Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
An electric powered wheelchair can be extremely beneficial for people who have a limited mobility. They are available at specialized mobility equipment providers and some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance could pay for the cost of an electrical wheelchair if a doctor considers it medically necessary.
The majority of power wheelchairs have a joystick that the user can use to control the motors. These movements are converted to electrical signals by a control unit that acts as the brain of the chair.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when buying wheelchair. A quality battery can last for up to two years if maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery also affects the distance a wheelchair can travel on one charge.
Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries, which are designed to last for a long time and provide a steady energy supply. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without harming the battery cells. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging practices that typically include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding letting it run completely empty.
The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces require less energy to propel the chair, which results in longer battery life. If the wheelchair is driven on rough or bumpy terrain, the motors have to work harder in order to maintain speed and balance which consumes energy and drains battery faster.
The lifespan of batteries is impacted by the age of the battery and its usage. It may be time to replace a battery if it is becoming old and losing its capacity to keep charge. A newer battery will reduce the time it takes to charge a wheelchair and will likely to have more capacity.
Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This reduces the overall weight and size of the wheelchair. However, these batteries have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.
Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery, as this can reduce its lifespan. Keeping the battery in a cool, dry place is also important, as exposure to extreme temperatures can adversely affect the battery's function.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is a key aspect to take into account when selecting the right power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used on long trips the chair must be able to support a user's weight. A heavy weight can cause structural problems, reduced battery life, and an increased risk of accidents.
The weight of a power chair varies from one model to another and is influenced by its batteries. The weight of a wheelchair is also affected by the number of accessories and the type of accessories, such as oxygen tanks holders and various seating systems. The batteries make up the majority of the weight. One battery can weigh up to 50 lbs by itself and a powerchair typically has two batteries!
Whether the power wheelchair has a two-pole motor or four-pole motor could influence the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient and can carry more weight capacity. However, it will require more energy from the batteries and may drain faster than a two-pole motor.
Power wheelchairs could also come with different drive bases such as mid-wheel or rear-wheel. The location of the wheels can affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair under various conditions. The drive base can also contain a variety of options, including a swing-away control that helps with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing on a sensor.
The environment where a power chair is used is an additional aspect to consider. It is important that the chair be used on various surfaces and be able to fit into hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doors and make sure that the chair is able to navigate through them, even doors with hinges.
A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help select the right power wheelchair for the person. They can advise on factors like comfort, accessibility changes along with the size, shape, and the weight of the wheelchair. They also take into consideration the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair will be transported frequently.
Seating
Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors to move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This provides you with more mobility and a greater range than a manual chair however, it has some limitations and other aspects to consider.
It is important to understand the weight capacity of your wheelchair. It doesn't matter if it's your own weight or the weight of any equipment or other items you're carrying, you should not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to avoid overtaxing the chair and causing damage.
Make sure that the power chair you choose includes a comfortable footplate as well as an appropriate seat to comfortably fit in. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it may shift your center of gravity to the back and cause the chair to slouch.
Also, consider a wheelchair that has tilt and recline features to help reduce the risk of pressure sores. This feature is especially important for older people, whose skin can be thin and easily bruise. Power leg rests are also an excellent method of elevating your legs, which could reduce swelling.
Like all mechanical devices it will require maintenance to ensure it functions safely and efficiently. You'll need to check the battery and tire pressure, brakes and other components of your device regularly. Also, you should check the seating for wear and make any necessary adjustments.
It is essential to store your power chair in a location which isn't exposed to extreme weather conditions. The frame may be damaged by high temperatures, while low temperatures can damage the battery and its electrical components.
If you don't purchase your wheelchair from the pocket, you won't have insurance coverage, and you won't be able to return it should you find it does not meet your requirements. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronic components, but not seats, back cushions or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, inquire with your supplier about the return policy. The most important thing to do is read the manual thoroughly and follow the guidelines regarding maintenance and use.
Operation
The motor of a power wheelchair is found in the power base. This is beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries that are 12 volts connected in series to produce a total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries, which are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer periods of time.
The controller electronics, power base and controller can be customized to meet the needs of various users, with numerous options available. Some chairs allow for individual seating that can help to ensure a comfortable fit. It also allows the user to determine the best position that allows them to maintain their postural stability. A lot of chairs have adjustable features like the height of the seat, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.
Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a wide range of additional features. They include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs and a wide range of accessories for power. Certain powerchairs can be customized to allow users to control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals.
Some powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user, or to match other vehicles on the road. For instance when driving uphill. Some powerchairs have sensors that alert them to dangers or obstacles nearby, and they will automatically slow down and stop whenever necessary.
The location of the drive wheels - whether rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive - has a big impact on the way a chair performs in different situations. This is a vast issue, so we'll leave it for a future Clinical Corner.
Before you take your brand new electric wheelchair out for an outing, make sure it's fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure. It's also a good idea to adjust the seat, armrests, footrests (if applicable) and joystick, in order to prepare it for first use. It's essential to follow the directions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is especially important when driving on and down hills. MyMobilityScooters will reduce the chance of injury, damage, and discomfort.