Scooter or power chair?Let us help you pick.
A power wheelchair and a mobility scooter solve the same problem in different ways. A few minutes here helps you land on the right one, so you buy once and buy right.
Which one is right for you?
Both take you where you want to go. The difference comes down to how much support you need and how you like to steer.
A few questions to point you the right way
Tell us how and where you get around and we will suggest a starting point. It takes about a minute.
This guide is for everyday mobility, the kind that comes with age or recovery from surgery. Custom or rehab seating is a different process that needs a professional fitting. If that is you, call us and we will guide you to the right path.
A starting point, not medical advice. If you are unsure, call 1-855-HIELINE or check with your doctor or therapist.
Please answer every question above so we can point you the right way.
Lower cost and upkeep
Your suggested fit
Mobility scooter
- Sit upright and steer with both hands
- Step on and go, great for errands and trips
- Best outdoors and in open stores
Most support and control
Your suggested fit
Power wheelchair
- Drive with a fingertip joystick
- Supportive seat for sitting all day
- Turns in tight indoor spaces
How they compare
A lot of people arrive set on a power wheelchair and find a scooter fits their life better and often costs less. The guide above points you to a fit. Open the full comparison below if you want to see how they differ point by point.
See the full side-by-side comparison
| Mobility scooter | Power wheelchair | |
|---|---|---|
| How you steer | A tiller you hold with both hands, much like handlebars. | A joystick you nudge with two fingers. |
| Getting on and off | You step on and take a seat, so some standing and balance helps. | You transfer into a supportive seat, which is easier when standing is hard. |
| Indoors | Wider turns, happiest outdoors and in open stores. | Turns in tight spaces and doorways, built for indoor use. |
| Sitting all day | A basic seat, good for errands and trips. | A supportive seat made for sitting most of the day. |
| Upfront cost | Usually lower for standard models, often about half a comparable power wheelchair. Folding models run closer, since both are mostly carbon fiber. | Usually higher for standard models, for the added support and control. |
| Repairs and upkeep | Tiller steering is simple and holds up well, so upkeep tends to be lower. | The joystick does the driving and is the part most likely to need service, and it costs more to replace. |
If you can sit up and steer with your hands, a mobility scooter is often the better and more affordable choice. If you need support to stay upright, or you want to drive with just your fingertips, a power wheelchair is built for you. Still unsure? Call 1-855-HIELINE and we will talk it through.
Buy with confidence
A power wheelchair or scooter is a real investment, so we make it easy to get right and easy to trust.
No prescription needed
You can buy a power wheelchair or scooter directly from us. Keep your paperwork if you plan to seek reimbursement later.
Fitted to you
Call 1-855-HIELINE and a real person helps you match the chair or scooter to your height, weight, and where you will use it.
Help after the sale
You get setup guidance, warranty support, and clear returns if the fit is not right.
Made to travel
Folding and travel models come apart to fit a car, and each product page lists the range and specs so you can match one to your day.
What customers say
"Andrew and Sadat were amazing. They were so helpful with getting equipment we needed and very reasonably priced. I will only use this company for my mobility equipment!"
"My electric chair suddenly quit working. I started with a different dealer but they were giving me the runaround. I called Andrew at Hieline and he got me a quote in less than two hours."
"Hieline has been super helpful when we needed medical equipment for my grandma. They were great with helping them set up equipment that we rented while equipment we purchased was being shipped. They delivered at no charge."
"Excellent service, they delivered my electric chair really quick as they promised. Very happy with the service. I highly recommend this place!"
Good to know before you choose
Do I need a prescription to buy?
Is shipping really free?
How far will it go on a charge?
Can I take it in a car?
Does insurance or Medicare cover it?
Still weighing it up?
Tell us how you get around and we will point you to the right equipment. No pressure, just a hand.
