Cerebral Palsy Wheelchairs and Scooters

Fact Checked

Cerebral palsy wheelchairs and scooters help people living with this condition improve mobility. Several options match the equipment to the child’s height, weight, posture, and support needs. This optimizes the use of the equipment while also providing maximum comfort.

About Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs come in many different types and sizes, including electric, manual, standing, and mobility scooters.[1] They are useful for children living with cerebral palsy who need more support than a walker or cane provides.

First, you’ll need your child’s primary health care provider and therapists to assess your child’s specific needs, such as how much posture control they have and how much support they’ll need. Additionally, you will need to determine the following:

• Seat width
• Seat height
• Wheelchair weight
• Armrest preference
• Type of seat cushioning
• Leg and footrest preference

Some children need lifts as well. Lifts can be used to position the child and transfer them across various surfaces (beds, chairs, bathrooms). You can find different types of transfer lifts, including powered, overhead, and manual lifts.

Electric Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs are a popular option since they are motorized and allow children to move quickly with the push of a small switch. These wheelchairs are recommended for children with limited mobility and coordination problems in their upper and lower extremities.

Standing Electric Wheelchairs

Standing wheelchairs help children increase their balance and coordination while still offering them an efficient way to move around.

A standing wheelchair allows children to interact with their peers on an eye-to-eye level. Standing wheelchairs have also been shown to improve circulation and promote good urinary and bowel health.

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs require the person using them to push the large rear wheels to make them move. These wheelchairs are more affordable and fold up easily.

Children with severe cerebral palsy and those who cannot use their arms efficiently are not good candidates for a manual wheelchair. However, it is a good option for children who are learning to walk alone but need additional assistance.

Mobility Scooters

Scooters or power-operated vehicles (POV) come with three or four wheels and help children develop movement and stability. Most scooters come with comfortable, padded seating, a flat area to rest the feet and use the foot pedal, and sturdy handlebars that allow children to turn the POV in different directions.

Like wheelchairs, various types of scooters range from small to large, lightweight to heavy. The smaller scooters are intended primarily for traveling, although they are sometimes used for everyday activities.

The mid-range scooters are the best option for both indoor and outdoor use, while the larger, heavier scooters can better handle rough outdoor terrains.

Scooters are helpful for children who have decreased upper limb mobility and have problems with shoulder stamina and flexibility. Another advantage of scooters is that the stigma of being disabled is not as prominent as when children use a wheelchair.

Although awareness about cerebral palsy continues to increase, children with disabilities are often targets of bullies. Scooters make some children feel better about themselves instead of using wheelchairs.

Parents should be aware of the possible limitations of scooters before considering them for their children.

Although scooters help children with upper limb limitations, the children will still need to steer the POV, which requires hand coordination, a little upper body strength, and an upright posture. Scooters also do not have the added accessories that wheelchairs can provide, such as headrests.

How to Pay for Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Scooters and wheelchairs will range in price depending on the make, model, and additional accessories needed. Costs will also depend on the store or manufacturer. It is always a wise idea to shop around before making a decision.

Many families find that they cannot afford some of the steep price tags associated with the mobility aids their child needs. In many instances, insurance plans will cover the costs of necessary aids.

Another option to consider is purchasing a gently used mobility aid. If taking this option, inspect it thoroughly before purchasing it to ensure it is in working order and will meet your child’s needs.

Many companies offer the option of renting mobility aids, while others can help you finance it. You can also check with charitable organizations like the Easter Seals or the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP).