So you’re trying to choose between a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair (often called a powerchair), but don’t know which one is right for you? This guide will help.
On the surface, these mobility machines might look similar. Both are battery-powered and can be used to potter around at home, ride to the shops or explore the countryside. In short, they’re both designed to help you maintain your independence.
However, there are key differences between them that matter a lot when it comes to your everyday use.
So let’s compare mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs in detail, so you can finally decide which option will best suit your lifestyle.
What is a Mobility Scooter?
A mobility scooter is ideal if you have some upper-body strength and have no problem sitting upright. Most are operated with an easy-to-use tiller or handlebars, which you steer by turning, much like a bike.
Mobility scooters come in different types:
- Folding mobility scooters: ideal for travel, trips into town and storing in your car boot for days out.
- Off road scooters: offer better stability and ground clearance, making them ideal for outdoor all-terrain use. These are all Class 3 scooters (see below).
- Class 2 scooters: lighter models with a small turning circle designed for urban pedestrian areas, with a maximum speed of 4 mph for pavement use.
- Class 3 scooters: larger road-legal models with lights, indicators, horns and mirrors, with maximum speeds of 8 mph for road use and 4 mph on the pavement.
In general, a mobility scooter will suit your lifestyle if you want to travel several miles on a single charge – and enjoy walking your dog in the countryside, shopping in town or going on day trips.
What is a Powerchair (Electric Wheelchair)?
A powerchair (or a powered wheelchair) is an electric wheelchair you control with a joystick rather than a tiller.
They’re designed to support you if you have reduced mobility or little upper body strength, and are ideal for use indoors or outdoors, depending on the model.
Powerchair key features:
- Customisable seating options, including adjustable height, tilt, and recline
- Back and headrest for extra comfort
- Smaller turning circles, which makes them better for manoeuvring inside
- The ability to operate the controls with just the touch of a button or joystick
The team at TGA are powerchair innovators, and models such as our Scoozy bring you all the comfort, styling and versatility of an electric wheelchair, combined with the rough terrain durability of a scooter.
Our compact, foldable WHILL Model F fits in your car boot and is travel-friendly for public transport such as trains and buses.
Main Differences Between Mobility Scooters and Powerchairs
| Feature | Mobility Scooter | Powerchair (Electric Wheelchair) |
| Controls | Tiller/handlebar requires steering with arms | Joystick, minimal upper body movement needed |
| Turning circle | Larger, better outdoors | Smaller, ideal indoors |
| Seating | Swivel seat, less adjustable | Highly customisable with headrest and tilt |
| Speed | Class 2 (4 mph), Class 3 (8 mph) | Typically 4 mph |
| Range | Many can travel longer distances on a single charge | Range varies, often shorter |
| Use | Great outdoors, shopping, pavement/road use | Best indoors, suitable outdoors with correct model |
| Transport | Folding and travel scooters available | Some folding, but often heavier |
| Customisation | Limited | High – designed to support specific needs |
Indoor Use
If most of your time is spent indoors, a powerchair has the lifestyle advantage. Thanks to its smaller turning circle and joystick control, you can move around tight hallways and navigate between furniture easily.
Many electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed in shopping centres, but lightweight powerchairs are generally easier to manoeuvre in crowded spaces.
Mobility scooters tend to be larger and require more space to turn, so they’re not always the best choice for small flats or narrow corridors.
Outdoor Use
If you love exploring the great outdoors – perhaps walking your dog around the local lake or taking day trips into the countryside – then mobility scooters are perfect.
Depending on the model you choose, they can travel miles on a single charge, have suspension systems and chunky tyres for maximum comfort, and can reach higher speeds than most powerchairs.
A 4-wheel scooter such as our Breeze S4 provides excellent stability and ground clearance on uneven paths, making this type of model ideal for use in parks, markets, and navigating kerbs in town centres.
Wheelchairs tend to be slower outdoors, but as mentioned above, a powered model with the right suspension and tyres can still handle pavements and gentle slopes very well.
Comfort and Adjustability
So you’re always comfortable, mobility scooters come with a swivel seat for easy mounting and dismounting, and some offer adjustable seat heights and headrests – as with many TGA models, including the feature-packed Vita X.
However, powerchairs just edge it in terms of comfort-customisation. You can adjust the height, tilt the seat, and add features like a headrest or specialised cushions to better support your body.
To see what we mean, check out the WHILL C2 Support Plus with its NXT EXTEND thoracic seat back and headrest.
Portability and Public Transport
If you travel often, portability is key. Folding mobility scooters and travel scooters can easily be stowed in your car boot or taken on public transport.
Many powerchairs are heavier, making them less convenient for lifting without assistance, although some foldable and lightweight models are now available, such as TGA’s cutting-edge WHILL Model F mentioned before.
Both machines can be taken on trains and buses, but you should check the size and weight limits before travelling. Trains in particular often require a travel permit and pre-booking to guarantee you a space.
Battery Life and Charging
Mobility scooters tend to have a longer battery life than powerchairs, especially the larger Class 3 models such as our motorcycle-style 3-wheeler, the Supersport, which has a maximum range of 35 miles.
This and many other TGA models can easily cover longer distances on a single charge before needing to be plugged back in. Powerchairs may need more frequent charging, depending on their battery size and usage.
However, both scooters and powerchairs should be charged regularly to maintain their battery health. Overcharging or letting the battery run flat can shorten its lifespan, which could leave you stranded.
Body Strength and Control
Choosing between an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter often comes down to your body strength:
- If you have pretty good upper-body strength and can turn handlebars easily, then a mobility scooter might be your best option.
- If your movement is more limited, then a better bet would be a joystick-controlled powerchair, which needs far less effort to drive.
Costs and Maintenance
In the UK, purchase prices for mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred pounds for a basic travel model to several thousand for advanced versions.
TGA is known for its clear pricing across our excellent range of scooters and powerchairs, many of which qualify for VAT relief or can be purchased through the Motability scheme.
Maintenance for both includes checking tyres, batteries, and controls. Mobility scooters may need less frequent servicing, while powerchairs with more moving parts and customisation options may require extra checks.
Whatever is needed, TGA can provide our scooter and powerchair customers with comprehensive annual servicing and insurance plans to cover ongoing maintenance and protect you against accidents, damage and theft.
FAQs
Is a mobility scooter better than a powerchair?
It depends on your lifestyle and mobility needs. Scooters are better outdoors and for longer distances, while powerchairs are better for tight spaces indoors, and if you have limited movement.
Can you take both on public transport?
Yes, but check size and weight limits before you travel.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Mobility scooters tend to have a longer range than powerchairs.
Mobility Scooter Vs Powerchair: Which One Should You Choose?
Both mobility scooters and powerchairs are designed to increase your freedom and independence, but if you’re still on the fence about which one to choose, here are some quick pointers as a recap:
- Choose a mobility scooter if you want to travel longer distances outdoors, need a higher maximum speed, and can steer using a tiller.
- Choose a powerchair if you need excellent manoeuvrability indoors, have limited upper body strength, and want highly adjustable seating.
Your choice may also depend on whether you’re buying for indoor use, outdoor use, or both.
Some people own one of each – using a mobility scooter for trips into town or to walk the dog, and a powerchair for pottering around at home.
The best way to finally decide is to test drive both at either our Suffolk or Surrey showroom. Our experts can answer all your questions on each type of machine, and will be happy to let you take various models out for a spin.
We’re standing by to help, so call now on 0800 107 5349 and we’ll book you in for a free no-obligation demonstration.
