Scooter or power wheelchair: which fits you
A scooter fits if
You can sit upright without support, steer a tiller with both hands, and get on and off with little help. You want range for errands and neighborhood trips, and you'd like it to ride in a car sometimes.
A power wheelchair fits if
You need seating support, tire quickly, can't manage a tiller, or spend most of the day in the chair. Joystick control, tighter turns, and indoor maneuverability are the trade for range and transportability.
Three wheels or four
Three-wheel scooters turn tighter and handle indoor spaces and store aisles; four-wheel scooters are more stable on slopes and uneven ground. Outdoor-heavy use favors four.
The transport question
If the scooter will ride in a car, the number that matters is the weight of the heaviest piece after it comes apart, usually 30 to 60 lb on travel models. Folding scooters and vehicle lifts solve the problem at a price.
Before you decide
Sit on one if you can. Check the seat width, the reach to the controls, and how it feels turning in a tight space. A physical or occupational therapist can advise on seating and control needs, especially for power wheelchairs.