Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great assistance for those with limited mobility. These chairs are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for an electric wheelchair if it's deemed medically necessary by a doctor.
Most power wheelchairs come with a joystick that the user can use to control the motors. The controller, acting as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals.
Battery Life
When shopping for a power wheelchair one of the most important aspects to consider is the battery's life. A high-quality battery will last for two years if used regularly and regular maintenance. The type of battery can also influence the distance that wheelchairs can travel on a single charge.
The majority of power wheelchairs have deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is essential to adhere to the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery over a long period of time and avoiding leaving it running at a complete loss.
The surface on the ground on which the wheelchair is operated also affects the battery's longevity. Smooth flat surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, leading to an extended battery longevity than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is driven over rocky or bumpy terrain, the motors need to work harder in order to maintain balance and speed which takes energy and drains battery faster.
The lifespan of batteries is affected by its age and use patterns. It is possible to replace batteries if they are getting old and is losing its ability to keep charge. A newer battery can help reduce the time a wheelchair must be charged, and it is more likely to have a greater capacity than older batteries.
Wheelchair batteries are available in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than the Group 24 batteries. This helps to reduce the weight and size of the wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.
Avoid charging or subcharging the battery as it will reduce the battery's lifespan. The battery should be kept in a dry, cool area is also crucial since exposure to extreme temperatures could affect the battery's performance.
Capacity of Weight
The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is a crucial aspect to consider. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips the chair must be able to support a user's weight. Excessive weight can lead to structural problems, reduced battery life, and a higher chance of accidents.
The weight of a power wheelchair varies from one model to the next and is influenced by the batteries it uses. It also affects the amount and type of accessories it has like oxygen tank holders and various 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 chair has a two-pole motor or four-pole motor will also influence its weight. A four-pole power chair is more efficient and has the weight of a larger capacity. However, it requires more energy from the batteries and could drain faster than a two-pole motor.
Power wheelchairs can also come with different drive bases such as mid-wheel or rear-wheel. The location of the wheels can impact its handling and maneuverability in different conditions. The base of the drive may offer a variety of options, such as an adjustable controller that assists in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers which work by blowing on the sensor.
The environment that a power wheelchair is used is an additional consideration. modern electric wheelchairs is crucial that the chair can be used on different surfaces and be able to fit into hallways and rooms. It's important to measure doorways and ensure that the chair is able to navigate through them, even doors with hinges.
A physical therapist and/or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the right power wheelchair for the person. They can offer advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility modifications along with the size, shape, and the weight of the wheelchair. They will also consider the frequency and duration, and whether the chair will be moved regularly.
Seating
Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors to move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This lets you move more easily and farther than a manual wheelchair however, there are a few limitations.
It is important to understand the weight capacity of your wheelchair. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or other items you're carrying, you should never exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to avoid overtaxing the chair and causing damage.
Make sure that the power chair you choose includes a comfortable footplate as well as a seat that you can fit into. If your feet aren't able to fit into the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity could be moved backwards, and the chair will slouch.
Finally, look for a power wheelchair with tilt and recline features to reduce the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is important for older people whose skin could be fragile and easily bruises. Power leg rests are also an excellent method of elevating your legs, which can reduce swelling.
Your wheelchair, like any other mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll need to check the battery and tire pressure, brakes, and other parts of your device regularly. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any adjustments that are needed.
It is also important to pay attention to the place you place your power wheelchair in order so that you don't expose it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could affect the frame's condition, while exposure to low temperatures can harm the battery as well as other electrical components.
If you don't purchase your wheelchair out of pocket, you won't have insurance coverage and won't be able to return it should you discover it doesn't meet your requirements. Warranty warranties from manufacturers usually last between one and two years and cover the motors as well as electronics, joysticks, joysticks and frames, but not the back cushions, seats or tires. Ask your provider about their return policies prior to you purchase an electric wheelchair. Most importantly, review the user's manual thoroughly and follow all instructions for using and maintaining the device.
Operation
The motor of a power wheelchair is found in the power base. This is beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, for 24 volts in total. LITH-TECH has lithium batteries which are much more efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time.
The controller as well as the electronics and power base can be customised to suit the needs of different users, with a variety of options available. Certain chairs permit customizable seating, which will ensure a comfortable fit. It can also help the user find the position that best supports their postural stability. A lot of chairs have adjustable features, such as the height of the seat, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to the ability to tilt with power.
There are many additional extras that are available for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized so that the user can control them using their brainwaves or nerve signal.
Some powerchairs also be able to adjust their speed to accommodate the preferences of the user or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, such as when going up hills. Some powerchairs have sensors that warn them of dangers or obstacles nearby, and they will automatically slow down and swerve whenever necessary.
The position of the drive wheels - whether front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive - has a significant impact on how a chair performs in different situations. However, that's a large issue that we'll keep for another Clinical Corner article.
Make sure that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflating to the right pressure prior to going for an outing. It's also an excellent idea to make a few adjustments to the seat, armrests, footrests (if applicable) and joystick, in order to prepare it for first use. Be sure to follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving on and down slopes. This reduces the chance of injury, damage and discomfort.