You’re in need of mobility assistance. You’ve decided that you’d like to have some kind of modern power mobility unit to help you get around, but with so many different products available to you, you’re concerned that you may not choose the “right” product for your needs.

You’ve heard of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and you generally know how they work, but you’re not familiar with their exact functions. In fact, you may not even be aware that wheelchairs and scooters are unique from one another. Maybe you’ve even used the terms interchangeably when referencing a power mobility unit in general. All these considerations can leave you confused about your options.

Worry no more; you’ve come to the right place! Rascal Power Mobility by Mega Motion offers a variety of products designed to meet your needs, and we’re here to help you make the right decision as you envision a future of greater independence.

Rascal products

Rascal offers mobility scooters, such as the Venture 8-inch model and the Conquest 10-inch model, each available in both 3-wheel and 4-wheel versions. Its lineup also contains a lightweight, foldable power wheelchair, the Carbon Cruiser.

All Rascal products are FDA Class II Medical Devices, which are designed to aid individuals with mobility impairments. They have been rigorously tested to the highest standards to ensure consumer safety and long-term satisfaction.

The Basics

While electric wheelchairs and electric scooters are both designed to help people unlock greater mobility, they are not interchangeable terms. There are distinct differences between these two types of mobility devices.

In general, power wheelchairs are preferred by those with significant mobility reductions in their upper body, arms, and legs. Because of extensive needs, the powerchair becomes their main method of transportation, both at home and throughout their daily lives.

In general, mobility scooters are a “simpler” version of a power wheelchair and are ideal for individuals who may be experiencing some pain and discomfort and simply want some help in getting around. A scooter is not typically a main source of transportation and is very useful in a situation where someone needs some assistance in a setting where otherwise they may be on their feet most of the day.

Driving

The biggest visual difference you may notice between the Carbon Cruiser and the Venture or Conquest – how the unit is operated and driven.

Because the Carbon Cruiser is a power wheelchair, it’s controlled by a joystick located on one of the armrests. It requires just one hand to operate, so it’s ideal for those who may lack full upper body control or the strength to propel a manual wheelchair.

Compare that to the Venture or Conquest, which are driven using a tiller (a.k.a. handlebar). This requires the user to extend one or both arms on a consistent basis while on the move, so sustained upper body strength is critical to operating the unit, as you may need to hold your arms out for long periods of time.

Structural differences

Power wheelchairs can utilize a rear-wheel, mid-wheel, or front-wheel drive system, depending on where the larger drive wheels are located. In this case of the Carbon Cruiser, these larger wheels are at the back of the unit, producing a rear-wheel drive system. Scooters such as Venture and Conquest will have either three or four wheels, which all be the same size.

The foot platform on the Carbon Cruiser is adjustable for height and can flip up when not in use. Venture and Conquest scooters have fixed leg support, and the 3-wheel models have more legroom because there’s only a single wheel in the front. Centrally located, this creates more space on either side.

Travel use

Smaller scooters and power wheelchairs are best for traveling, whether near or far. In the case of the Carbon Cruiser, it weighs just 44 pounds without the battery and folds nearly flat in just seconds, so it’s easy to transport in the trunk of a car. It’s also powered by an airline-compliant lithium battery*, so it’s perfect for getaways across the world.

*Transport of this item on commercial aircraft is subject to federal regulations and airline policy. Please consult your airline prior to your flight to ensure your Rascal Carbon Cruiser and its lithium-ion battery are permitted.

Also exceptional for travel mobility are the Venture 3-wheel and 4-wheel scooters, which contain 8-inch tires. These smaller Rascal units share feature called “Swift Release Technology”. They both disassemble into five lightweight pieces in just seconds, allowing a user to easily store the unit in smaller spaces such as a car trunk.

The Conquest 3-wheel and 4-wheel units contain 10-inch drive tires, making them bigger, heavier units. While these scooters also disassemble and can be stored as separate pieces, it may be more difficult for most users to move the pieces and to remove everything, including the batteries. For travel purposes, the Carbon Cruiser and Venture models are highly recommended.

Indoor/Outdoor use

Where will you be primarily using your unit? This is a key question that you should think about before deciding which product is right for you.

Electric wheelchairs such as the Carbon Cruiser are ideal for indoor use because a typical user may spend more time in the chair around the house. They have a narrower turning radius than scooters, meaning they can navigate tight spaces easier, such as hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas within a home.

While mobility scooters can be used in a home, they don’t turn quite as sharply and are not designed for very tight spaces. While not as convenient at home, they can certainly still be useful indoors in larger areas such as grocery stores.

Where scooters have an advantage over power wheelchairs is in outdoor use. They’re designed to be more rugged and built to handle a wider variety of terrain. Power wheelchairs are also perfectly functional in outdoor settings, but we recommend keeping those units on smoother surfaces such as sidewalks. The Venture and Conquest mobility scooters are built to handle a few bumps in the path, grassy areas, and other uneven surfaces.

Both electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters can function indoors and outdoors, with limitations on both depending on your setting.

Which is right for you?

We hope that by highlighting some of the key differences in these products, you have a clearer understanding of what a power wheelchair is, what a mobility scooter is, and what you think may be best for your needs between the Carbon Cruiser, Venture, and Conquest.

As you embark on this journey of greater independence, ask yourself a few questions. How is your overall mobility level and strength level? Do you prefer a joystick or a tiller for driving? Do you want to travel with your unit? Will you primarily be indoors or outdoors with your unit? Is a tight turning radius important to you?

If you can answer those, you’ll be on your way to a bright mobility future. We recommend you schedule an examination with your physician for further clarity if need be. No matter what you choose, trust Rascal Power Mobility to unlock your freedom of movement!