wheelchair says more serious disability. That attitude annoyed me but she has a point I feel. However, part of me still doesn’t accept myself that I’m pretty disabled, and a wheelchair feels like an acceptance of something permanent as oppose to something that may just go away (realistically it’s not going to).

Any pros and cons of scooters vs chairs that anyone can think of? Any users of either that can help me make a decision? Many thanks :)

Definitely worth thinking about if the gel one isn't for me thanks @WingsofXXSteel

Looks great @HappyHippy45 hope it does the job

Yes, the Argos cushion. Thanks, that's good to know that the cushion stays more-or-less put.

'Gamblers'

@ProfessorMoody - can I just ask about the waterproofness (is that even a word?!) of your chair please? Are all the electrics sealed well in case you get caught in a heavy downpour? Thanks :)

I didn't even think of that! I never go out in the rain so didn't need to, but I've just looked at the instructions and it says to keep it out of the rain, so I'm guessing it's not waterproof at all

I think you can buy covers though, like the ones they do for prams.

Ugly great poncho while you're sitting in the chair may help keep rain off it as well as you.

I haven't had to use mine in anger yet, so don't know if a special wheelchair-user poncho works well or gets caught in the wheels.

Gel Cushion has landed and I'm already sitting much better in the seat - excellent

Thanks. I seem to take rain with me wherever I go so that is a concern!

Good to hear @ValleyClouds

Re: Mobility scooter waterproofness.
Salesman in dealership said to buy a waterproof tiller cover (covers the controls) and just to wear waterproofs. He said not to bother with the big poncho things that cover you and the scooter.
I generally don't go out if it's going to be pissing down but I have been caught in some real downpours and not been electrocutedyet
I bought some fleece lined waterproof trousers and wear a jacket or two plus a waterproof jacket now it's getting a bit colder. Does the job.
I also pack a waterproof cover if it's rainy in case I need to park up outside the Drs surgery or something. If there's just a chance of rain I park and fold seat down...also carry a big wad of kitchen roll to dry it off if need be.

@HappyHippy45

I may have spoke to soon I'm still getting pain, it may be that I need a sheepskin, but also, it was aggravated before the cushion so pre existing. It's like a bruised coccyx so I can't tell if it's a pressure sore

Oh dear. Hope you get it figured out soon😕