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14 Common Misconceptions About Electric Powered Wheelchair
Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

A wheelchair powered by electricity can be extremely beneficial for those with mobility issues. These chairs are available at major stores and specialist mobility equipment providers. Medicare and private insurance may pay for an electric wheelchair if it's deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

Most power wheelchairs have an electronic joystick that users use to direct the motors. The controller, which functions as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important aspect to consider when shopping for a wheelchair. A quality battery will last for up to two years if it is used regularly and maintained properly. The type of battery also affects how far a wheelchair will travel on a single charge.

Deep cycle batteries are utilized in most power wheelchairs. They provide a long lasting energy supply. They can handle a variety of discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging practices, which typically include charging the battery overnight and avoiding letting it run completely empty.

The surface on which the wheelchair is operated can affect the battery's life. Smooth, level surfaces use less power to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If the wheelchair is driven on rough terrain, the motors need to work harder in order to maintain balance and speed, which consumes energy and drains battery faster.

A battery's longevity is also impacted by its age and usage patterns. It could be time to replace the battery if it's getting old and losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery will decrease the time required to charge a wheelchair and will likely to be more powerful.

Wheelchair batteries come in a variety of 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 a wheelchair. However, they have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

It is also a good idea to avoid charging too much or undercharging the battery as this can result in the battery's lifespan. It is important to keep the battery in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures can impact the functionality of the battery.

Capacity of Weight

The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is an important factor to take into account. If the chair is used on long trips, then it must be able to support the user's weight. A heavy weight can cause structural issues, a decrease in battery life and a greater risk of accidents.


A power wheelchair's weight differs from model to, and is affected by the type of battery it uses. It is also impacted by the variety and types of additional accessories it has such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. The batteries make up the majority of the weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 pounds on its own and a powerchair typically has two batteries!

The weight of the power wheelchair can be affected by the type of engine it is an engine with four poles or two. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient, and it can support a greater weight capacity. However, it will require more energy from the batteries, and can drain faster than a two-pole.

Power wheelchairs can also come with different drive bases such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The location of the drive wheels could affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in a variety of conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers or sip-and puff controls that work by blowing on the sensor.

The environment in which a power wheelchair is used is another aspect to consider. It is essential that the chair is able to move across a variety of terrains and fit into hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doors and ensure that the chair can easily maneuver through them, including doors with hinges.

A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the right power wheelchair for the individual. They can advise on factors like comfort, accessibility changes along with the size, shape, and the weight of the chair. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair is frequently transported.

Seating

In contrast to manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones have motors that move them. This lets you move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are a few limitations.

First, you'll need to determine the capacity of your wheelchair's weight. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or items you're carrying, you should not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit in order to avoid overloading the power chair and causing damage.

Then, ensure that the power chair you choose has a comfortable seat and an appropriate footplate that you are able to fit into. If your feet don't fit into the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity could be moved backwards, and the wheelchair will lunge.

Finally, look for a power wheelchair with tilt and recline functions to decrease the risk of getting pressure sores. This feature is crucial for those who are older, as their skin can be thin and easily bruise. Moreover, power leg rests can help raise your legs and reduce swelling.

Like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. You'll need to examine the condition of the battery and brakes, tire pressure and other components of the device frequently. Also, you should inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any necessary adjustments.

You should also pay attention to where you keep your power wheelchair to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. The frame can be damaged by high temperatures, whereas low temperatures can harm the battery and its electrical components.

Unless you're buying the wheelchair out of pocket it won't be covered by insurance and you won't have the option to return it if it doesn't satisfy your needs. Manufacturers' warranties typically last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronics but not seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your provider about their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing to do is read the manual and follow the guidelines for use and maintenance.

Operation

Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor inside the base of power that is located beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries that are 12 volts connected in series to produce total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for longer periods of time.

Many options are available to modify the controller, electronics and power base to meet the specific needs of each user. For instance, certain chairs can be customized to ensure a comfy fit and allow the user to find the most suitable position to support the stability of their posture. A lot of chairs have adjustable features such as seat height, leg rest and recline positions, as well as the power tilt feature.

There are many additional extras available for electric powered wheelchairs such as oxygen tank holders, elevating 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 have the ability to adjust the speed according to the user's preferences or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For instance when driving uphill. They can also be fitted with sensors that alert you to dangers or obstacles in the vicinity and automatically slow down or stop in the event of a need.

The position of the drive wheels, whether they are mid-wheels, rear-wheels or front-wheel drives has significant impact on the performance of a chair under different conditions. However, that's a large topic that we'll save for the next Clinical Corner article.

Make sure that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflating to the correct pressure prior to going for an excursion. In preparation for your first time it's best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. heavy duty electric wheelchair is essential to follow the directions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is especially important when driving up and down hills. This reduces the risk of injury, damage, and discomfort.

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