When a Scooter isn’t a Scooter

For the most part, our vehicular wheelchair lifts are commonly referred to as ‘scooter lifts’ as an arbitrary reference to powered mobility devices… but there are many sub-genres of powered mobility devices of all shapes and sizes. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between scooters and powered wheelchairs, the two main powered device types, then explain why it’s important to understand these differences when choosing a lift.

When a Scooter is a Scooter

In a general sense, whenever a mobility device has a tiller, or more commonly referred to as a front column with handlebars, we refer to those as scooters. A scooter seats the user in a seat with feet rested at a foot-board (or ‘deck’ as it’s commonly referred to) and a vertical post (usually adjustable for different angles and reaches) in front with handlebars used to steer the device. These feature paddles to move the scooter forward or reverse it. Scooters typically do not have brakes as the electric motors are geared to stop the unit or brake when the throttle paddle is released. The device will still move forward, some… but shouldn’t move very far before stopping completely.

Scooters are great for users who still have good mobility in their arms, shoulders and upper body and hands. This is because steering requires the user to move the handlebars much like riding a bike in order to guide it along its path using arms, shoulders and hands to activate controls. Where they are often limited is by stability (more common with 3 wheel designs) as a scooter can tip easily if the steering is cut sharply causing forward momentum to roll the device to its side and eject a user if not carefully controlled at higher speeds.

This is an actual scooter, which has the characteristic handlebar/tiller used to control the device, and a forward foot deck to place the users feet.

Scooters also need more room to make complete turns. This is usually due to their longer wheelbase and lengths. Most commercial scooters are rear-wheel-drive as the battery is commonly located under the seat along w/ the motors and drive system. This means that to make turns, the user will have to account for the length and adequately allow for enough space to turn, much like driving a large truck through hallways.

A deck below the feet in front makes for a fairly natural sitting position vs. straddling a frame as in the case of something like a bike or motorcycle. This increases comfort and ease of getting into and out of the seat. Many scooters also have seats that turn to help users avoid needing to adjust the tiller to create enough room for the knees to slide around to one side to enter or exit. We’ve also found that unlike a powerchair (which we’ll get to in a moment), a scooter’s deck provides a place for many users to gain footing with weight supported under them somewhat as they unseat or load without much in the way of obtrusion when using a rotating seat or adjusting the tiller out away from the user to make room. We typically don’t recommend users putting all their weight down on the deck unsupported by the seat, as this will possibly break the foot-board/deck.

When a ‘Scooter’ Isn’t a Scooter

A powerized wheelchair is very different from a scooter, described above. Unlike scooters, powered wheelchairs are commonly controlled with the use of a joystick mounted to an armrest. Aside from joysticks, powered wheelchairs can be controlled by other means of sophisticated systems for those who are unable to move or use their hands.

Powered wheelchairs typically have a mid wheel drive or front wheel drive system with trailing or leading casters present that pivot and rotate, freely. Some can have rear wheel drive systems, typically more common with folding powerchairs designed to fold compact for storage or transit when unoccupied.

The device mounted on this image of a TriLift is a power-chair, or power wheelchair which is evident by the lack of the front tiller/handlebar and a joystick control located on the armrest. There is also a smaller folding footrest present, but not a fixed foot-deck as more typical on scooters.

There is no front column or tiller present on a power wheelchair, so the experience is more like sitting in a traditional wheelchair with a footrest. By doing away with a tiller mechanism, these devices usually have shorter wheelbases with most of the mass of the device directly under the user, which allows for improved turning radius, finer handling and are often better suited for enclosed areas and hallways.

A power chair, is commonly controlled by a joystick, mounted to either the left or right hand armrest. However, more sophisticated controllers are available for those who have trouble using their hands or lack the ability to move their hands.

Power wheelchairs come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like traditional wheelchairs with motorized rear wheels. Others have large, powerful bases made for advanced customizations to accommodate users who need to adjust their positioning when seated for longer periods, need to be able to reach counter-heights by elevating the seat, etc. Power chairs can typically weigh much more than scooters due to larger batteries or these more sophisticated seating systems.

Many of today’s powerchairs come with hook loops built in for fastening down to a lift, bus floor, or modified van to secure the device during transit.

Why Understanding the Differences Helps You or Your Wheelchair Lift Installer

When customers are looking for a wheelchair lift installer in San Antonio, Texas, they will call us asking for a ‘scooter’ lift and are often unable to tell us the manufacturer or model for us to verify their device, so it comes as a surprise when we go to evaluate their equipment for a lift and in actuality, the customer needs a lift for a power chair.

This isn’t a big deal, but knowing ahead of time helps us quote general prices over the phone or what to expect is realistic for the type of weight their vehicle can support to save time. Some of our lifts, like the Harmar Fusion series or TriLift* are able to accommodate either/or. Some lifts are specifically designed for scooters w/ tillers and decks. Others are made for powerchairs, only.

Understanding the differences between the two helps providers and service personnel anticipate more accurately what you are working with if they are new to your equipment and need to anticipate preparations for working on your mobility equipment. Understanding the make and model is typically the most helpful information. This is often displayed with decals on the base of the unit. However, not all devices have decals present, especially if they are older and the decals may have come off. In these situations, a general understanding of what device is being discussed will be helpful.

This Harmar AL560 is designed for powerchair use only. it lacks a solid front deck and features a more open design to accommodate adjustable chocks for the casters as well as a cross bar to secure the device as the lift moves up and pushes the seat against the bar.

Even more critical, buying a used lift can lead to negative results if the lift isn’t properly aligned for the type of mobility device being used. Vendors are developing more models than ever to accommodate the many powered mobility devices on the market, many of these with alternative decking options to hold a device, securely. Putting a literal scooter on a lift meant for a power wheelchair or vice versa can often lead to devices falling off of lifts due to the fitment and securing of the device being incorrect or poor.

The best way to be sure is to contact your friendly San Antonio wheelchair lift installer to provide them with as much information as possible to help assist you in determining what best fits your needs.