Electric Wheelchairs - What to Look For Before Buying
When selecting a wheelchair, the first step is to choose between a manual wheelchair and an electric wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs are usually less expensive than electric wheelchairs and are lightweight, which make them easier to carry. Manual wheelchairs also come in two types: standard and transport. Standard wheelchairs allow the user or a companion to push the wheelchair, while transport wheelchairs rely on a companion to push the wheelchair.
One's budget, physical requirements and personal interests may influence the decision between a powered or manual wheelchair. However, electric wheelchairs offer the following advantages over manual standard and manual transport wheelchairs:
- Greater turning maneuverability
- Greater propelling versatility
- Greater independence
- Less exertion required
- Less area restriction
For individuals who require daily increased maneuverability and/or long-distance traveling capability, an electric wheelchair is a solid investment. It might be helpful when purchasing an electric wheelchair to speak to other owners and find out what features, concerns, and advice they can provide. Additionally, any trial-period sales can determine the features in a wheelchair an individual might need.
Keep in mind a power wheelchair will cost more money, needs more maintaining, and are heavier wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are more expensive because they include a powerpack and motorised wheels. These items will need to be maintained regularly and parts will cost more than manual parts.
Due to the added motorised components, the wheelchair is much heavier than a standard or transport wheelchair. However, these can still be lifted in vans with motorised wheelchair ramps.
Before selecting an electric wheelchair consider the following questions:
- How often will the wheelchair be used?
- Over what terrain will the wheelchair be used?
- Will this be an outdoor or indoor wheelchair?
- What type of incline will the user encounter most?
- What type of distances will the user travel?
- Are there any additional physical restrictions to consider?
- Are there any custom additions or adjustments to be made?
- What type of seat is needed (i.e. captain, solid pan, or rehab)?
- What weight support is needed?
- What arm support will be required?
- What style armrest?
- What leg support is needed?
- What style leg and footrest?
- What speed levels are required?
- How much battery range is needed?
Once these questions are answered, an individual can begin filtering out wheelchairs that are indoor or outdoor only as well as models that do not fit the style and physical requirements needed. Pay attention to maintenance and battery power options as well as speed and incline options.
Finally, an individual will want to ensure enough seating and arm or footrest support is provided. Measure from the knee to the tailbone and from hip to hip to determine the size of the seat. Measure from the shoulders to the elbow and the elbow to the hands to determine the armrest proportions.
For foot and leg support, measure from the knee to the heel of the foot. An individual should fit comfortably in the wheelchair with limited but some space to adjust.
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