We are sorry, but you have reached this page in error. Please try the action again and if the problem continues, contact Customer Support.Ask people with multiple sclerosis (MS) about their biggest concerns, and loss of independence is likely to come up. That’s because MS can make it progressively harder to get around.But not everyone with MS will lose mobility or become severely disabled. In fact, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), two-thirds of people with MS remain able to walk, though many will need to use a walking aid, such as a cane, and some may need to use a wheelchair or scooter at times — or most of the time — because of symptoms such as fatigue, balance problems, or weakness.The best option for you will depend largely on your symptoms.RELATED: Walking Made Easier: Choosing a Cane for MSBoth wheelchairs and scooters are costly, so it’s sensible to do some research before making your selection. Here are some points of comparison:Manual wheelchair A manual wheelchair may be a good choice if you have enough stamina and upper-body strength to push the wheelchair yourself using the push rims on the wheels.
Pushing your own wheelchair has the added benefits of helping you get some exercise and maintaining upper-body fitness.Manual wheelchairs are lighter than motorized wheelchairs, and many models are foldable, making them relatively easy to store and transport. In addition, they require less maintenance than motorized options.The lightest manual wheelchairs, which are often used by disabled people to compete in sports, are made of titanium instead of aluminum.Motorized wheelchair If you don’t have enough energy or upper-body strength to push yourself in a manual wheelchair, or doing so causes pain, a motorized model is likely a better choice. For people with extensive paralysis, a motorized wheelchair can be outfitted with a breath-activated device.Increased demand in recent years has resulted in a greater variety of motorized wheelchair models, with the main difference being the location of the wheel to which the motor is attached: back, center, or front. The location of the “drive wheel” affects how it feels to drive the chair, particularly when making turns or maneuvering in tight places.“
Motorized wheelchairs are usually pretty heavy, so you may need a van with a wheelchair lift or ramp for getting around away from home,” says neurologist Allen Bowling, MD, PhD, a physician associate at the Colorado Neurological Institute in Englewood, Colorado, and coauthor of Optimal Health With Multiple Sclerosis.Motorized wheelchairs are also pricey, so insurance coverage may be a consideration.Power scooter Battery-operated scooters are good for traveling longer distances, but they can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. They are operated with hand controls and a steering handle mechanism, so it’s necessary to have good hand and finger coordination and strength in your arms. Good torso control and stability while sitting are also essential for safe use of a power scooter.Many scooters can be disassembled for transporting in your vehicle, although they can be difficult to take apart. Scooter sizes, weight capacities, and optional features vary from model to model.The process of choosing a mobility device usually begins with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
And while your doctor can help you decide when it’s time to consider a mobility device, you should enlist the help of a specialist who’s familiar with the latest options when making your selection. In some cases, a special assistive technology clinic may be available to help coordinate the services you need.Here are some of the steps that go into making a good choice:Work with an occupational or physical therapist. “An occupational therapist (OT) will review with you what your goals are and how use of the wheelchair or scooter will help you reach your goals or improve your independence in your daily routine,” says Caitlyn Foy, an occupational therapist and assistant professor in the College of Education and Rehabilitation at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The therapist will measure and fit you for your device, measure your house to be sure the wheelchair or scooter will fit, and gather and compare specific device options from various vendors.Get a seating and positioning evaluation.
Many OTs are trained to perform an evaluation; rehabilitation clinics can also provide this service. “A poorly fitting wheelchair can cause further complications, like pressure ulcers, rotator cuff injuries from overuse from propulsion, and back pain due to poor thoracic or lumbar support,” Foy says. “Also, if the measurements for the wheelchair are incorrect, like if the leg rests are too low and the person’s legs are unsupported, this could lead to tight hamstrings with increased pain and stiffness."Honestly evaluate your capabilities and needs. When deciding between a wheelchair or scooter, you want to consider both your mental and physical capabilities, Foy says. For instance, if your coordination is fine but you have impaired cognition, it might be unsafe to ride a scooter. Think about your current and future needs. Because MS is progressive, you may need to use more than one type of device over your lifetime. “You don’t want to buy a scooter for short-term use if your mobility is declining and you will need to save your funds for a wheelchair in the near future,” Foy notes.
Janet Perry, 59, a needlepoint entrepreneur in the San Francisco Bay Area, says she tried power wheelchairs when she was looking for a new scooter, but she didn't like them much. She says she’s glad she looked at all of her options, because she was able to determine what she wanted for her immediate needs and now also has information about devices she may need in the future. Make sure you are able to try out the device in your home and vehicle before making your final decision.Consider where you will be using the device. “My biggest piece of advice is to think about where and when you will be using it,” Perry says. “Scooters and power chairs have different capabilities [and] they are expensive, so buying one that won't work is a costly mistake.” She points out that many scooters lack wheels that work well in grass, so a power wheelchair may be a better option if you’re going to need access to unpaved areas. Also, she says, large scooters may have a turning radius that's too big for your home or office.
Be mindful of battery life with motorized devices. If you'll be using your motorized wheelchair or scooter for long days, or if you'll be dealing with hills and inclines often throughout your day, make sure your device’s battery will be able to keep up, Perry cautions.Consider how you will transport the device. Make sure your device will fit in your vehicle. Perry recommends checking vendor brochures for size specifications before making your purchase. Many chairs and scooters can be taken apart to fit into your vehicle, but it’s important to know whether you are able to disassemble the device on your own or if you’ll need help.Private insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare will usually cover the cost of a wheelchair or scooter if your MS symptoms necessitate the use of one. Your doctor may need to write out a detailed prescription or letter of medical necessity outlining your particular needs for insurance approval.If your initial request is denied, you will need to file an appeal. Providing an organized account of the nature and onset of your disability can be helpful.