Power wheelchairs have evolved tremendously since the early 20th century, and the wave of innovation doesn’t seem to abate.
Each year, new features are added to electric wheelchairs to enhance rider freedom and quality of life. Users get to choose from different brands and models, depending on their disability needs.
However, the decision to upgrade from manual to electric wheelchairs shouldn’t be made on a whim. Below are some critical aspects to consider.
Reasons to Upgrade to Power Wheelchairs
- Diminished Upper Body Mobility
Reduced upper body mobility is often linked to musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it could also result from neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy, and injuries to the upper body.
As most of these conditions are degenerative, they can impact your ability to operate a manual wheelchair over time.
When that happens, upgrading to a power wheelchair might be all you need to restore your freedom and mobility.
- Hands-Off Approach to Navigation
Manual wheelchairs require considerable upper body strength.
To propel these mobility aids, you must firmly grasp the hand rims on the rear wheels and push or pull the chair. And to turn the wheelchair, you must apply forward motion to one hand rim in the desired direction and equal backward motion to the other wheel.
All this can be tiresome, even for people without upper body mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs take away these hassles by providing a more hands-off approach to navigation.
Power wheelchairs come equipped with a battery pack that powers their motors. They also utilize intuitive joysticks and control panels that translate your inputs into electrical signals, ensuring an effortless ride.
Most electric wheelchair joysticks let you move forward, backward, and make turns. Besides, some models support acceleration and horn capabilities for more hassle-free navigation.
- Enhanced Accessibility
As manual wheelchairs require upper body strength and coordination to manoeuvre, they’re unreliable for long-distance or rough terrain rides. The best way to address those limitations is by upgrading to an electric wheelchair.
Power wheelchairs enable you to explore environments you wouldn’t otherwise access in a standard wheelchair. Those include steep inclines, bumpy terrains, and even rocky pathways.
However, note that most power wheelchairs are designed for indoor use. Insist on heavy-duty models if you’re looking for a wheelchair to explore the outdoors.
Top features to look for in outdoor electric wheelchairs include larger tires, higher ground clearance, and reinforced suspension systems.
- Increased Quality of Life
Without proper management, mobility disorders can diminish the quality of life significantly.
Persons living with mobility impairment must always plan each trip to avoid constant frustrations. That means catching the cab to work earlier than your colleagues or waiting much longer for the traffic to clear before crossing the road.
Power wheelchairs have proven effective at improving the quality of life for people with mobility impairment. Whether it’s commuting to work or attending a local sporting event, these wheelchairs will ensure you arrive safe and on time.
- Extra Comfort and Convenience
Power wheelchairs come with several comfort features that are glaringly missing in standard wheelchairs.
A notable mention is well-padded seats that ensure a smooth experience during long rides. You also get adjustable armrests, flexible leg rests, and ergonomic back support. Some models even have reclined or tilt-in-space seats.
Besides improving your comfort, these nifty add-ons can maintain healthy posture by redistributing your weight.
Electric wheelchairs also come with a tighter turning radius for easy navigation through narrow doorways or crowded spaces.
Choosing the Ideal Power Wheelchair
After upgrading to power wheelchairs, the next step is to find the right wheelchair for you. Below are key factors to consider;
- Intended Riding Environment
Although electric wheelchairs are primarily designed for indoor usage, outdoor models exist as well.
Power wheelchairs intended for indoor navigability are often smaller and more compact. They also feature tighter turning radii of about 20 inches for maneuvering around narrow spaces.
Besides, indoor power wheelchairs typically have smaller wheels and lower ground clearance.
Outdoor power wheelchairs are the exact opposite. They feature more rugged wheels, robust suspension systems, and higher ground clearance.
- Size vis-à-vis Portability
The size of an electric wheelchair impacts its maneuverability, transportation, and storage.
Compact wheelchairs are relatively easier to handle than bulkier models. They’re also easy to store and transport, consuming limited space.
Moreover, many smaller power wheelchairs feature a foldable design for enhanced convenience during transportation. Whether you’re going on a road trip in your SUV or flying to your holiday destination, you can rest assured your vital mobility aid will always be with you.
