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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

A wheelchair powered by electricity can be very beneficial for those with mobility issues. These chairs are available at major stores and specialist mobility equipment providers. Medicare and private insurance can cover the cost of an electric wheelchair when it's deemed medically necessary by a physician.

Most power wheelchairs have a joystick that the user uses to direct the motors. The controller, acting as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when buying a wheelchair. A high-quality battery will last for up to two years with regular usage and proper maintenance. The type of battery also affects the distance a wheelchair will travel on a single charge.

Deep cycle batteries are utilized in the majority of power wheelchairs. They provide a long-lasting energy source. They can handle numerous recharges and discharges without damaging the cells in the battery. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging which usually include charging the battery overnight and avoiding letting it run completely empty.

The surface on which the wheelchair operates also affects the battery's longevity. Smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, resulting in an extended battery longevity than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is used on bumpy or rocky surfaces, the motors will have to be more efficient in order to maintain speed and stability, which consumes more energy and drains the battery quicker.

The age of a battery and its usage pattern can also impact its longevity. It is possible to replace batteries if they are becoming old and losing its capacity to keep charge. A newer battery will reduce the amount of time a wheelchair needs to be charged, and it is more likely to have a greater capacity than older batteries.

Wheelchair batteries come 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 reduce the overall weight and size of the wheelchair. They have a smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.

It is recommended to avoid overcharging or undercharging your battery, since this could cause it to shorten its lifespan. It is important to keep the battery in a dry, cool place, as extreme temperatures can affect its functionality.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing the best power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips, it will need to be able to support the user's body weight. heavy duty electric wheelchair are often caused by excess weight, which can also cause battery life issues and accidents.

The weight of a power wheelchair differs from one model to the next and is influenced by its batteries. The weight of a wheelchair is also affected by the amount of accessories as well as the type of accessories, including oxygen tanks holders and various seating systems. The batteries make up the bulk of its weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 pounds on its own and a powerchair usually has two of them!

The weight of a power wheelchair is also dependent on whether it has either a two-pole or four-pole motor. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can provide a higher capacity for weight. However, it requires more energy from the batteries and could drain faster than a two-pole motor.

Power wheelchairs can also have different drive bases such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The location of the drive wheels could influence its maneuverability and handling in a variety of conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, like a swing-away control that helps with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing on a sensor.

Another consideration is the environment where the power wheelchair is employed. It's essential that the chair is able to move over varying terrain and fit into hallways and rooms. It is important to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair can fit through them. This includes hinged doors.

A physical therapist or a mobility specialist can help you select the right power chair to meet your needs. In addition to assessing the weight of the chair, its speed and range of travel, they can also advise on other aspects such as accessibility, comfort, and seat size. They will also take into account the frequency and duration of use and if the chair will be transported regularly.

Seating

Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This gives you more mobility and greater mobility than a manual chair but it does have certain limitations and other factors that you should consider.

First, you'll need to know the weight capacity of your new chair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or items you're carrying, you must never exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to prevent overtaxing the chair and damaging it.

Next, make sure the power chair you choose is comfortable and has a footplate that you can fit comfortably into. If your feet aren't able to fit on the footplate of the power chair your center gravity can be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge.

Look for a power chair that has reclining and tilt functions to minimize the risk of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for older people, whose skin can be thin and bruise easily. Leg rests with power are a great way to elevate your legs, which can reduce swelling.

Like any other mechanical device, your wheelchair will require maintenance to ensure it functions safely and efficiently. You'll have to check the battery and brakes, tire pressure, and other parts of your wheelchair frequently. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.

You should also pay attention to the location you keep your power wheelchair to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. The frame can be damaged by high temperatures, while low temperatures can damage batteries and electrical components.

If you don't purchase your wheelchair out of pocket, you won't have insurance coverage, and you won't be able to return it if you discover it doesn't meet your needs. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and two years and cover the motors as well as electronics, joysticks, joysticks and frames, but not the 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 go through the manual and follow the instructions for use and maintenance.

Operation

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

There are a variety of options for customizing the controller, electronics and power base to meet the requirements of every user. For instance, some chairs can be customized to help ensure a comfortable fit and let the user choose the most suitable position to support 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.





There are a myriad of extra features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs such as oxygen tank holders, elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow users to control them by using brainwaves or nerve signal.

Certain powerchairs be adjusted in their speed to accommodate the individual's preferences or match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for example when driving up hills. Some powerchairs have sensors that warn them of obstacles or other potential hazards close by, and they automatically slow down and turn whenever necessary.

The positioning of the drive wheels - whether they're front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive - has a big impact on the way a chair performs in different conditions. But, it's a huge subject that we'll leave for the next Clinical Corner article.

Before you take your brand new electric wheelchair for a spin, check that it's fully charged and the tires have enough air pressure. It's also a good idea to adjust the armrests, seat, footrests (if necessary) and joystick, to prepare it for first time use. Make sure you follow the manual's instructions for operating your wheelchair, especially when driving up and down slopes. This reduces the chance of discomfort and injuries.