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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge aid to those who have a limited mobility. They are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment providers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if it's deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

Most power wheelchairs have an instrument 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

When shopping for a power wheelchair one of the most important aspects to consider is battery life. A high-quality battery will last up to two years with regular use and regular maintenance. The type of battery also determines how far a wheelchair will travel on a single charge.

The majority of power wheelchairs utilize deep cycle batteries, which are designed to provide a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle numerous recharges and discharges without causing damage battery cells. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended charge practices. This includes overnight charging of the battery, and avoiding leaving it running at a complete loss.

The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If the wheelchair is driven on rocky or bumpy terrain, the motors have to work harder to maintain speed and balance which takes energy and drains batteries faster.

The age of a battery and the way it is used can affect its longevity. It could be time to replace the battery if it's getting old and losing its capacity to keep charge. A newer battery will reduce the time needed to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity.

Wheelchair batteries are available in several sizes that include Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most popular choices. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This helps reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.

Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as this will shorten its life. It is crucial to keep the battery in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures can impact the battery's performance.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing the right power wheelchair. If the chair is used for long journeys and long trips, then it should be able to support the user's weight. Overweight can lead to structural problems, decreased battery life, and an increased chance of accidents.

The weight of a power wheelchair differs from model to and is influenced by the type of battery it is powered by. The weight of a wheelchair is also affected by the amount of accessories as well as the type of accessories, including oxygen tanks holders as well as different seating systems. However, MyMobilityScooters of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and a majority of power chairs have two!

Whether the power chair has two-pole or four-pole motor will also have an impact on its weight. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can support a higher capacity for weight. However, it will require more energy and drain batteries faster than a motor that has two poles.

Power wheelchairs could also have different drive bases, such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The position of the wheels can impact its handling and maneuverability in various conditions. The drive base can also offer a range of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing air on the sensor.

The environment in which a power wheelchair is used is an additional aspect to consider. It is important that the chair can be used on various terrains and fit into hallways and rooms. It is essential to measure the doorways, and ensure that the chair can pass through them. This includes hinged doors.

A physical therapist or a mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the right wheelchair to meet your needs. They can offer advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility changes as well as the size of the seat and the weight of the wheelchair. They will also consider the frequency and duration, and whether the chair will be moved frequently.

Seating





Unlike 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 that you need to take into consideration.

In the beginning, you'll need understand the capacity of your new wheelchair. You shouldn't exceed your power chair's recommended weight limit, regardless of whether it's you or any other equipment or items that you're carrying.

Make sure that the power chair you choose includes a comfortable footplate as well as an armchair that you can fit into. If your feet don't fit on the footplate of the power chair, your center of gravity could be reversed and the wheelchair may swivel.

Then, you should look for a wheelchair that has tilt and recline features to help reduce the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for those who are older, as their skin is thin and can bruise easily. Leg rests with power are a great way to elevate your legs, which could reduce swelling.

Like any other mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll need to examine the condition of your battery and brakes, tire pressure, and other components of the device on a regular basis. Also, you should check the seat for wear and make any adjustments that are needed.

It is important to store your power chair in a space 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 damage the battery and other electrical components.

If you don't buy your wheelchair out of your pocket, there won't be insurance coverage and you wont be able to return it should you discover it doesn't meet your requirements. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and two years. They include joysticks, motors frames, and electronic components but not seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your provider about their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing is to go through the user's manual and follow all the directions on how to use and maintain the device.

Operation

Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor in the power base, which sits beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by two or one rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, giving 24 volts total. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for a longer period of time.

The controller electronics, power base and controller can be customized to meet the needs of various users, with many options available. Some chairs allow for customizable seating, which can aid in ensuring an ideal fit. It also allows the user to choose the ideal position that supports their postural stability. Many models also come with adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions, and the power tilt feature.

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

Some powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user, or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For instance, when driving uphill. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that warn them of obstacles or other potential hazards nearby, and will automatically slow down and turn when needed.

The position of the drive wheels - whether front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive - has a big impact on the way the chair performs under various conditions. But, it's a huge issue that we'll keep for a future Clinical Corner article.

Make sure that your new electric chair is fully charged and that the tires are at the correct pressure before you take it for a spin. In preparation for your first time, it's a good idea make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. Be sure to adhere to the instructions in the manual for operating your wheelchair, especially when driving up and down slopes. This will reduce the risk of injury, damage, and discomfort.