Eight Important Things To Consider Before Buying Electric Wheelchairs
The availability of copious different models of electric wheelchairs makes choosing one a daunting task. In order to make the decision a bit easier, there are around eight important things to be considered. Below given tips will enable you to buy the most appropriate electric wheelchair as per your requirements-
- Weight Capacity
Most electric wheelchairs, depending on the model, can support up to 300 pounds of weight. If you need it for someone who is heavier than 300 pounds, you can choose any heavy-duty power wheelchairs.
They are specifically designed to accommodate users who are bigger and heavier. The Pride Mobility Quantum 6 electric wheelchairs are perfect for such people since it has the capacity to hold up to 450 pounds. Dimensions
The dimension of the chair would give you a fair idea about the size of the electric wheelchair and how well it can accommodate the user. Most electric wheelchairs are designed to go through hallways and doorways easily. However, if you need to use it in a narrow space, then take the dimension of the chair into account when buying it. Seat width is quite an important factor to consider if the user’s body size is larger than average people. Battery Range
If the user needs to get around a lot on his wheelchair then it is important to buy a model which has a longer battery life. The battery range varies with different models. Most electric chairs allow travel distance of 10 to 25 miles on a single charge. It is important to keep in mind that there are a lot of other variables that influence battery range, such as the battery age, user’s weight, type of terrain on which it traveled. Speed
If the user is planning to travel long distance using the power wheelchair, speed could be an important factor that needs consideration while buying the item. A rear-drive electric wheelchair is the best option if you want maximum speed. It can allow up to 8.5 mph speed with models such as the Sunrise Medical Quickie Xplore. Turning Radius
Turning radius is the amount of area needed in every direction around the electric wheelchair to take a complete 360-degree turn. The things that affect the turning radius include the type and angle of the footrest, the frame length, and the seat size. If the user needs to drive the wheelchair through tight corner spaces, it is suggested to buy a mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair. Front-wheel and mid-wheel drive chairs have a turning radius of 20 to 30 inches generally, whereas rear-wheel chairs need 40 inches or more turning radius. Portability
Portability is the key for those who have an active lifestyle. Portable power wheelchairs such as the Invacare Nutron R51 can be folded up for easy transportation in a vehicle. Then there are travel chairs like the Pride Mobility Go-Chair that can be disassembled and reassembled quickly for a no-hassle travel. Adjustability
There are a few models like the Pride Mobility Quantum 6000Z that allow you to have additional options like to tilt, recline, and elevate the seat. All these give you improved comfort. The ultimate adjustability is provided by standing electric wheelchairs that allow the user to operate it in both sit-downs and stand up a position as per requirement. To be able to stand in a wheelchair has lots of physiological and psychological benefits like strengthening of the cardiovascular system, prevention of pressure sores and better quality of life. Wheels
You need to find out whether the driving wheels are located in the front, middle or back of the chair. These positions of wheels have their own set of advantages. Front-wheel drive chairs are best for uneven terrain but they tend to be quite slow. The mid-wheel drive chairs are the most maneuverable. The rear-wheel-drive chairs offer the maximum speed. Wheels can either be pneumatic or solid. Take the caster wheels into account as well when buying electric wheelchairs. If they are smaller, they are not so suitable for bumpy or uneven surfaces.
The dimension of the chair would give you a fair idea about the size of the electric wheelchair and how well it can accommodate the user. Most electric wheelchairs are designed to go through hallways and doorways easily. However, if you need to use it in a narrow space, then take the dimension of the chair into account when buying it. Seat width is quite an important factor to consider if the user’s body size is larger than average people.
If the user needs to get around a lot on his wheelchair then it is important to buy a model which has a longer battery life. The battery range varies with different models. Most electric chairs allow travel distance of 10 to 25 miles on a single charge. It is important to keep in mind that there are a lot of other variables that influence battery range, such as the battery age, user’s weight, type of terrain on which it traveled.
If the user is planning to travel long distance using the power wheelchair, speed could be an important factor that needs consideration while buying the item. A rear-drive electric wheelchair is the best option if you want maximum speed. It can allow up to 8.5 mph speed with models such as the Sunrise Medical Quickie Xplore.
Turning radius is the amount of area needed in every direction around the electric wheelchair to take a complete 360-degree turn. The things that affect the turning radius include the type and angle of the footrest, the frame length, and the seat size. If the user needs to drive the wheelchair through tight corner spaces, it is suggested to buy a mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair. Front-wheel and mid-wheel drive chairs have a turning radius of 20 to 30 inches generally, whereas rear-wheel chairs need 40 inches or more turning radius.
Portability is the key for those who have an active lifestyle. Portable power wheelchairs such as the Invacare Nutron R51 can be folded up for easy transportation in a vehicle. Then there are travel chairs like the Pride Mobility Go-Chair that can be disassembled and reassembled quickly for a no-hassle travel.
There are a few models like the Pride Mobility Quantum 6000Z that allow you to have additional options like to tilt, recline, and elevate the seat. All these give you improved comfort. The ultimate adjustability is provided by standing electric wheelchairs that allow the user to operate it in both sit-downs and stand up a position as per requirement. To be able to stand in a wheelchair has lots of physiological and psychological benefits like strengthening of the cardiovascular system, prevention of pressure sores and better quality of life.
You need to find out whether the driving wheels are located in the front, middle or back of the chair. These positions of wheels have their own set of advantages. Front-wheel drive chairs are best for uneven terrain but they tend to be quite slow. The mid-wheel drive chairs are the most maneuverable. The rear-wheel-drive chairs offer the maximum speed. Wheels can either be pneumatic or solid. Take the caster wheels into account as well when buying electric wheelchairs. If they are smaller, they are not so suitable for bumpy or uneven surfaces.
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