Choosing the Right Electric Wheelchair

The electric wheelchair is an excellent mobility aid that can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals who struggle with mobility issues. However, it’s important to choose the right model for your needs.

Many companies offer payment plans for customers who want to spread the cost of an electric chair over time. This can be helpful if you’re on a tight budget and want to get the best model possible.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the most important aspects of an electric wheelchair. It can either make or break the overall performance of your power chair, so it’s important to know how to manage it.

There are a few things you can do to keep your battery in good shape and prolong its lifespan. First, charge your battery on a regular basis. It should be fully charged before you go out on a trip or use your power chair for extended periods of time.

It’s also a good idea to avoid totally draining your batteries as this will drastically shorten their lifespan and significantly reduce the driving range of your electric wheelchair. This is particularly true for deep cycle batteries like those used in power wheelchairs, but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow whether you have a gel or AGM battery.

You can also prevent the build-up of crystals in your battery by charging it often, but only when it’s at least half full. Never let the battery reach a zero percent charge as this will cause a sulfation crystal to form on the internal plates and damage your battery.

Lastly, you should always use the battery charger provided with your power wheelchair or a manufacturer-approved replacement charger. Charging a battery from a third party battery charger can shorten the lifespan of your electric wheelchair and cause it to break down much sooner than it should, so always use your power chair’s original charger or a recommended replacement battery charger.

There are two common types of batteries that power electric wheelchairs: gel and AGM batteries. These are both types of Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, which produce electricity by a series of chemical reactions between the plates packed inside and a sulfuric acid solution called an electrolyte.

Gel batteries have a longer lifespan than AGM batteries, but they can be more expensive upfront. Both types of batteries have their benefits and disadvantages, but the most important thing is to choose a battery that’s right for your needs. If you need to travel overseas, for example, a gel battery will work well, as they’re usually aircraft-approved and don’t require watering.

Weight Capacity

A standard electric wheelchair can hold an individual weighing up to 300 pounds. However, heavy-duty models can carry a person up to 450 pounds. Regardless of the weight of the chair, the user must remain within its maximum weight capacity to ensure the safety of the device and prevent damage to the motors and battery.

The weight of an electric wheelchair can be a key factor in choosing a device, as it helps determine how easily it is to maneuver. It also plays a role in how much comfort the user can have while traveling, as well as how long the battery will last.

Power wheelchairs come in several different designs, including front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and mid wheel drive. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages, which a physical therapist or mobility specialist will be able to advise you on.

For example, front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are often used to go over curbs and bumps. They are not as stable as rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs, but they are easy to navigate around tight corners. Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs can be difficult to maneuver on flat surfaces, but they are stable when travelling up and down slopes.

In addition to the drive system, some power electric wheelchair wheelchairs are designed with features that help to make them easier to operate. For instance, many of the most advanced electric wheelchairs on the market feature a power seat that can tilt and recline to provide users with extra support.

These features can make it easier to get in and out of the chair, as well as reduce pressure on the back and joints. Moreover, they can improve the quality of life for users who need additional assistance during the day.

Most electric wheelchairs can be folded or dismantled in order to fit into a vehicle or airplane cargo, making them ideal for travel. They also typically have a high weight capacity and a wide range of features that can enhance the user’s quality of life.

Adjustable Seat

The adjustable seat electric wheelchair of an electric wheelchair allows you to customize the height and position of the chair. This can improve your comfort, mobility and independence.

Whether you’re shopping at the grocery store, taking a trip to the library or even getting coffee on a crowded sidewalk, a power chair with an adjustable seat can make it much easier to maneuver around.

An adjustable chair seat can also make it easier for people to transfer from a wheelchair to beds, couches and other surfaces. It can reduce the stress of transfers, which may help prevent injuries.

A wheelchair with an adjustable seat height is especially useful for individuals who struggle to balance during a stand-pivot transfer, which is the most common type of transfer. Without the ability to adjust their chair seat height, these individuals are more likely to fall.

According to Health Services Research, 13 million non-institutionalized adults receive personal care assistance (PCA) on a daily basis. These individuals often need to be transferred from a bed, sofa or other surface, but these transfers can be difficult and dangerous.

Kiel loses his balance when he attempts to move from his bed at 23″ high to his chair at a static seat height of 21″. The difference in height makes it difficult for him to use gravity effectively to assist with the transfer, which is why he requires the support of an aide.

In order to increase his independence, he adds a PASH system to his power wheelchair base that allows him to raise his seat up 10-12” with a user-operated control. This feature helps him to avoid requiring PCA services for his day-to-day living, saving him $314 per week and $16,328 over a 5-year reasonable useful life of the system.

While there are many different types of elevating seats available, the most common ones include bi-directional threaded rods that can be raised up or lowered with the aid of an electric motor. These devices can raise up to 450 lbs. or more, depending on the make and model of the wheelchair you’re looking at.

Motor Power

Powered wheelchairs are motorized chairs that use a battery or an electric motor to move the chair with the push of a button. These devices are usually powered by 12 to 80 ampere-hour batteries that can last for a day or two between charges. Some power wheelchairs can go up to 30 kilometers on a single charge.

An electric wheelchair is a type of mobility aid for people who are disabled, often because of a disease or condition that affects their ability to walk, climb stairs or use a manual chair. They are often used as a substitute for a wheelchair, and can help someone who has limited mobility get around their home or community.

The electric motors that power most power wheelchairs are typically brushless DC (direct current) geared motors, but other options are available as well. These types of motors provide greater torque and are more suitable for wheelchair users who need to move around on rough, outdoor terrain.

In addition to the motors, many electric wheelchairs include a controller that allows the driver to control the movement of the chair. The controller may be a joystick or a touchscreen that can be controlled by a computer.

Most of these controllers have a screen that displays speed, distance traveled, battery level and other information. Some of these models also have features that allow the user to control other aspects of the wheelchair, like the tilt-and-recline function or the height adjustable seat.

Another option is the iLevel system, which uses a programmable VRII 9Amp controller to allow users to tilt and recline the seat backwards up to 45 degrees, as well as adjust the seat height. This feature helps patients improve their comfort and reduce pressure on the joints, especially during long-distance travel.

The motors and battery in an electric wheelchair are connected to the wheels via a drive train. These can be rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drives.

Some wheelchairs are designed with special positioning options, such as power tilt and recline, and power elevating leg rests. These features can be customized to a specific individual’s needs, and are a great way to enhance the safety of the person using the wheelchair.