Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
A wheelchair powered by electricity can be very beneficial for individuals with mobility issues. They are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment manufacturers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for an electric wheelchair if considered medically necessary by a doctor.
The majority of power wheelchairs come with an instrument that the user moves to direct the motors. The controller, which functions 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 factors to consider is battery life. A quality battery can last for up to two years if it is regularly used and maintained. The type of battery affects how far a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge.
The majority of power wheelchairs have deep cycle batteries that are designed to last for a long time and provide a steady energy supply. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without causing damage to the battery cells. It is essential to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging that typically include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding letting it run completely empty.
The surface on which the wheelchair is operated can affect the battery's life. Smooth smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, resulting in longer battery longevity than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is used on rough or uneven surfaces the motors will need to perform 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 the way it is used can influence its lifespan. It may be time to replace the battery if it's becoming old and losing its ability to hold charge. A newer battery could help reduce the amount of time that a wheelchair has to be charged, and is more likely to have more capacity than older batteries.
Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes that include Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most popular selections. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This helps to reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.
Avoid charging or subcharging the battery, as this can reduce its lifespan. It is essential to keep the battery in a dry, cool location, as extreme temperatures can alter the functionality of the battery.
Capacity of Weight
The weight capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long journeys it must be capable of supporting the weight of the user's body. Weight problems are often caused by excess weight, which could lead to battery life issues and accidents.
A power wheelchair's weight is different from model to model, and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. The weight of a power chair is also affected by the amount of accessories and the kind of accessories, like oxygen tanks holders and various seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the majority of its weight. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and a majority of power chairs come with two batteries!
The weight of the power wheelchair can be dependent on whether it has an engine with four poles or two. A four-pole power chair is more efficient and can carry the weight of a larger capacity. However, it requires more energy from the batteries and could drain faster than a two-pole motor.
Power wheelchairs also come with various base drives, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The position of the wheels can impact its maneuverability and handling in different conditions. The base of the drive can contain a variety of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing on a sensor.
Another factor to consider is the setting that the power wheelchair is utilized. It is crucial that the chair be used on various terrains and fit into rooms and hallways. It is crucial to measure the doors and ensure that the chair can navigate through them, even doors with hinges.
A mobility specialist or physical therapist can help you choose the right power chair for your needs. They can advise on factors such as comfort, accessibility adjustments as well as the size of the seat and the weight of the wheelchair. They will also look at the frequency and duration and whether the chair is likely to be moved frequently.
Seating
As opposed to manual wheelchairs powered ones come with motors that move them. This lets you move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair, but there are some limitations.
First, you'll need to know the weight capacity of your new chair. It doesn't matter if it's your own weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit in order to avoid overloading the chair and causing damage.
Make sure that the chair you select has a comfortable footplate and a seat that you can fit in. If your feet aren't able to fit onto the footplate of the chair, your center gravity can be reversed and the wheelchair will lunge.
Finally, look for a power wheelchair with tilt and recline functions to decrease the risk of pressure sores. This feature is particularly important for older people, whose skin may be thin and bruise easily. Leg rests that are powered are an excellent method of elevating your legs, which could reduce swelling.
Like any other mechanical device, your wheelchair will require maintenance to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. You'll have to check the battery, tire pressure, brakes and other parts of your wheelchair regularly. You should also examine the seat for wear and make any adjustments that are needed.
It is crucial to place your electric chair in a location that is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The exposure to high temperatures can degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures could cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.
If you're not purchasing your wheelchair out-of-pocket it will not be insured and you won't be able to return it if it's not meeting your needs. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and two years. They include joysticks, motors frames, and electronic components but not seats, back cushions, or tires. Before buying an electric wheelchair, you should inquire with your dealer about their return policy. The most important thing is to go through the manual and follow the directions regarding use and maintenance.
Operation
Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor in the base of power, which sits beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered either by two 12-volt rechargeable batteries connected in series, for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries that are more energy efficient than lead acids and can be used for longer periods of time.
electric wheelchair benefits as well as the electronics and power base can be customized to meet the needs of different users, with many options available. Certain chairs offer customizable seating, which will ensure the most comfortable fit. It also allows the user to choose the ideal position that supports their postural stability. Many models include adjustable features such as seat height, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.
There are a variety of additional features offered for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized so that the user can control them by using brainwaves or nerve signals.
Some powerchairs can also be able to adjust their speed according to the user's preference or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for example when climbing hills. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that alert them to dangers or obstacles nearby, and they will automatically slow down and turn when needed.
The position of the drive wheels, whether they are mid-wheels, rear-wheels or front-wheel drives has an enormous influence on the performance of a chair under various conditions. This is a vast issue, so we'll leave it to a future Clinical Corner.
Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure before you take it for an outing. In preparation for your first time, it's a good idea make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. It's important to read the directions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is particularly important for driving up and down hills. This reduces the chance of discomfort and injuries.