Power mobility aids include wheelchairs and scooters. They can be used to get around in your home and in the community. You might need to make changes to your car or get a ride on public transportation if you want to take your powerchair or scooter out into the community.

What kinds of powered mobility aids are there?

Power Wheelchair

A power wheelchair is a motorized mobility device that can be customized to the user. It might be driven using a joystick on the armrest, an array of switches at the head, or a sip-and-puff switch at the mouth. Some power chairs have special features like tilt, recline, or lift to help position you comfortably.

Scooter

Power scooters are another type of motorized mobility device. They have fewer seating supports and control options than power wheelchairs.

Power Assist Devices

Power assist devices attach to a manual wheelchair. They come in different forms: a Smart Drive device that is mounted on the back of your chair, a scooter handlebar like the Firefly that attaches to the front, or a special pair of wheels with a motor built in. All decrease the effort needed to push. They may be helpful for people who can propel a manual chair, but struggle on slopes or rough terrain.