Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge help to people with mobility issues. These chairs are sold at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance could pay for the cost of an electrical wheelchair if a physician deems it medically required.
The majority of power wheelchairs feature an instrument that users use to direct the motors. These movements are converted to electrical signals by a controller that acts as the brain of the chair.
Battery Life
When looking for a power wheelchair, one of the most important factors to consider is the battery's life. A high-quality battery will last for up to two years if used regularly and maintained properly. The type of battery affects the distance the wheelchair can be able to travel on one charge.
Most power wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle a variety of recharges and discharges without causing damage to battery cells. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended charging practices which usually include charging the battery over the course of a night and avoiding letting it run completely empty.
The surface on the ground on which the wheelchair is operated also influences the battery's lifespan. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven over rough terrain, the motors will have to work harder in order to maintain speed and balance which takes energy and depletes battery faster.
The age of a battery and its usage pattern can also impact its longevity. It could be time to replace a battery if it is getting old and losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery will cut down on the time required to charge a wheelchair and is likely to be more powerful.
Wheelchair batteries come in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This reduces the overall weight and size of the wheelchair. However, these batteries have lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.
It is recommended to avoid charging or undercharging your battery, because this can cause it to shorten its life span. The battery should be kept in a cool, dry location is also essential, as exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the battery's performance.
Capacity of Weight
The capacity to support the weight of a power chair is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. If the chair will be used for long journeys and long trips, then it should be able to support a user's weight. A heavy weight can cause structural problems, decreased battery life, and a higher chance of causing accidents.
The weight of a power wheelchair differs between models and is affected by its batteries. The weight of a wheelchair is also affected by the amount of accessories as well as the type of accessories, like oxygen tanks holders and different seating systems. The batteries make up the majority of the weight. A single battery can weigh up to 50 pounds, and the majority of power chairs have two!
Whether the power wheelchair has two-pole 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, travel electric wheelchair requires more energy from the batteries and may drain faster than a two-pole.
Power wheelchairs can also come with different drive bases such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The position of the wheels may affect its handling and maneuverability in various conditions. The drive base may include a variety of options, including a swing-away control that helps with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing air on the sensor.
The environment in which a power wheelchair is used is a different factor to take into consideration. It is crucial that the chair be used on different surfaces and be able to fit into hallways and rooms. It is essential to measure the doorways, and ensure that the chair is able to fit through them. This includes hinged doors.
A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help you select the right wheelchair for your needs. They can offer advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility modifications as well as the size of the seat and the weight of the wheelchair. They also take into consideration the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair will be moved regularly.
Seating
Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. 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 weight capacity of your wheelchair. It is important to never exceed the weight limit of your power chair's recommended limit, regardless of whether it's your own or any equipment or other items that you're carrying.
Make sure that the chair you select has a comfortable footplate and an armchair that you can fit into. If your feet aren't able to fit on the footplate of the power chair, your center of gravity could be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge.
Also, consider a wheelchair that has tilt and recline capabilities to help reduce the risk of pressure sores. This feature is particularly important for older people, whose skin is thin and can easily bruise. Moreover, power leg rests can assist in elevating your legs and lessen swelling.
Like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll need to check the battery, brakes, tire pressure, and other parts of your device frequently. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any necessary adjustments.
It is crucial to store your power chair in a space which isn't exposed to extreme weather conditions. The frame may be damaged by high temperatures, whereas low temperatures can damage batteries and electrical components.
If you don't buy your wheelchair from your pocket, there won't be insurance coverage, and you won't be able return it if you discover that it doesn't meet your requirements. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover motors, joysticks, frames, and electronic components, but not seats, back cushions, or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, inquire with your dealer about their return policy. The most important thing is to go through the user's manual and follow all the directions for using and maintaining the device.
Operation
Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor inside the base of power, which sits beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered by two or one rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, resulting in 24 volts in total. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used over a longer period of time.
Many options are available to customize the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the requirements of each user. Some chairs allow for adjustable seating, which can aid in ensuring a comfortable fit. It also allows the user to determine the best position that supports their postural stability. Many chairs come with adjustable features such as leg rest, seat height and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.
Electric powered wheelchairs can be fitted with a wide range of additional features. These include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs, and a wide range of power accessories. Some powerchairs can even be customized to let the user control them by using their own brainwaves or nerve signals.
Certain powerchairs be able to adjust their speed to accommodate the user's preference or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when driving up hills. They can also be equipped with sensors that alert you to obstacles and other potential hazards in the area and will then automatically slow down or swerve in the event of a need.
The location of the drive wheels, whether they're rear-wheels, mid-wheels or front-wheel drives, has an enormous impact on how a chair performs under various conditions. However, that's a large subject that we'll leave for another Clinical Corner article.
Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure prior to going for an excursion. In preparation for your first time it's recommended to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests and footrests. Be sure to follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving down and up slopes. This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injury.