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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge assistance for those with mobility issues. They are available at specialized mobility equipment providers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance could pay for the cost of an electrical wheelchair if a physician deems it medically necessary. Most power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which the user can use to control the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals. Battery Life Battery life is an important aspect to consider when shopping for wheelchairs. A high-quality battery can last up to two years with regular usage and regular maintenance. The type of battery also affects how far the wheelchair can be able to travel on one charge. Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without causing damage to the battery cells. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging which usually include charging the battery overnight and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty. The battery's life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on bumpy or rocky surfaces, the motors will have to work harder to maintain speed and stability, which consumes more energy and drains the battery quicker. The condition of a battery and its usage patterns can influence its lifespan. It may be time to replace a battery if it is becoming old and is losing its ability to keep charge. A newer battery will decrease the time required to charge a wheelchair and will likely to have more capacity. Wheelchair batteries are available in various sizes that include Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most popular options. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This helps reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or “juice” than Group 24 batteries. Avoid overcharging or subcharging the battery as this will shorten its life. Maintaining the battery in a dry, cool area is also crucial since exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the battery's performance. Capacity of Weight The weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing a power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long trips, it will need to be able to support the weight of the person. Overweight can lead to structural issues, a decrease in battery life and a greater chance of accidents. The weight of a power wheelchair differs from model to, and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. It also is affected by the number and types of additional accessories it has such as oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. The batteries make up the bulk of its weight. One battery can weigh up to 50 lbs alone and a powerchair typically has two batteries! The weight of the power wheelchair can be affected by the type of engine it is an engine with four poles or two. A four-pole power chair is more efficient and it can support more weight capacity. However, it will require more energy from the batteries and could drain faster than a two-pole motor. Power wheelchairs also come with various drive bases, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The location of the wheels can impact the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The drive base may also have a number of other options, such as a swing-away controller which aids in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers which work by blowing on a sensor. The setting where a power chair is used is a different aspect to consider. It's essential that the chair can travel across a variety of terrains and be able to fit in hallways and rooms. It is important to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair can fit through them. This includes hinged doors. A physical therapist and/or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power wheelchair for the individual. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel They can also offer advice on other aspects such as accessibility, comfort and the size of the seat. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair is transported regularly. Seating Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This gives you more mobility and greater range than a manual one, but it comes with some limitations and other aspects that you need to take into consideration. In the beginning, you'll need know the weight capacity of your new wheelchair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies that you're carrying, it is important to not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to avoid overtaxing the power chair and causing damage. Make sure that the power chair you choose has a comfortable seat and an appropriate footplate that you are able to fit comfortably into. If you don't have enough room for your feet to rest on the footplate, it can shift your center of gravity to the back and cause the chair to move. Also, consider a power wheelchair with tilt and recline functions to help reduce the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for seniors whose skin can be thin and prone to bruises. Additionally, leg rests with power can assist in elevating your legs and lessen swelling. Your wheelchair, like any mechanical device, will need regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll need to examine the condition of the battery as well as brakes, tire pressure, and other components of the device frequently. You should also check the seating for wear, and make any necessary adjustments. You should also pay attention to the place you keep your power wheelchair so that you don't expose it to extreme weather conditions. The frame could be damaged by high temperatures, while low temperatures can harm batteries and electrical components. If you don't buy your wheelchair from your pocket, there won't be insurance coverage and won't be able to return it should you find it does not meet your needs. Warranties from manufacturers typically last between one and two years and cover the motors as well as electronics, joysticks, joysticks and frames but not the back cushions, seats or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, inquire with your dealer about their return policy. MyMobilityScooters is to go through the user's manual and follow all the directions on how to use and maintain the device. Operation The motor of a power wheelchair is located in the power base. This is underneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series to produce total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH's lithium batteries are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for longer periods of time. The controller, electronics and power base can be customized to meet the needs of different users, with many options available. For instance, certain chairs can be customized to ensure a comfortable fit and allow the user to find a position that best supports postural stability. Many models also include adjustable seat height as well as recline and leg rests, and the power tilt feature. There are a variety of additional features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders elevating seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow the user to control them by using brainwaves or nerve signal. Some powerchairs also have the capability to adjust their speed according to the individual's preferences or match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for example when going up hills. Certain powerchairs come with sensors that warn them of obstacles or other potential hazards nearby, and they will automatically slow down and swerve when needed. The location of the drive wheels – whether they're front-wheel, rear-wheel, or mid-wheel drive – has a big impact on how the chair performs under various conditions. This is a vast topic, so we'll leave it for a future Clinical Corner. Before you take your new electric wheelchair out for a spin, check that it's fully charged, and that the tires have enough air pressure in them. To prepare for the first time it's best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests and footrests. It's important to read the directions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is especially important when driving on and down hills. This will lower the risk of discomfort and injuries.