Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great aid to those who have a limited mobility. You can find these chairs at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance can pay for an electric travel wheelchair wheelchair if it's determined to be medically necessary by a physician.

The majority of power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which users can use to control the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals.

Battery Life

When you are looking for a new power wheelchair, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the battery's lifespan. A quality battery can last up to two years if regularly used and maintained. The type of battery also determines how far a wheelchair will travel on a single charge.

The majority of power wheelchairs utilize deep cycle batteries, which are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended charging guidelines of the manufacturer, which typically include charging the battery overnight and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty.

The battery's life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less power to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven over rough terrain, the motors need to work harder in order to maintain speed and balance, which consumes energy and depletes battery faster.

The life expectancy of batteries is impacted by its age and use patterns. If a battery is old and starting to lose its ability to hold an charge, it could be time to replace it. A newer battery can help reduce the amount of time a wheelchair needs to be charged, and it is more likely to have a greater capacity than older batteries.

Wheelchair batteries are available in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This helps reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. However, they have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

It is recommended to avoid charging or undercharging the battery, since this could result in a decrease in its life span. It is essential to keep the battery in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures can impact the functionality of the battery.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is a key factor to consider when choosing the right power wheelchair. If the chair will be used for long journeys and long trips, then it should be able to support a user's weight. A heavy weight can cause structural issues, a decrease in battery life, and a higher chance of accidents.

The weight of a power wheelchair is different from model to model, and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. The weight of a wheelchair is also affected by the amount of accessories and the type of accessories, such as oxygen tanks holders as well as different seating systems. However, most of its weight is derived from the batteries. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and a majority of power chairs have two!

Whether the power wheelchair has a two-pole motor or four-pole motor can also have an impact on the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient, and has a greater weight capacity. However, it will need more energy from the batteries, and can drain faster than a two-pole motor.

Power wheelchairs may also have different drive bases, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The location of the wheels can affect its handling and maneuverability in different conditions. The drive base can also offer a range of options, such as an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing air on a sensor.

The environment in which a power wheelchair is used is a different aspect to consider. It's essential that the chair be able to travel over varying terrain and be able to fit in hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair will fit through them. This includes hinged doors.

A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power chair for your needs. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel, they can also advise on other factors such as accessibility, comfort, and the size of the seat. They will also look at the frequency and duration and whether the chair will be moved frequently.

Seating

Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors to move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more easily and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are some limitations.

The first step is to be aware of the weight capacity of your new chair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit to prevent overtaxing the chair and causing damage.

Next, make sure your power chair has a comfortable seat and an appropriate footplate that you are able to fit into. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it may shift your center of gravity forward and cause the chair to slouch.

Look for a power chair that has reclining and tilt functions to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores. This feature is particularly important for older people, whose skin may be thin and bruise easily. Leg rests that are powered are an excellent way to raise your legs, which will reduce swelling.

As with any mechanical device it will require maintenance to ensure that it performs well and safely. You'll need to check the battery condition, brakes, tire pressure, and other components of the device on a regular basis. Also, you should inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any adjustments that are needed.

It is important to store your power chair in a space which isn't exposed to extreme weather conditions. Exposure to high temperatures can cause damage to the frame, whereas exposure to low temperatures may cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.

If you don't purchase your wheelchair out-of-pocket, it isn't covered by insurance and you won't be able return it if it's not meeting your needs. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover motors, joysticks, frames, and electronic components but not seats, back cushions or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, inquire with your dealer about their return policy. The most important thing to do is go through the manual and follow the instructions for use and maintenance.

Operation

The motor of a power wheelchair is located in the power base. It is located under the user's seat. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series to produce an overall voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries, that are much more efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer periods of time.

The controller electronics, power base and controller can be modified to meet the needs of various users, with numerous options available. For example, some chairs offer customizable seating to ensure a comfy fit and let the user find the best position for the stability of their posture. A lot of chairs have adjustable features like the height of the seat, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.

There are many additional extras available for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders, elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs can be customized so that the user can control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals.

Certain powerchairs are able to adjust the speed according to the preferences of the user or to match other vehicles on the road. For instance when driving uphill. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that alert them to obstacles or other potential hazards nearby, and will automatically slow down and turn when needed.

The location of the drive wheels, whether they're rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives has an enormous impact on the performance of a chair under different conditions. But that's a big topic that we'll save for another Clinical Corner article.

Make sure that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the right pressure prior to taking it for an excursion. In preparation for your first time it's recommended to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests and footrests. It's important to read the instructions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is particularly important for Electric powered wheelchairs driving up and down hills. This will reduce the chance of injury, damage, and discomfort.