Electric Wheelchairs
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Electric Wheelchairs
If you have experienced a major injury, then you might find that it takes you several months to recover. Some people have to make big lifestyle changes to adjust to their bodies' limitations after an accident. Exploring the various types of electric wheelchairs that are for sale could help you find a transportation option that meets your needs well.
There are many different electric wheelchair models that you should explore before making a purchase. Some of the electric wheelchairs have rechargeable batteries that you can plug in when they are not in use. Others have batteries with longer lives that you replace after they start to lose their charges.
An electric wheelchair might even give you the option to move forwards and backwards just by making a small movement. Some models are even designed to detect eye movement, making it easy for just about anyone to control the chairs, even if they have been badly injured in an accident.
It is important to consider the various models that might meet your needs. Start by exploring the websites listed by Business.com on the left side of your screen. These sites will help you approach your purchase from an informed perspective.
Electric Wheelchairs Key Terms
Learn terminology for types and features of electric wheelchairsBy Adah Chung Electric wheelchairs, or power wheelchairs, are wheelchairs that are powered by battery to help maximize a person's mobility. They can be customized for special seating and positioning for the user and can come with a variety of features to make the operation of power wheelchairs more efficient. Finding the right electric wheelchair requires a blend of knowing the features available as well as knowing an individual's needs when it comes to mobility. Different types of drives are available.
Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive on an electric wheelchair refers to the placement of the largest wheels on a power wheelchair. Placement of the largest wheels on the rear of the wheelchair allows for speed and stability, but often a poor turning radius. Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are the most popular of the types of electric wheelchairs.
Try: 4 Medical Supplies provides a description of rear-wheel drive power wheelchairs as well as examples.
Center-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive
Center-wheel drive wheelchairs have the largest wheels positioned in the center for the wheelchair, with two sets of smaller casters in the front and back for safety and stability. Center-wheel drive wheelchairs allow for a tight turning radius and better navigation over curbs and other obstacles.
Try: Spinlife describes center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs in more depth. Scroll down the page to read.
Front-wheel drive
A front-wheel drive power wheelchair has good maneuverability and turning radius, as the large wheels sit forward of the seat. A disadvantage of front-wheel drive can be less stability at higher speeds.
Try: The Med Supply Guide describes front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs as well as providing an example of one.
Deep cycle batteries
Electric wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries, which means that batteries can be drained without damage to the battery. This is an important feature for an electric wheelchair battery, as it is typically only charged one time a day.
Try: For more information, read the article on wheelchair batteries on the Wheelchair Site.
Powered seating
In addition to wheelchairs, seating can also be powered. This means that the chair on a wheelchair can be tilted or reclined to provide better positioning and to relieve pressure while sitting. Powered seating is generally accessible by the same joystick that controls the wheelchair.
Try: Invacare provides a list of powered seating products available.
Portable/travel power wheelchairs
Portable/travel power wheelchairs are those that are foldable or easily taken apart for transport. They generally weigh 100 pounds or less and have smaller frames for better accessibility.
Try: U.S. Medical Supplies defines and has examples of portable/travel power wheelchairs.
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