Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
A wheelchair powered by electricity is a great option for people with mobility issues. They are available at specialist mobility equipment suppliers and some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance will cover the cost of an electric wheelchair if it’s determined to be medically necessary by a doctor.
Most power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which the user can use to control the motors. These actions are converted into electrical signals by a control unit that acts as the brain of the chair.
Battery Life
When you are looking for a new power wheelchair, one of the most important aspects to consider is battery life. A good battery will last for up to two years if maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery determines how far the wheelchair can travel on a single charge.
Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to last for a long time and provide a steady energy supply. These batteries can handle multiple discharges and recharges without harming the battery cells. It is essential to follow the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery overnight and not letting it run completely empty.
The surface on which the wheelchair operates also affects the battery’s longevity. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven over rocky or bumpy terrain, the motors need to work harder to maintain speed and balance which takes energy and depletes battery faster.
The age of a battery and its usage patterns can impact its longevity. If a battery has become old and losing its ability to hold an charge, it could be time to replace it. A newer battery could help reduce the amount of time a wheelchair must be charged, and is more likely to have a higher 25 stone capacity electric wheelchair (updated blog post) than older batteries.
Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes, with Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most well-known choices. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This reduces the overall weight and size of the wheelchair. They have a smaller power reserve or “juice” than Group 24 batteries.
Avoid overcharging or subcharging the battery as this will shorten its life. It is essential to keep the battery in a dry, cool area, since extreme temperatures can impact its functionality.
Capacity for Weight
Weight capacity is an important aspect to take into account when selecting the right power wheelchair. If the chair is to be used for long-distance trips the chair must be capable of supporting the weight of the person. Weight issues can result from excessive weight, which can also lead to accidents and battery life issues.
The weight of a power wheelchair differs from model to and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. It also is affected by the number and types of accessories it comes with like oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. However, most of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh as much as 50 pounds, and the majority of power chairs come with two batteries!
The weight of the 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 support more capacity for weight. However, it requires more energy from the batteries and may drain faster than a two-pole.
Power wheelchairs can also be equipped with different base drives, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The position of the wheels can affect its maneuverability and handling in various conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, like an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing air on a sensor.
Another consideration is the environment in which the power wheelchair will be used. It is important that the chair can be used on various terrains and can be fitted into hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair will pass through them. This includes hinged doors.
A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help you choose the right power chair for your requirements. In addition to assessing the wheelchair’s weight, speed and driving range They can also provide advice on other aspects such as accessibility, comfort, and the size of the seat. They will also consider 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 provides you with more mobility and greater range than a manual chair, but it comes with some limitations and additional factors to consider.
You’ll first need to know the weight capacity of your wheelchair. It doesn’t matter if it’s your own weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies that you’re carrying, it is important to not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit to prevent overtaxing the chair and creating damage.
Make sure that the chair you select has a comfortable footplate and a seat that you can comfortably fit in. If your feet do not fit onto the footplate of the power chair your center gravity can be reversed and the chair will slouch.
Look for a power chair that has reclining and tilt functions to lower the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is important for older people whose skin could be thin and bruises easily. Power leg rests are also an excellent way to raise your legs, which can reduce swelling.
Your wheelchair, like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You’ll need to check the battery and tire pressure, brakes and other components of your wheelchair with electric motor frequently. Also, you should check the seat for wear and make any adjustments that are needed.
Be attentive to the location you place your power wheelchair in order to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures may cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.
Unless you’re buying the wheelchair out of pocket the wheelchair won’t be covered by insurance and you won’t be able return it if it doesn’t meet your requirements. Manufacturer warranties typically last one to two years and cover the motors, electronics, joysticks and frames, but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Before buying an electric wheelchair, inquire with your dealer about their return policy. The most important thing to do is go through the manual and follow the instructions for use and maintenance.
Operation
Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor in the base of power that is located beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, resulting in 24 volts in total. LITH-TECH’s lithium batteries are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used over an extended period of time.
The controller, electronics and power base can be customized to meet the needs of different users, with numerous options available. Some chairs allow for adjustable seating, which can aid in ensuring the most comfortable fit. It can also help the user choose the ideal position that will help their posture. Many models include adjustable features, such as leg rest, seat height and recline positions, as well as the ability to tilt with power.
There are a variety of additional features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders, elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Some wheelchairs can be customized to let the user control them with their own brainwaves or nerve signals.
Certain powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user, or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For example, when driving uphill. Some powerchairs have sensors that alert them to obstacles or other potential hazards close by, and they automatically slow down and turn whenever necessary.
The location of the drive wheels, regardless of whether they are rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives have significant influence on how a chair performs under various conditions. This is a huge topic, so we’ll leave it for a later Clinical Corner.
Before taking your new electric wheelchair for an outing, make sure it’s fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure in them. To prepare for the first time it’s best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests and footrests. It’s essential to follow the instructions in your manual when operating your wheelchair. This is especially important for driving up and down hills. This will lower the risk of injury and discomfort.