The History Of Electric Powered Wheelchair Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be an excellent help to people with limited mobility. These chairs are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and at some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for an electric wheelchair when it's considered medically necessary by a physician.

The majority of power wheelchairs feature a joystick that the user uses to control the motors. These movements are converted into electrical signals by a control unit that acts like the brain of the chair.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when shopping for wheelchairs. A good battery will last for up to two years if it is maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery also affects how far a wheelchair will travel on a single charge.

Deep cycle batteries are utilized in the majority of power wheelchairs. They offer a long-lasting energy source. They can handle a variety of recharges and discharges without causing damage to the battery cells. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging practices which usually include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding letting it 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 the wheelchair is driven on rough or bumpy terrain, the motors have to work harder to maintain balance and speed which consumes energy and drains batteries faster.

The condition of a battery and its usage patterns can influence its lifespan. It may be time to replace batteries if they are getting old and is losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery will decrease the time it takes 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 well-known options. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This reduces the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. However, these batteries have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

It is recommended to avoid charging or undercharging the battery because this can cause it to shorten its lifespan. The battery should be kept in a dry, cool location is also essential since exposure to extreme temperatures could adversely affect the battery's function.

Weight Capacity

The capacity to support the weight of a power chair is a crucial aspect to take into account. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips the chair must be able to support the user's body weight. Excessive weight can lead to structural issues, a decrease in battery life and a greater chance of accidents.

The weight of a power chair varies from model to model, and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. It also is affected by the variety and types of accessories it comes with like oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. The batteries account for the majority of its weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs alone and a powerchair usually has two of them!

The weight of a power wheelchair can be dependent on whether it has a four-pole or two-pole engine. A four-pole motor is more efficient and has more weight capacity. However, it requires more energy and drain the batteries faster than a motor that has two poles.

Power wheelchairs may also have different base drives, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The location of the wheels can affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in different conditions. The base of the drive may include a range of options, such as a swing-away controller which aids in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers that work by blowing into the sensor.

Another factor to consider is the setting in which the power wheelchair will be employed. It is important that the chair be used on various terrains and fit into hallways and rooms. It is essential to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair can maneuver through them, including those with hinged doors.

A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power chair to meet your requirements. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel They can also provide advice on other factors such as accessibility, comfort and the size of the seat. They will also look at the frequency and duration and whether the chair will be moved frequently.

Seating

Unlike manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones come with motors that move them. This allows you to move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are some limitations.

In the beginning, you'll need understand the weight capacity of your new power chair. You should never exceed the recommended weight limit, regardless of whether it's you or any equipment or other items that you're carrying.

Then, ensure that your chosen power chair includes a comfortable seat as well as a footplate you can fit comfortably into. If your feet aren't able to fit on the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity will be reversed and the wheelchair may swivel.

Finally, look for a wheelchair that has tilt and recline functions to decrease the risk of pressure sores. This feature is especially important for older people, whose skin can be thin and bruise easily. Power leg rests are also a great way to elevate your legs, which could reduce swelling.

Like all mechanical devices, your wheelchair will require maintenance to ensure that it performs well and safely. You'll have to inspect the battery condition, brakes, tire pressure and other parts of the device frequently. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.

It is important to keep your power chair in a place that will not expose it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could affect the frame's condition, while exposure to low temperatures could cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.

If Get the facts don't purchase the wheelchair out of pocket the wheelchair won't be covered by insurance and you won't have the option to return it if it's not meeting your needs. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and two years and cover the motors, electronics, joysticks and frames but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, you should inquire with your provider about the return policy. The most important thing is to go through the manual and follow the directions for use and maintenance.

Operation

Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor in the power base that is located beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered either by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series to produce an overall voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries, that are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer periods of time.

The controller as well as the electronics and power base can be customized to meet the needs of different users, with a variety of options available. Some chairs allow for customizable seating, which will ensure an ideal fit. It also allows the user to find the position that best supports their postural stability. A lot of chairs have adjustable features like leg rest, seat height and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.


There are a variety of additional features offered for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders, elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized so that the user can control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals.

Some powerchairs are able to alter the speed according to the preferences of the user or to match other vehicles on the road. For instance when driving uphill. They can also be fitted with sensors that warn of dangers and obstacles in the area and automatically slow down or swerve when necessary.

The location of the drive wheels, whether they are mid-wheels, rear-wheels or front-wheel drives, has a major impact on how a chair performs under various conditions. However, that's a large topic that we'll save for the next Clinical Corner article.

Before taking your new electric wheelchair out for a spin, check that it's fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure in them. It's also recommended to adjust the seat, armrests footrests (if necessary) and joystick to prepare it for first use. It's essential to follow the directions in your manual prior to operating your wheelchair. This is especially true when driving up and down hills. This will reduce the risk of injury and discomfort.