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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge help to people who have a limited mobility. These chairs are sold at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment manufacturers. Medicare and private insurance can pay for an electric wheelchair when it's determined to be medically necessary by a doctor.

The majority of power wheelchairs feature an electronic joystick that the user moves to control the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when shopping for a wheelchair. A quality battery can last up to two years if it is maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery also affects the distance a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge.

Deep cycle batteries are utilized in the majority of power wheelchairs. They provide a long-lasting energy supply. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without causing damage battery cells. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charge practices. This includes 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 smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, leading to a longer battery life than rough terrains. If the wheelchair is driven on rough terrain, the motors need to work harder to maintain speed and balance which consumes energy and depletes battery faster.

The age of a battery and its usage patterns can affect its longevity. It is possible to replace batteries if they are becoming old and is losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery could help decrease the amount of time that a wheelchair has to be charged, and it is more likely to have a greater capacity than older batteries.

Wheelchair batteries are available in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. 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 smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.

Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as it will reduce its life. It is essential to keep the battery in a dry, cool area, since extreme temperatures can impact the battery's performance.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a power chair is a key factor to take into account. If the chair is going to be used for long trips the chair must be able to support the user's body weight. Weight problems are often caused by excess weight, which can also lead to battery life issues and accidents.

The weight of a power wheelchair varies from one model to the next and is influenced by the batteries it uses. It also is affected by the number and types of additional accessories it has, such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the bulk of its weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs by itself and a powerchair usually has two of them!

The weight of a power wheelchair can also be affected by whether it has an engine with four poles or two. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient and can carry a greater weight capacity. However, it will require more energy and drain the batteries more quickly than a motor that has two poles.

Power wheelchairs also have different drive bases, such as rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The position of the wheels can impact its maneuverability and handling under various conditions. The drive base can also contain a variety of options, like a swing-away control that helps with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing air on a sensor.

Another consideration is the environment where the power wheelchair will be used. It is essential that the chair be used on different terrains and fit into rooms and hallways. It's important to measure doors and ensure that the chair is able to navigate through them, even doors with hinges.

A mobility specialist or physical therapist can help you select the right wheelchair to meet your requirements. In addition to assessing the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel They can also provide advice on other factors such as comfort, accessibility modifications and seat size. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair is frequently transported.

Seating

Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are some limitations.

First, you'll need to determine the weight capacity of your chair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or items you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit to avoid overtaxing the chair and damaging it.

Make sure that the power chair you pick includes a comfortable footplate as well as an armchair that you can comfortably fit in. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it can shift your center of gravity backward and cause the wheelchair to move.

Find a power chair that has reclining and tilt functions to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores. This feature is especially important for older people, whose skin is thin and can easily bruise. Leg rests that are powered are an excellent way to raise your legs, which could reduce swelling.

Your wheelchair, like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. You'll need to check the battery, tire pressure, brakes and other components of your device regularly. It is also recommended to check the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.

It is crucial to keep your power chair in a place that will not expose it to extreme weather conditions. The exposure to high temperatures can cause damage to the frame, whereas exposure to low temperatures may cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.

If you're not purchasing your wheelchair from a private source the wheelchair won't be insured and you won't be able return it if it doesn't meet your requirements. Warranty warranties from manufacturers usually last from one to two years and cover motors as well as electronics, joysticks, joysticks and frames but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, you should inquire with your supplier about the return policy. Most importantly, read the user manual and follow all the directions regarding the use and maintenance of the device.

Operation

The motor of a power wheelchair is found in the power base. It is located underneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered either by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries, which are much more efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time.

The controller electronics, power base and controller can be customised to suit the needs of various users, with numerous options available. For example, some chairs can be customized to ensure a comfy fit and let the user choose the best position for postural stability. Many models also come with adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions as well as power tilt functionality.

There are a variety of additional features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders, elevating seats and a range of power accessories. Some powerchairs can even be customized to allow the user to control them using their own brainwaves or nerve signals.

Some powerchairs can also have the capability to adjust their speed to suit the user's preference or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when climbing hills. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that alert them to dangers or obstacles close by, and they automatically slow down and swerve when needed.

The position of the drive wheels, regardless of whether they are rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives has significant impact on the performance of a chair under different conditions. However, that's a large issue that we'll keep for another Clinical Corner article.





Check that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflating to the correct pressure prior to taking it for a spin. To get light weight electric wheelchair for your first time it's best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests and footrests. It is essential to follow the directions in your manual when operating your wheelchair. This is particularly important when driving up and down hills. This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injuries.