The seat should have a level base and be wide enough to accommodate outdoor clothing (if necessary). However, it should not be so wide that you are forced to sit asymmetrically in order to feel supported. If the seat is too narrow, it will be uncomfortable and increase the risk of pressure sores.

Try to choose a powered wheelchair that has a seat/backrest unit which is as adjustable as possible. As correct seating posture is essential to manage the vehicle's controls, the seat unit should be moved to a position which you find most comfortable and which gives you the best access to the steering controls.

The joystick control of standard powered wheelchairs do not require much effort, although joystick steering may take a little while to master, it can be quite sensitive. The modern programmable controls can make the joystick less sensitive.

It is best to place the control in the 'V' between the thumb and the index finger, rather than holding it with finger and thumb tips.

Most powered wheelchairs have optional controls including chin, foot, head, central and attendant controls. You may find that you can maintain a stable upright posture if the controls are placed centrally, e.g. tray mounted.

'Tiller' steering, a handlebar feature on scooters and buggies, generally requires two hands to work the controls and, if used for long periods, can put a lot of strain on your arms and shoulders unless the forearms are supported.

Swing-away/fold up footrests, swing-away/fold down armrests and small front drive wheels make transfers into a powered wheelchair easier.

'Indoor' versions of both powered wheelchairs and scooters are available. These have shorter wheelbases and therefore tend to be more manoeuvrable.

Check that the chosen scooter or wheelchair will go through doorways, make tight turns from hallways into living rooms, go down shop aisles etc.

Those vehicles which can move around easily indoors tend not to be able to cope with long distance travel, steep or uneven ground. Don't forget that one vehicle or wheelchair may not cover all your requirements.

It may be necessary to have a manual or indoor powered wheelchair/scooter as well as an outdoor only version.

Vehicles which are designed purely for outdoor use and can reach a maximum speed of 8mph (Class 3) usually have wide turning circles. However, they also tend to have wide/deep tread tyres that allow them to be manoeuvred easily over rough or soft ground. These vehicles usually have a built-in suspension.

Over flat, even ground all powered vehicles are stable. However, if you have a lower limb amputation, especially a high level or double amputation, you should choose carefully because the lack of weight at the front may affect the centre of gravity and could cause the vehicle to tip backwards especially when climbing kerbs. Check with the manufacturers about weighting the front end.

Kerb climbing in all powered vehicles require a certain amount of skill and courage. However, once mastered, journeys should be much easier since finding dropped kerbs can involve quite a few detours. It is always best to adopt a 'straight on' approach when climbing a kerb.

Powered vehicles will allow you to travel quite long distances without too much effort, especially in hilly areas.

Although many vehicles have a good distance/range per battery charge -some even travelling up to 25 miles to cover these distances - more travelling time is required.

Powered vehicles are not replacements for cars. It could take a minimum of two hours to cover 16 miles with an 8mph vehicle (Class 3). Most vehicles will easily climb a 1:6 gradient slope without losing speed, although this uses more battery power and therefore reduces quite dramatically the 'maximum distance' claimed by the manufacturers. You need to take these factors into account when working out the distance that needs to be covered.

Although most of the powered wheelchairs can be dismantled for transporting, there is no such thing as one that is lightweight, and easily transportable. It is best to check with the supplier as to the weight of the heaviest component. This can be anything from about 12kg to 35kg. Even the batteries weigh 10kg each. Remember, as a comparison, a bag of sugar weighs only 1kg.

Also consider that if the vehicle is to be taken somewhere to be used and then brought back again, this will involve lifting the components at least four times.

Various methods other than manual lifting can be used to get components or the whole vehicle into a car. Since many Class 3 vehicles do not dismantle for transporting, a way of carrying them whole will have to be found.

As powered vehicles have to be stored in a dry building with access to a power point, remember that either portable or built-in ramps may be needed to get the vehicle in and out.

Powered wheelchairs with dual or attendant control enable someone else to drive you around without too much effort.

Dual control enables you to be independent when you want to be, but makes it possible for someone else to help when the need arises.

For lifting and transporting, powered vehicles are not very carer friendly. Although most of them dismantle into several manageable or even compact sized components, most of these are still quite heavy to lift. Try lifting them before purchase.

Although to look and feel confident is the last in this list of your needs, it is important.

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