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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great help to people with mobility issues. These chairs are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance may pay for an electric wheelchair if deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

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

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when buying wheelchairs. A high-quality battery can last up to two years if it is regularly used and maintained. The battery type also influences how far a wheelchair can travel on one charge.

The majority of power wheelchairs utilize deep cycle batteries that are designed to last for a long time and provide a steady energy supply. They can handle a variety of discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells. It is crucial to follow the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery over a long period of time, and avoiding leaving it running at a complete loss.

The surface on which the wheelchair is operated can affect the battery's life. Smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the chair, which results in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on rough or uneven surfaces motors will have to perform harder to maintain speed and stability and this consumes more energy and drains the battery more quickly.

The age of a battery as well as its usage patterns can impact its longevity. It could be time to replace the battery if it's becoming old and losing its ability to hold charge. A newer battery will reduce the time it takes to charge a wheelchair and will likely to have more capacity.

MyMobilityScooters are available in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. Group 22NF batteries are lighter and smaller than Group 24 batteries, which help in reducing the weight and width of the power wheelchair. These batteries have a lower power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.

It is also a good idea to avoid charging too much or undercharging the battery, because this can cause it to shorten its lifespan. It is crucial to keep the battery in a dry, cool area, since extreme temperatures can alter the battery's performance.

Capacity for Weight

The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is a crucial aspect to take into account. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips, it will need to be able to support the weight of the user's body. A heavy weight can cause structural problems, decreased battery life, and an increased risk of accidents.

The weight of a power chair varies from one model to another and is affected by its batteries. The weight of a power chair is dependent on the number of accessories as well as the type of accessories, such as oxygen tanks holders and various seating systems. However, the majority of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and the majority of power chairs have two!

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

Power wheelchairs may also be equipped with different drive bases, like rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The location of the wheels can impact its handling and maneuverability in various conditions. The base of the drive may have a number of other options, including a swing-away controller which aids in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers that work by blowing into a sensor.

The environment that a power wheelchair is used is a different factor to take into consideration. It is essential that the chair is able to be used on a variety of terrains and can be fitted into rooms and hallways. It is crucial to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair is able to maneuver through them, including doors with hinges.

A physical therapist or a mobility specialist can help you select the best power chair for your requirements. In addition to evaluating the weight of the chair, its speed and driving range, they can also advise on other factors such as accessibility, comfort, and the size of the seat. They also take into consideration the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair is likely to be moved frequently.

Seating

Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors to move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more and greater mobility than a manual chair but it does have certain limitations and other factors that you should consider.

First, you'll need to determine the weight capacity of your wheelchair. It doesn't matter if it's your own weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies that you're carrying, it is important to not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit to avoid overtaxing the power chair and causing damage.

Next, make sure your power chair is comfortable and has a footplate you can fit into. If your feet do not fit on the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity could be reversed and the wheelchair may swivel.

Look for a power chair that has tilt and reclining functions to minimize the risk of developing pressure sores. This feature is important for seniors whose skin can be thin and bruises easily. Leg rests with power are an excellent method of elevating your legs, which could reduce swelling.





Like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll have to inspect the battery condition, brakes, tire pressure and other components of the device regularly. Also, you should inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.

It is important to place your electric chair in a location which isn't exposed to extreme weather conditions. The frame may be damaged by high temperatures, and low temperatures can harm the battery and its electrical components.

If you're not purchasing your wheelchair from a private source the wheelchair will not be insured and you won't have the option to return it if it doesn't satisfy your needs. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronics but not seats, back cushions, or tires. Check with your supplier for their return policy before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing is to read the manual and follow the instructions regarding use and maintenance.

Operation

Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor within the base of power that sits under the user's seat. The motor is powered either by two 12-volt rechargeable batteries connected in series for a total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for longer periods of time.

The controller electronics, power base and controller can be modified to meet the needs of different users, with a variety of options available. For example, some chairs have adjustable seating to help ensure a comfortable fit and let the user find a position that best supports postural stability. A lot of models also have adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rests, as well as the power tilt feature.

There are a myriad of extra features offered for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders elevating seats and a range of power accessories. Some powerchairs are customised so that the user can control them by using brainwaves or nerve signals.

Certain powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user, or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For example when driving uphill. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that alert them to obstacles or other potential hazards close by, and they automatically slow down and turn when necessary.

The location of the drive wheels, whether they're rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives, has an enormous influence on how a chair performs under various conditions. This is a vast topic, so we'll leave it for a future Clinical Corner.

Before taking your new electric wheelchair for the first time, ensure that it's fully charged, and that the tires have enough air pressure in them. It's also recommended to make a few adjustments to the seat, armrests footrests (if applicable) and joystick, to prepare it for first use. Be sure to follow the manual's instructions for operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving on and down slopes. This will reduce the chance of injury, damage or discomfort.