Mobility scooter vs electric wheelchair?

[Grockle]

I think the time has come for me to give in a buy one. I've used scooters before and it's been great but I was wondering if a chair might be an option? I think probably not... I need to be able to:

Walk the dog
Go up big hills (live near the sea at bottom of big hill)
Go to shopping centres/ supermarket

It would be nice if I could get on the bus too.

Most buses and trains don't have space for mobility scooters, only wheelchairs (and some don't have space for those either). So check your local situation.

Do you need to be able to fit it into a car boot, do you have trouble lifting, and can you walk a bit (eg leave scooter outside a shop and walk inside)? Also where would you store it - electric wheelchairs may not have a lock which could be a problem if left outside.

If you want to try a wheelchair your local Red Cross may rent them out, or I can recommend a company called wheelfreedom.com - will deliver to your door in a couple days.

Grockle, have you applied with the nhs? I have the application form now, and it asks about ability to self propel (which i cant do) and then if you have someone to push you (which i wont at all times), so it looks like its either manual or electric wheelchair from them, no scooters. So im wondering if i might get that, and then buy a scooter for when a wheelchair isnt suitable at a later date.

I'm really looking forward to getting out and about again :) i am ridiculously excited!

For eg, one time i'd need a wheelchair would be taking the eldest to nursery, which involves a bus trip (so scooter wouldnt fit). It's way too far to expect the kids to walk while i ride on a scooter.

Came on to post - and NotCitrus has already said everything I was going to.

Oh, you might want to check battery life as well, especially as you have a big hill.

I don't know whether wheelchair batteries go up to the same size as scooter batteries (TBH can't see why not, but presumably the smaller and lighter the chair, the smaller the battery).

Beyond - could your kids ride on the scooter with you? I used to see a chap collecting ?grandkids from school on a scooter, two 5yos perched on it.
I've only ever used manual wheelchairs (folding one was easiest to use on a bus), but we've been looking for devices to help MIL over the last few years - she uses Shopmobility scooters but can't get a scooter in/out of a car so no use having her own.

Thank you. I did lots of research and, considering the hills round here and the fact that if need to get it in the car, I've gone for a scooter. dS can either sit on my knee or ride on the back.

I don't know how to get an Nhs one. Glad you have an application form, beyond being housebound is crap.

That's a good point, i guess they could, citrus :)

Grockle, at my GPs they have the forms behind reception, you just have to ask for one, you fill it in and give it back to the GP who does their bit and sends it off for you