Motorized Wheel Chairs

Motorized wheel chairs are ideal for wheelchair users with weak upper body strength or those that are unable to maneuver a manual wheelchair. Newer models are also available with spring suspension, which offer a smoother ride over uneven terrain.

Description:

• Also referred to as: electric wheel chairs and power wheel chairs
• Users will often have limited strength in their arms and torso, and thus need to use an external power source
• They are battery powered (usually a gel cell or wet cell) that must be re-charged on a regular basis
• They are heavier than most manual wheelchairs
• They are typically controlled using a joystick that is located at the end of the armrest
• They can also be driven by a breath device. A breath device is used when the user is unable to use their hands to operate the chair, such as when a person is quadriplegic
• They range in price from $1,600 to well over $8,000
• They are available in three basic models: rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive
• Many have a switch for setting the speed of the wheelchair. When using the chair indoors, it is recommended that you use a low speed. A higher speed may be more appropriate outdoors.

Additional features include:

• Power tilt - a feature that tilts the entire seat assembly and footrests upwards to a 45-degree angle
• Recline - a feature that tilts the seat back and raises the leg rests up horizontally
• Both power tilt and recline help to relieve and prevent pressure sores
• Spring suspension which offers a smooth ride on uneven outdoor surfaces
• Can be tied down in a motor vehicle and used as a car seat

Who can Benefit from Using Motorized Wheel Chairs?

They are an excellent choice for people who are unable to propel themselves in a manual wheelchair. Power wheel chairs allow them to be as independent as possible, since they do not require someone to push their chair.

Types of Chairs:

There are a wide range of different models. Some are superb outdoor performers, but are too bulky to easily maneuver indoors. Others can be disassembled to fit into the trunk of a large car, but generally have restricted weight limits. Others can navigate your home's narrow hallways, but are unsuitable for heavy outdoor use.

Portable/Travel Chairs - They work best for people who do not use a wheelchair all the time. They disassemble or fold up for easy storage or transporting in the trunk of a car. Even though the chair folds for storage in a car trunk, they are heavy to lift into the trunk. The battery itself can weigh 30 pounds.

Non-folding - A non-folding chair often works better than portable chairs for people who spend all day in their chair. They are designed for use indoors and outdoors. They usually have larger wheels and a heavier build than chairs designed for use indoors only. Your lifestyle will determine which type of chair is best for you. Non-folding chairs are often easier to customize than portable chairs, so if you have special needs or simply want to customize your chair, that is something to consider.

Motorized Wheel Chair vs. Elderly Scooter

A motorized wheel chair has better maneuverability than a typical elderly scooter. It has a smaller turning radius so you can make quick, tight turns in confined spaces.

Power wheelchairs accommodate more functions for seating and postural support then a scooter, including power stand, recline, tilt and elevation. They have tire and powerbase options, and can handle more terrains - indoor and outdoor.

Elderly scooters are ideal for outdoors as they can be faster and have more options for carrying items (trailer, basket, etc).

Disadvantages

If you will be traveling quite a bit you may want to get a van to transport it or for trips you can obtain a folding wheel chair. Also, wheel chair lifts for a van maybe best as a motorized wheel chair can weigh up to 200+ pounds.

They are fairly heavy. Some can be disassembled in order to be lifted into the trunk of a car or carried down a flight of stairs, but disassembling the chair can be inconvenient, and the chair may still be heavy.

Often a van with a chair lift or ramp will be needed for travel, and wheelchair ramps or an elevator will need to be used instead of stairs.

How to Choose a Power Wheel Chair?

There are a number of questions you should consider, including:

• For outdoor use, what grade or steep can it handle?
• Is there a speed control and how fast and slow can it go?
• Does it come with bumpers or something similar to prevent damage to furniture and walls?
• Does it come with a a basket? If not can that be added?
• What is the weight limit of what it can carry?
• How will you use the wheelchair, indoors, outdoors, or both?
• Will you need to transport it? (If so, how often and in what type of vehicle?)
• What weight capacity will you need, standard or heavy-duty?
• What seating style will you find most comfortable, captain's, solid pan, or rehab?
• Which leg rest and armrest style might best meet your needs?
• How important is speed?
• How much battery range do you foresee needing?
• If I will be using my chair outside, will I be climbing hills and curbs? Certain power wheelchairs are appropriate for what we call outdoor "light duty", but do not have the ground clearance, power, or wheel size needed for small hills or curbs.
• What is the narrowest width that my chair must pass through? If you plan to use your electric wheelchair in your home, it must fit through your narrowest doors and spaces. Some chairs excel at this task, but not at others (such as outdoor use).

Customizing Your Motorized Wheel Chair

They can be easily customized to meet your specific needs. You can purchase special backrests that assist with posturing and provide extra back support.

You can purchase special seat cushions that also assist with posturing, prevent slipping, and help to prevent skin breakdown.Ê You can purchase special footrests and armrests, as well.

There are also other wheelchair accessories available, such as bags that attach to the back of the chair and cup holders.