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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair A wheelchair powered by electricity can be extremely beneficial for individuals with mobility issues. These chairs are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance could cover the cost of an electric wheelchair if a physician deems it medically required. Most power wheelchairs come with an electronic joystick, which users can use to control the motors. These movements are converted to electrical signals by a controller which acts as the brain of the chair. Battery Life When looking for a power wheelchair, one of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the battery's lifespan. A good battery can last for up to two years if it is maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery determines how far a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge. Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to last for a long time and provide a steady energy supply. They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without causing damage to the battery cells. It is important to follow the recommended charging guidelines of the manufacturer which usually include charging the battery over the course of a night 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 energy to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on rocky or bumpy surfaces motors will have to perform harder to maintain stability and speed which means that they consume more energy and drains the battery more quickly. The age of a battery as well as its usage pattern can also influence its lifespan. If a battery is old and losing its capacity to hold an charge, it could be time for a replacement. A newer battery will decrease the time required to charge a wheelchair and is likely to be more powerful. Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes, with Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most well-known options. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This helps to reduce the overall weight and size of the wheelchair. These batteries have a lower power reserve or “juice” than Group 24 batteries. Avoid overcharging or subcharging the battery as it will reduce its lifespan. The battery should be kept in a cool, dry place is also important, as exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively impact the battery's functionality. Weight Capacity The weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing a power wheelchair. If the chair will be used on long trips, then it must be able to support a user's weight. Problems with weight can result from excessive weight, which can also cause accidents and battery life issues. The weight of a power wheelchair varies from model to model and is affected by the type of battery it uses. It is also impacted by the number and types of accessories it has, such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the majority of the weight. One battery can weigh up to 50 pounds on its own, and a power chair usually has two of them! The weight of the power wheelchair is also affected by whether it has either a two-pole or four-pole motor. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can provide greater capacity of weight. However, it will require more energy from the batteries and could drain faster than a two-pole. Power wheelchairs may also come with various drive bases, such as rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The location of the wheels may affect its handling and maneuverability under various conditions. The drive base may also include a range of options, including an adjustable controller that assists in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers which work by blowing on the sensor. The setting in which a power wheelchair is used is a different aspect to consider. It is crucial that the chair can travel over varying terrain and fit into hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair will pass through them. This includes hinged doors. A mobility specialist or physical therapist can assist you in choosing the best power chair to meet your needs. In addition to assessing the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel, they can also advise on other factors like accessibility, comfort, and seat size. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair will be transported regularly. Seating Electric wheelchairs have motors to move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This lets you move more easily and farther than a manual wheelchair, but there are a few limitations. It is important to understand the capacity of your wheelchair's weight. You shouldn't exceed the recommended weight limit, regardless of whether it's you or any equipment or other items that you're carrying. Make sure that the power chair you choose has a comfortable footplate and a seat that you can comfortably fit in. If your feet don't fit onto the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity will be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge. Look for elderly electric wheelchair that has reclining and tilt functions to lower the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for those who are elderly and whose skin may be fragile and easily bruises. Moreover, power leg rests can help raise your legs and lessen swelling. Like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll need to inspect the battery as well as the tire pressure, brakes and other parts of your wheelchair regularly. Also, you should check the seating for wear and make any necessary adjustments. You should also pay attention to the place you place your power wheelchair in order to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. The frame can be damaged by high temperatures, whereas low temperatures can cause damage to the battery and its electrical components. If you don't purchase your wheelchair from a private source the wheelchair won't be covered by insurance and you won't be able to return it if it doesn't satisfy your requirements. Warranties from manufacturers typically last one to two years and cover the motors electronic, joysticks, and electronics frames but not the back cushions, seats or tires. Check with your supplier for their return policies prior to you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing to do is read the manual and follow the instructions regarding maintenance and use. Operation Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the power base, which sits beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries that are 12 volts connected in series, for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used over an extended period of time. Many options are available for customizing the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the needs of each user. For instance, some chairs have adjustable seating to ensure a comfortable fit and allow the user to find a position that best supports the stability of their posture. A lot of models also have adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions as well as power tilt functionality. Electric powered wheelchairs can be fitted with a wide range of additional features. They include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs and an array of power accessories. Some powerchairs can also be customised so that the user can control them with their own brainwaves or nerve signals. Some powerchairs can also be adjusted in their speed to suit the individual's preferences or match the speed of other vehicles on the road, such as when driving up hills. Some powerchairs have sensors that alert them to dangers or obstacles close by, and they automatically slow down and stop whenever necessary. The location of the drive wheels, regardless of whether they're rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives have significant influence on the performance of a chair under different conditions. But that's a big topic that we'll save for the next Clinical Corner article. Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and that the tires are inflating to the correct pressure prior to going for an outing. It's also an excellent idea to make a few adjustments to the seat, armrests footrests (if appropriate) and joystick to prepare it for first use. It is essential to follow the directions in your manual when operating your wheelchair. This is especially true when driving on and down hills. This reduces the risk of injury, damage and discomfort.