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Veterans are a large and diverse group, representing over 18.5 million people across the United States. This group may need to use a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter for a number of different reasons, including injuries received in the line of duty, old age, chronic diseases, and more.
Luckily, the mobility market is always evolving and offers a variety of options to help military veterans stay mobile – from simple manual wheelchairs to high tech scooters and electric wheelchairs.
In addition to providing a general overview of the most popular types of mobility options, this article will highlight a few specific products that we feel can help improve overall mobility for vets. These products were chosen based on their dependability, utility, and high quality.
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Types of Mobility Devices
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finding the right mobility device for a veteran. For example, someone who has minor motion limitations might need a basic walker or rollator to help them walk longer distances. On the other hand, a veteran with more restricted mobility may be better off with a wheelchair or even a powered device such as mobility scooter. If you’ll mostly be using the device indoors, a tight-turning power wheelchair may be the way to go.
Below we’ll outline the most popular types of mobility devices for veterans and who each device is best suited for:
Walkers for Veterans: Rollators and walkers provide a wider base and more support than canes and other manual mobility devices. They can also be a useful secondary device for scooter and wheelchair users.
Who they are for: Vets who can still walk but need a little extra support around the house or on longer trips.
- Wheelchairs for Veterans: Wheelchairs are an effective, durable, and versatile mobility solution. They are a popular choice for many veterans, as evidenced by organizations such as Wheelchairs for Warriors. Typically, manual wheelchairs are propelled by grabbing the back wheels and pushing forward, but they can also be pushed from behind by a friend, loved one, or caretaker.
Who they are for: Vets who have trouble walking but still have motion in their upper body.
- Power Wheelchairs for Veterans: Electric wheelchairs are powered by rechargeable batteries and provide a variety of advantages over mobility scooters, such as a shorter wheelbase, a tighter turning radius, and better head and neck support.
Who they are for: Vets who have upper body injuries and can’t propel a wheelchair or walker themselves. Their small turning radius also makes them ideal for narrow indoor spaces.
Mobility Scooters for Veterans: Mobility scooters are comfortable and powerful. They operate using rechargeable batteries and are a popular solution for persons with a wide range of mobility issues.
Who they are for: Vets who have upper body injuries and can’t propel a wheelchair or walker themselves. Their wider turning radius and great stability also makes them a good option for outdoor use or in large indoor spaces like malls.
Top 5 Mobility Products for Veterans
If you’re a military veteran who needs a wheelchair, rollator, mobility scooter, or power wheelchair, start by checking out some of the popular devices below:
Golden Literider Envy Power Chair
The Golden LiteRider Envy is an electric wheelchair that may be a good fit for disabled veterans who need more support than is offered by a manual wheelchair or walker. This chair was designed to fulfill the needs of both the end user as well as their caretakers. Once disassembled, the biggest component on the LiteRider Envy weighs only 35 pounds and can easily be loaded into the back of a vehicle.
| Turning Radius | 28.5" |
| Width | 22.5" |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Top Speed | 3.5 mph |
| Drive Range | 15.5 miles |
| Disassembles / Folds | Yes |
| Cost* | $1,719.00 |
WHILL Model C2 Power Chair
The WHILL Model C2 power chair features everything you could want in a portable mobility device, including a tight 30" turning radius that allows users to maneuver through interior spaces with ease. The Model C2's revolutionary front omni-wheels provide a smooth ride on rough terrain and can climb over obstacles up to 2" in height, making it a great option for veterans who love traveling and spending time outdoors. It can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing you to summon the device from across the room while remaining seated.
| Turning Radius | 29.9" |
| Width | 21.8" |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Top Speed | 5 mph |
| Drive Range | 11 miles |
| Disassembles / Folds | Yes |
| Cost* | $4,749.00 |
Pride Victory 10 (4 Wheel) Mobility Scooter
For years, one of Scootaround's most popular rental options has been the durable Pride Victory 10. One-hand feather-touch disassembly, an LED battery meter for greater accuracy, and a high-intensity LED headlight are just a few of the standard features on this powerful mobility scooter. The 4-wheel design also provides exceptional stability, allowing veterans to stay safe and comfortable while riding outdoors.
| Turning Radius | 54" |
| Width | 22.25" |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Top Speed | 5.3 mph |
| Drive Range | 16 miles |
| Disassembles / Folds | Yes |
| Cost* | $2,144.00 |
Drive Nitro Rollator
The Drive Nitro Rollator Walker has a seat with a padded backrest that allows veterans to rest for longer periods of time without growing sore. With a folded width of only 8”, this rollator is a great option for people who want to store the device in a bedroom or closet when not in use. The Drive Nitro Rollator has a stylish design and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Like all walkers and rollators, the veteran will need to be able to walk short distances to make use of the Drive Nitro.
| Width | 23" (open), 8" (folded) |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Product Weight | 17.5 lbs |
| Folds | Yes |
| Cost* | $374.00 |
Drive Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair
The Drive Silver Sport 2 is a dependable, low-cost manual wheelchair that is ideal for a wide range of veterans. It can accommodate riders weighing up to 300 pounds, and its 26” width allows the chair to fit through most indoor doorways. The Silver Sport 2 also has padded armrests and is constructed from easy-to-clean nylon fabric.
| Width | 26" (open), 12.5" (folded) |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Product Weight | 41 lbs |
| Folds | Yes |
| Cost* | $199.00 |
How To Get a Veteran Mobility Device
You can find all the products listed above online in the Scootaround Store. If you want to learn more about the best mobility scooters and wheelchairs for veterans, call us at 1-844-664-7467 or email [email protected]. We look forward to speaking with you!
For more information on VA-approved mobility devices, please reach out to your local Department of Veterans Affairs office to schedule an evaluation.
Related articles:
- The 7 Best Electric Wheelchairs for 2024
- The Best Narrow Wheelchairs for Tight Spaces
- How to Get the Best Deals on the Purchase of Mobility Devices
*Prices in USD and current at time of publication. All prices subject to change.
