Buyer's Guide to Mobility Scooters and Power Chairs
You needn’t give up your independence or social life merely because you have reduced mobility. Our range of mobility scooters, travel scooters and power chairs will give you the freedom to come and go as you like. Plus, we are a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, Country Care Group and Allianz-contracted supplier for the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) – we’re always happy to discuss chair and scooter options with you.
Whether you are considering a mobility/ travel scooter or a power chair, there are a few things you need to consider. How far will your device take you on one full charge? How stable is it? How manoeuvrable is it? And where will you be mostly using it? The last question is likely the biggest decider between a mobility scooter and a power wheelchair for a non-permanent user.
Mobility or travel scooters
Our primary range comes from Shoprider, one of the most popular in Australia. A scooter is moved by a tiller and handlebars system, and is best for moving around outdoors. If you enjoy going to the park, nipping down to the shops or visiting friends a few blocks away, a quality scooter will be able to cope with uneven terrain and, depending on scooter size, can get a range of up to 50km per charge. Consider your comfort, too: a larger seat and an upgraded suspension system could improve your ride while reducing pressure.
If you are looking to use the scooter off-road (perhaps on property) the Pride Outback (below left) scooter stands out for its CTS suspension including adjustable shocks, dual hydraulic brake system, superior ground clearance and rugged all terrain tyres. This model will cope with the great outdoors like no other scooter.
The Shoprider TQ8 Little Beauty (below centre) covers all the basics and is highly portable as it can be pulled apart and stored in the back of most cars. If you want to take a scooter on a plane or a cruise ship with you, consider a compact, lightweight Luggie scooter, which can easily fold up and has a transport bag available to purchase, too. With a lithium-ion battery there is no issue with flying but you may wish to check with your airplane carrier in advance just to be sure
On the other end of the spectrum, the Shoprider Rocky 8 (below right) is packed with mod cons such as a gas adjustable tiller, rear adjustable suspension, powerful 2hp engine, LED lighting, a digital dashboard, stylish spoke mag wheels and high ground clearance (great for gravel paths, for example). Images below are not to scale.
Power chairs
Power chairs or electric wheelchairs differ to mobility scooters in that they are operated by a joystick and have easier manoeuvrability indoors. Where a travel scooter is too bulky to use safely in most indoor spaces, a power chair is ideal. We understand how reliant you can become on a power chair and only work with reliable manufacturers such as Shoprider, Linds Rehab and Glide Rehab (below left), offering assurance that parts are readily available.
Consider stability, battery power and comfort, and come into our showrooms in Bunbury or Busselton to test options before you buy.
The Venice (below centre) is a popular choice because it is lightweight and can be easily dismantled, making it more portable if necessary. Not only does the battery have a very long life but the Venice can be fully charged in just three hours, while a patient is sleeping, for example.
The Puma 10’s (below right) amped up features include a captain’s seat (ie a multi-adjustable, highly padded seat) that can be individually adjusted to fit you perfectly. Options for leg elevation or stump support are also available.
Scripted power chairs
If you are a permanent wheelchair user, we offer scripted power chairs that are generally customised according to your occupational therapist’s recommendations We recommend Glide chairs, which are Australian-designed and manufactured.
The Glide Centro (below), which is manufactured in Perth, WA, is compatible with most proprietary seating systems. There is an optional anterior tilt and a 50-degree seat tilt standard. For use around the home or in social situations, there is the option to have a vertical seat raiser to enable you to reach into cupboards or even just speak at face height to work colleagues and friends. The Centro is available in paediatric and adult models.
Call or email our friendly and knowledgeable teams in regard to your requirements and the possibility of attending one of our seating and wheelchair scripting clinics for the opportunity to trial several wheelchairs and power add-ons.
The right power chair or travel scooter can boost your quality of life by increasing independence and enhancing your mobility. At Cape Abilities we stock Australia’s top brands and have years of experience working with OTs and their patients to ensure all the patient needs are met.