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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair An electric powered wheelchair is a great option for those with mobility issues. You can find these chairs at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance can pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if deemed medically necessary by a physician. The majority of power wheelchairs come with a joystick that the user 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 an important factor to consider when purchasing wheelchair. A high-quality battery can last for up to two years with regular usage and proper maintenance. The type of battery determines how far a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge. Deep cycle batteries are found in a majority of power wheelchairs. They provide a long lasting energy source. They can handle a variety of discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery over a long period of time and avoiding the battery from running completely empty. The surface on which the wheelchair operates also affects the battery's longevity. Smooth smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, which results in a longer battery longevity than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is driven on rocky or bumpy surfaces motors will have to be more efficient in order to maintain stability and speed and this consumes more energy and drains the battery more quickly. A battery's longevity is also affected by the age of the battery and its usage. If a battery is getting old and starting to lose its ability to hold an charge, it could be time to replace it. A newer battery will reduce the time required to charge a wheelchair and will likely to have more capacity. Wheelchair batteries come in a variety of sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. Group 22NF batteries are smaller and lighter than Group 24 batteries, helping in reducing the weight and width of the power wheelchair. However, these batteries have less power or “juice” reserve than Group 24 batteries. Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as it will reduce its life. Maintaining the battery in a dry, cool location is also essential, as exposure to extreme temperatures could negatively impact the battery's functionality. Capacity of Weight Weight capacity is a key factor to consider when choosing a power wheelchair. If the chair is used on long trips, then it must be able to support a user's weight. Weight issues can be caused by excessive weight, which can also lead to problems with battery life and accidents. electric wheelchairs for indoor use of a power chair varies from model to model and is influenced by the type of battery it is powered by. The weight of a power wheelchair is dependent on the number of accessories as well as the type of accessories, including oxygen tanks holders and different seating systems. The batteries account for the majority of the weight. A single battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs, and most power chairs come with two batteries! The power wheelchair's a two-pole motor or four-pole motor could have an impact on the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient and can carry the weight of a larger capacity. However, it will need more energy from the batteries and may drain faster than a two-pole. Power wheelchairs could also have different drive bases, such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The location of the drive wheels could influence its maneuverability and handling in various conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, like a swing-away control that helps with side-transfers or sip-and puff controls that operate by blowing on the sensor. The setting where a power chair is used is a different consideration. It is essential that the chair is able to be used on various terrains and can be fitted into 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 right power wheelchair for the individual. In addition to assessing the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel, they can also advise on other factors such as accessibility, comfort and seat size. They will also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair will be frequently transported. 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, however, it has some limitations and additional factors that you need to take into consideration. It is important to understand the weight capacity of your 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 avoid overtaxing the chair and creating damage. Make sure that the power chair you choose has a comfortable footplate and an armchair that you can fit in. If your feet do not fit onto the footplate of the power chair your center gravity can be shifted backwards and the wheelchair may swivel. Look for a power chair with tilt and reclining functions to lower the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is especially important for seniors, whose skin may be thin and bruise easily. Moreover, power leg rests can help elevate your legs and reduce swelling. Like every mechanical device, will need regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll need to check the condition of the battery as well as tire pressure, brakes and other components of the device regularly. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any adjustments that are needed. It is essential to store your electric chair in a place that is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The frame may be damaged by high temperatures, while low temperatures can cause damage to the battery and its electrical components. If you don't purchase your wheelchair out of your pocket, you won't be able to get insurance coverage and you wont be able to return it should you discover that it doesn't meet your requirements. Warranties from manufacturers typically last one to two years and cover motors, electronics, joysticks and frames, but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Ask your supplier about their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair. Most importantly, go through the user's manual and follow the instructions for using and maintaining the device. Operation Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor within the power base that sits under the user's seat. The motor is powered by two or one rechargeable 12-volt batteries that are connected in series, giving a total of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries that are more energy efficient than lead acids and can be used over a longer period of time. There are a variety of options for customizing the controller, electronics and power base to meet the needs of each user. Certain chairs permit adjustable seating, which can help to ensure a comfortable fit. It can also help the user choose the ideal position that will help their posture. A lot of chairs have adjustable features, such as seat height, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality. Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a variety of extras. These include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs and an array of accessories for power. Some powerchairs can also be customised to allow the user to control them by using their own brainwaves or nerve signals. Certain powerchairs be able to adjust their speed to accommodate the preferences of the user or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when going up hills. They can also be equipped with sensors that alert you to obstacles and other potential hazards in the vicinity and will then automatically slow down or swerve when necessary. The location of the drive wheels, whether they're rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives, has a major impact on the performance of a chair under different conditions. This is a huge subject, so we'll save it for a later Clinical Corner. Before you take your brand new electric wheelchair out for a spin, check that it's fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure. It's also an excellent idea to make a few adjustments to the seat, armrests, footrests (if appropriate) and joystick to prepare it for its first use. Make sure you follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, especially when driving down and up slopes. This reduces the chance of discomfort and injury.