Choosing your Powered Wheelchair:
A powered wheelchair can be used by someone who is immobile. A powered wheelchair might have special seating or arm/leg rest requirements. Powered wheelchairs are usually more customised than disabled scooters. There is different types of seating adjustments and controls. Powered wheelchairs do actually the same job as an electric lift, in order that a disabled person can reach shelves and cupboards with ease.
Electric wheelchairs were originally designed for indoor use. Now powered wheelchairs can adapt to the outdoors because of better technology involved. Powered wheelchairs can now achieve a speed of 6 mph. Powered wheelchairs come with tyres that are designed for the outdoors. Some electric wheelchairs have rear wheels as an added extra to aid stability when off road. These types of powered wheelchairs are really designed for outdoor use only.
Powered wheelchairs are usually controlled by a joystick located on the armrest which can be fitted on the left or right arm rest. The arm rest can usually be swung out of the way so that the user can get closer to a desk or table. If a joystick is not convenient for the user's requirements, there are other methods of operating a powered wheelchair. The user can operate the head controller, a sip and puff tube, fingertip or foot control. There are a whole range of adjustments available to the user such as; for the seats, arm and leg rests. The electric wheelchairs seat can tilt and recline backwards. There is also available to the disabled user, electric leg rests.
Powered wheelchairs charge up exactly the same way as mobility scooters. The battery charger plugs into the powered wheelchair control unit whilst the batteries are attached. The user doesn't need to be concerned about lifting or refitting batteries.
Differences Between a Mobility Scooter & a Powered Wheelchair:
There are some differences between a powered wheelchair and mobility scooter. Mobility scooters have 3 or 4 wheels and are steered using a bicycle style handlebar that needs two free hands. Also they are designed to travel up to 35 miles.
The powered wheelchair is driven using one hand by a joystick controller on the arm of the powered wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs are usually more adaptable than mobility scooters. The powered wheelchair can be controlled by hand by a chin controller, or using a sip and puff pipe operated with the mouth. The footrests can be adjusted to the users requirements.
Powered wheelchairs have two motors to drive the rear wheels and a disabled scooter only has one motor. Mobility scooters don't have a lot of optional extras compared to the powered wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs are more expensive than mobility scooters because of all the added extras. There is more supportive seats on a powered wheelchair, which is a benefit to those people that have to depend on a wheelchair most of the day. Powered wheelchairs used to be difficult to fold up when putting into the back of a car. Now times have changed, this is becoming much easier to achieve. Some electric wheelchairs have 6 wheels and other models are front wheel drive, making it easier to manoeuver indoors.
Powered Wheelchairs:
Powered wheelchairs vary in price as there is so many added extras to some of the more expensive models. (Prices range from 1,000-16,000 pounds). The most high tech powered wheelchair that is available is the iBOT model. The iBOT mobility system can actually climb stairs, bump up curbs, drive through gravel and even elevate a seated passenger to reach the top shelf of a kitchen cupboard or at a supermarket.
The iBOT electric wheelchair is a gyro-balanced mobility device designed to control either on 2 or 4 wheels. It automatically adjusts itself to compensate for any shift in weight. The price of the iBOT electric wheelchair is 16,000 pounds. The average price of an electric wheelchair is about 3,500 pounds.
Be cautious with second-hand electric wheelchairs, as they can be prone to cracked frames, faulty batteries and worn out motors.
The Different Batteries of an Electric Wheelchair:
There are 3 different battery types to consider when choosing your electric wheelchair. There is gel, wet and AGM-absorbed glass mat.
Wet batteries: wet batteries need filling with distilled water. Wet batteries are prone to leakage, something which is important if you intend to put your electric wheelchair onboard a plane or ferry. Also the batteries do have a higher maintenance rate than the other two battery types.
Benefits of Wet Batteries:
a) cheaper
b) less vulnerable to overcharging
c) if maintained properly, performs great
d) lighter per Ah compared to most gel or AGMs
Disadvantages of Wet Batteries:
a) require maintenance on a regular basis
b) battery acid can leak, causing corrosion and damage to chair and wiring
c) not approved for air travel
d) high rate of self-discharge when left sitting
Gel Batteries: There is no liquid in the battery, so they don't leak or require maintenance like wet batteries.
Benefits of Gel Batteries:
a) no maintenance involved
b) don't leak
c) operate better than wet batteries, especially in low temperatures
d) less gas released when charging than wet batteries
e) approved for air travel
f) longer life cycle than wet batteries
Disadvantages of Gel Batteries:
a) expensive
b) more weight per Ah than wet batteries
c) prone to overcharging
AGM Batteries: AGM batteries are saturated with acid electrolyte, but with none free to spill.This reduces the chances of battery damage caused by vibration and jarring.
Benefits of AGM Batteries:
a) no maintenance
b) impossible to spill/leak
c) shock resistant
d) minimal gases released when charging
e) low self-discharge rate
f) approved for air travel
Disadvantages of AGM Batteries:
a) high cost involved
b) updated technology
c) prone to overcharging
Electric wheelchairs have either belts, gears or sometimes both. Electric wheelchairs with belt drives are usually very quiet but require more maintenance. Gear drives are quiet and low maintenance, but they tend to wear out quite quickly than belt drives.
The latest high-priced electric wheelchairs are more reliable and rugged than the earlier models. Also the frames are designed to carry large weights. Some of the latest electric models have spring suspension for driving over rough ground.
Rear-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs: they are faster than front-wheel drive models but don't provide a good turning circle. Mid and front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs provide a much better turning circle.
Front-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs: have become more common because they have a good turning circle. Most front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs have a lower top speed than rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs.
Mid-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs: provide the best turning circle compared with the other two. But they have a tendency to be unstable when stopping and starting. Mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of anti-tip wheels in front. This may limit their use on uneven ground.
Electric Wheelchairs With Additional Extras:
Power tilt-tilts the entire seat assembly and footrests upwards to an angle of 45-degrees.
Electric wheelchair recliner: tilts the seat back and raises the leg rests up horizontally. Both of these features provide relief and help to prevent pressure sores.
Electric Wheelchair Features:
a) wheelchair joystick-you can choose right or left-hand, fixed or swing-away mounting.
b) wheelchair batteries-either gel, wet or AGM batteries.
c) wheelchair colour-there are a number of colours available to suit your personal tastes.
d) if speed is essential for you, then an electric wheelchair is better than a manual one.
e) wheelchair tyres-choose the proper wheelchair tyres to match driving conditions.
f) wheelchair leg rests-swing-away, drop-in, elevating or platform leg rests. Also there are footplates in a range of sizes.
g) wheelchair seating-power functions are available such as; elevating tilt or recline.
h) wheelchair armrests-height-adjustable, flip-back, removable.
i) wheelchair seat cushion-gel, air or foam cushions and how you will position them
j) wheelchair accessories-seat belts, cup holders and personal touches.