To strike a balance between portability and outdoor use, you may consider mid-range electric scooter models.
- Increased Quality of Life
Without proper management, mobility disorders can diminish the quality of life significantly.
Persons living with mobility impairment must always plan each trip to avoid constant frustrations. That means catching the cab to work earlier than your colleagues or waiting much longer for the traffic to clear before crossing the road.
Power wheelchairs have proven effective at improving the quality of life for people with mobility impairment. Whether it’s commuting to work or attending a local sporting event, these wheelchairs will ensure you arrive safe and on time.
- Extra Comfort and Convenience
Power wheelchairs come with several comfort features that are glaringly missing in standard wheelchairs.
A notable mention is well-padded seats that ensure a smooth experience during long rides. You also get adjustable armrests, flexible leg rests, and ergonomic back support. Some models even have reclined or tilt-in-space seats.
Besides improving your comfort, these nifty add-ons can maintain healthy posture by redistributing your weight.
Electric wheelchairs also come with a tighter turning radius for easy navigation through narrow doorways or crowded spaces.
Choosing the Ideal Power Wheelchair
After upgrading to power wheelchairs, the next step is to find the right wheelchair for you. Below are key factors to consider;
- Intended Riding Environment
Although electric wheelchairs are primarily designed for indoor usage, outdoor models exist as well.
Power wheelchairs intended for indoor navigability are often smaller and more compact. They also feature tighter turning radii of about 20 inches for maneuvering around narrow spaces.
Besides, indoor power wheelchairs typically have smaller wheels and lower ground clearance.
Outdoor power wheelchairs are the exact opposite. They feature more rugged wheels, robust suspension systems, and higher ground clearance.
- Size vis-à-vis Portability
The size of an electric wheelchair impacts its maneuverability, transportation, and storage.
Compact wheelchairs are relatively easier to handle than bulkier models. They’re also easy to store and transport, consuming limited space.
Moreover, many smaller power wheelchairs feature a foldable design for enhanced convenience during transportation. Whether you’re going on a road trip in your SUV or flying to your holiday destination, you can rest assured your vital mobility aid will always be with you.
To strike a balance between portability and outdoor use, you may consider mid-range electric scooter models.
- Comfort and Lifestyle
If you’re looking for an electric wheelchair for riding all day long, you’ll need to pick the most comfortable product you can find.
Check that the wheelchair comes with ergonomic functions, such as well-padded seating, adjustable backrests, and contoured armrests. These features are designed to contour your body while riding in the wheelchair, minimizing pain and inflammation.
Active users should also choose power wheelchairs with a tighter turning radius and incline angles. This combination enhances your access through confined spaces and steep slopes, respectively.
Other comfort features to look for in a power wheelchair include responsive controls. Note that most electric wheelchairs are equipped with joysticks, whereas some come with touch-sensitive panels. Either option should be intuitive enough to offer hassle-free riding.
- Battery Capacity
This is an area where many electric wheelchair shoppers often skimp, but one that can significantly impact your wheelchair experience.
Usually, you’ll need to choose between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are prized for their extended runtime and better charge management. Meanwhile, lead-acid batteries have a longer overall lifespan.
If you’re unsure which option to pick, read the battery’s specifications carefully to understand its average charging duration and runtime. A fast-charging and long-lasting wheelchair battery means fewer downtimes between your explorations.
Wrap Up
Mobility needs can evolve over time. If you cannot operate a manual wheelchair due to diminished physical mobility, upgrading to a power wheelchair can be an excellent decision.
However, note that electric wheelchairs come in varied models. Each device is equipped with unique features that determine its suitability for your needs.
To choose a proper electric wheelchair, it’s prudent to research critical aspects like size, portability, and manoeuvrability. More importantly, remember that these motorised mobility aids are typically designed for indoor use.
If your typical day entails commuting to work or running multiple errands, you can take one big leap by upgrading from manual wheelchairs to mobility scooters.
Recent Comments