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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great assistance for those with mobility issues. They are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance may pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if considered medically necessary by a physician.

The majority of power wheelchairs have a joystick that the user can use to control the motors. These actions are converted into electrical signals by a controller which acts as the brain of the chair.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important aspect to consider when shopping for a wheelchair. A high-quality battery will last for up to two years if maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery can also influence the distance a wheelchair can travel on one charge.

Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is crucial to follow the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery overnight, and avoiding letting it run completely empty.

The battery's life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on bumpy or rocky surfaces, the motors will have to work harder to maintain speed and stability, which consumes more energy and drains the battery faster.

The condition of a battery and its usage pattern can also affect its longevity. It is possible to replace the battery if it's becoming old and is losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery will cut down on the time required to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity.

Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. Group 22NF batteries are lighter and smaller than Group 24 batteries, which help to reduce the weight and width of the power wheelchair. However, these batteries have a lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

It is important to avoid overcharging or undercharging your battery, because this can cause it to shorten its life span. It is essential to keep the battery in a dry, cool place, as extreme temperatures can affect the battery's performance.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is an important aspect to consider when choosing a power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips the chair must be able to support a user's weight. Problems with weight can result from excessive weight, which could lead to battery life issues and accidents.

The weight of a power chair varies from one model to the next and is influenced by the batteries it uses. It is also impacted by the number and types of accessories it comes with like oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the majority of its weight. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and the majority of power chairs have two!

The power wheelchair's a two-pole motor or four-pole motor will also have an impact on the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power chair is more efficient and can carry a greater weight capacity. However, it will require more energy from the batteries, and can drain faster than a two-pole motor.

Power wheelchairs could also have different drive bases such as mid-wheel or rear-wheel. The position of the drive wheels may affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The base of the drive could offer a variety of options, such as a swing-away controller that aids in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers that operate by blowing into a sensor.

Another aspect to consider is the environment where the power wheelchair is utilized. It is essential that the chair is able to move across a variety of terrains and be able to fit in hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair will fit through them. This includes hinged doors.

A physical therapist and/or mobility specialist can assist in selecting the right power wheelchair for your needs. In addition to evaluating the weight of the chair, its speed and driving range They can also provide advice on other factors such as comfort, accessibility modifications and the size of the seat. They also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair will be frequently transported.

Seating

As opposed to manual wheelchairs powered ones have motors that move them. This allows you to move more freely and farther than a manual one, however, there are a few limitations.

It is important to understand the light weight electric wheelchair capacity of your wheelchair. You should never exceed the weight limit of your power chair's recommended limit, whether it's you or any equipment or supplies that you're carrying.

Make sure that the power chair you pick includes a comfortable footplate as well as a seat that you can fit in. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it may shift your center of gravity to the back and cause the wheelchair to lunge.

Then, you should look for a power wheelchair that has tilt and recline features to help reduce the risk of getting pressure sores. This feature is crucial for older people whose skin could be thin and bruises easily. Furthermore, power leg rests can help elevate your legs and decrease swelling.

As with any mechanical device, your wheelchair will require maintenance to ensure it functions efficiently and safely. You'll need to check the battery as well as the brakes, tire pressure and other components of your device frequently. Also, you should check the seating for wear, and make any adjustments that are needed.

It is also important to pay attention to where you store your power wheelchair to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. The frame may be damaged by high temperatures, and low temperatures can cause damage to electrical components and the battery.

If you don't purchase your wheelchair from your pocket, there won't be insurance coverage and won't be able to return it should you discover it doesn't meet your requirements. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They include joysticks, motors frames, and electronic components but not seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your supplier about their return policy before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing to do is go through the manual and follow the guidelines for use and maintenance.

Operation

The motor of a power wheelchair is located in the power base. It is situated underneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, resulting in a total of 24 volts. LITH-TECH has lithium batteries which are more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer periods of time.

The controller as well as the electronics and power base can be modified to meet the needs of different users, with many options available. Certain chairs offer adjustable seating, which will ensure an ideal fit. It can also help the user choose the ideal position that will help their posture. Many models also include adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions and the power tilt feature.

There are a variety of additional features available for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders, elevating seats, and a variety of power accessories. Some powerchairs are customised to allow users to control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals.

Some powerchairs have the ability to adjust the speed according to the preferences of the user, or to match 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 area and will then automatically slow down or stop in the event of a need.

The position of the drive wheels - whether they are front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive - can have a huge impact on the way the chair performs under different conditions. But that's a big topic that we'll save for a future Clinical Corner article.

Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and that the tires are inflated to the right pressure prior to going for an outing. It's also an excellent idea to adjust the seat, armrests footrests (if applicable) and joystick, to prepare it for its first use. Remember that it's important to follow the manual's instructions for operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving down and up slopes. This reduces the chance of injury and discomfort.