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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be an excellent help to people who have a limited mobility. These chairs are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance can pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

Most power wheelchairs come with an electronic joystick, which the user can use 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 an important aspect to consider when shopping for wheelchair. A high-quality battery will last for up to two years with regular use and proper maintenance. The type of battery affects how far a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge.

Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle numerous recharges and discharges without causing damage battery cells. It is important to follow the recommended charging guidelines of the manufacturer which usually include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty.

The battery life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, which results in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on rocky or bumpy surfaces motors will have to work harder to maintain stability and speed which means that they consume more energy and drains the battery more quickly.

The age of a battery and its usage patterns can affect its longevity. If a battery has become old and is losing its capacity to hold the charge, it might be time to replace it. A newer battery will cut down on the time it takes 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 sought-after choices. Group 22NF batteries are smaller and lighter than Group 24 batteries, which helps in reducing the weight and width of the power wheelchair. However, they have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as this will shorten its lifespan. It is important to keep the battery in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures can affect the functionality of the battery.

Capacity for Weight

The capacity to support the weight of a power chair is a crucial aspect to consider. If the chair is going to be used for long trips it must be capable of supporting the weight of the person. A heavy weight can cause structural problems, decreased battery life, and a higher chance of accidents.

A power wheelchair's weight differs from model to and is influenced by the type of batteries it is powered by. It is also impacted by the variety and types of additional accessories it has such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. However, the majority of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs, and most power chairs have two!

The weight of the power wheelchair can be dependent on whether it has either a two-pole or four-pole motor. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can support more weight capacity. However, it will need more energy from the batteries, and can drain faster than a two-pole motor.

Power wheelchairs can also have different base drives, such as rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The position of the wheels may affect its maneuverability and handling in various conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, including the swing-away control, which helps with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing on a sensor.

The setting in which a power wheelchair is used is another consideration. It is important that the chair is able to be used on various terrains and can be fitted into hallways and rooms. It is important to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair is able to pass through them. This includes hinged doors.

A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power wheelchair for your needs. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel, they can also advise on other factors such as accessibility, comfort, and seat size. They will also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair will be frequently transported.

Seating

In contrast to manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones have motors that move them. This allows you to move more and greater mobility than a manual chair but it comes with certain limitations and other factors to consider.

It is important to understand the capacity of your wheelchair's weight. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or other items that you're carrying, it is important to not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit to prevent overtaxing the chair and damaging it.

Make sure that your power chair includes a comfortable seat as well as an appropriate footplate that you are able to fit into. If your feet aren't able to fit into the footplate of the chair, your center gravity can be moved backwards, and the wheelchair will lunge.

Look for a power chair that has tilt and reclining functions to lower the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for seniors, whose skin can be thin and bruise easily. Power leg rests are also a great way to elevate your legs, which could reduce swelling.

Your wheelchair, like every mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll have to check the battery and brakes, tire pressure, and other parts of your wheelchair regularly. Also, you should inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.

It is also important to pay attention to the location you store your power wheelchair to ensure that it is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The frame could be damaged by high temperatures, while low temperatures can harm electrical components and the battery.

If you're not purchasing the wheelchair out of pocket it isn't covered by insurance and you won't have the option to return it if it's not meeting your needs. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronic components, but not seats, back cushions, or tires. Check with your supplier for their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing is to review the user's manual thoroughly and follow the instructions regarding the use and maintenance of the device.

Operation

The motor of the power wheelchair is situated in the power base. This is under the user's seat. The motor is powered by two or one rechargeable 12-volt batteries that are connected in series, giving a total of 24 volts. LITH-TECH has lithium batteries that are much more efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time.

There are a variety of options for customizing the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the specific needs of each user. For example, some chairs have adjustable seating to ensure a comfy fit and allow the user to find the most suitable position to support the stability of their posture. Many models also include adjustable height of the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions and power tilt functionality.

There are many additional extras available for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders elevating seats, and a variety of power accessories. Some wheelchairs can be customised to allow the user to control them by using their own brainwaves or nerve signals.

Some powerchairs 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 climbing hills. They are also equipped with sensors that warn of obstacles and other potential hazards in the area and will then automatically slow down or stop in the event of a need.

The position of the drive wheels - whether they're rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive - can have a huge impact on the way the chair performs under various situations. This is a massive issue, so we'll leave it for a later Clinical Corner.

Make sure that your new electric chair is fully charged and that the tires are inflating to the correct pressure prior to taking it for a spin. It's also a good idea to adjust the armrests, seat, footrests (if necessary) and joystick, in order to prepare it for first time use. Make sure electric automatic wheelchair adhere to the instructions in the manual for operating your wheelchair, especially when driving on and down slopes. This will reduce the risk of injury and discomfort.