An electric wheelchair, also referred to as a motorized wheelchair or powerchair, is a wheelchair propelled by an electric motor. It is suitable for people with cardiovascular and fatigue based conditions and people going long distances, especially over terrains. With the best electric wheelchair, a user's functionality is significantly increased.
Considerations before purchasing an electric wheelchair
It is essential to go for a wheelchair that best suits your needs. It can still be a headache choosing one, mainly because there is a wide variety of them available. Check out some of the things you should focus on:
Portability
If the wheelchair user has an active lifestyle, go for a transportable wheelchair. An example of a portable electric wheelchair is the Invacare Nutron R51. It's also an excellent foldable electric wheelchair.
Some can also be disassembled and reassembled for easier transportation, like the Pride Mobility Go-Chair.1
Adjustability
Most wheelchair users spend a lot of time on them. Comfort is crucial in the overall health of the user. Some electric wheelchair models are designed with add-ons that allow you to recline and elevate the seat. Some of them have the standing power to be operated in the standing or seated position.
If the user has little ability to adjust their weight, go for a wheelchair with tilt-in-space to be reclined for the proper blood flow. For wheelchair users who need voluntary motions as voice, foot, chin, and head controls, you might need the help of a specialized team to get the best.2
Battery Range
You will definitely go for a wheelchair with long battery life, especially if you will be using it to go around town. Different models have distinguished battery range but the majority range from 10 to 25 miles for a single charge.
Some factors, however, like the user's weight, navigational terrain, and battery age, can influence the range of your battery.3
Wheels
Your wheelchair wheels need to match your mobility. Outdoor lovers should go for a wheelchair with a long-lasting tire that can operate on multiple surfaces.
Put into consideration the size of the coaster wheels too. If they are small in size, it means they are less suitable for bumpy surfaces. Check out for wheels that require minimum maintenance like the foam-filled ones.1
Weight Capacity
Electric wheelchairs have weight limitations. The most basic models can hold 300 pounds. Heavy-duty wheelchairs can accommodate heavyweight users. An example is the Pride Mobility Quantum 6 that can accommodate 450 pounds as the maximum weight.3
Drive
When classifying electric wheelchairs by drive, we consider where the motor is mounted on the chair. Below are the categories by placement of the drive system:
- Front-wheel drive
- Mid wheel drive
- Rear-wheel drive
Front-Wheel Drive
The drive system is mounted towards the front of the seat. Even though this drive system has the largest turning radius, its maneuverability is excellent around sharp corners. Wheelchairs with this drive system can climb over bumps and curbs not exceeding 2″ high. Power wheelchairs with a front-wheel-drive are more stable if the battery pack is located towards the chair's rear.
Mid-Wheel Drive
As the name suggests, these drive systems, also known as center drive systems, have the drive located between the front and the rear wheels. This is typically under the seat. This factor allows for the tightest turning radius, a characteristic of most apartment residences or areas with limited space.
Maneuverability is best in indoor flat surfaces, as compared to rough terrain.
Rear-Wheel Drive
This drive system is located towards the rear of the electric wheelchair. The casters are obviously in front. With a drive system at the back, a user can enjoy a higher degree of maneuverability at considerably higher speeds than in the other two drive systems.
The major shortcoming in these drives is the large turning radius. This makes the electric wheelchair best for outdoor usage with ample space. The advantage is the directional stability meaning less sensitivity to oversteering.4
Conclusion
Electric wheelchairs have been around for quite a while. Even with this, it becomes a little hard to decide which to go for if you do not know what to look for. Thankfully, this article shares the best insights on choosing the best electric wheelchair for yourself or a loved one. If yours is a manual wheelchair, you can use this guide to decide on the type to upgrade to or go for the power assist option.
- https://www.medicaleshop.com/power-wheelchair-buyers-guide[↩][↩]
- https://scootaround.com/en/wheelchair-buying-guide[↩]
- https://www.electricwheelchairsusa.com/blogs/news/best-electric-wheelchair-buying-guide[↩][↩]
- https://mobilityshopdirect.com.au/pages/best-electric-wheelchair-buyers-guide[↩]
