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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge assistance for those who have a limited mobility. These chairs are sold at major retailers as well as specialist mobility equipment providers. Medicare and private insurance may pay for the cost of an electrical wheelchair if a doctor deems it medically necessary. Most power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which 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 factors to consider is the battery's life. A high-quality battery will last for up to two years if it is used regularly and maintained properly. The type of battery also affects how far the wheelchair can be able to travel on one charge. Deep cycle batteries are used in most power wheelchairs. They offer a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is essential to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging, which typically include overnight charging of the battery and avoiding letting it run completely empty. The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth flat surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, leading to longer battery longevity than rough terrains. If modern electric wheelchair is used on rough or uneven surfaces the motors will need to perform harder to maintain stability and speed and this consumes more energy and drains the battery quicker. The lifespan of batteries is affected by its age and usage patterns. It could be time to replace the battery if it's becoming old and losing its ability to maintain charge. A newer battery can help decrease the amount of time that a wheelchair has to be charged, and it is more likely to have a higher 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 overall weight and size of the wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or “juice” than Group 24 batteries. Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as this will shorten the battery's lifespan. Maintaining the battery in a dry, cool place is also important because exposure to extreme temperatures could negatively impact the battery's functionality. Capacity for Weight The weight capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing the right power wheelchair. If the chair will be used for long-distance trips, then it must be able to support a user's weight. Weight problems can result from excessive weight, which can result in battery life issues and accidents. The weight of a power chair varies from one model to another and is affected by its batteries. It also is affected by the number and types of accessories it comes with such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. However, the majority of its weight comes from the batteries. A single battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs, and most power chairs come with two batteries! Whether the power wheelchair has a two-pole motor or four-pole motor could have an impact on its weight. A four-pole motor is more efficient and has greater weight capacity. It will however require more energy and drain batteries faster than a motor with two poles. Power wheelchairs may also come with various drive bases, such as rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The position of the wheels can affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The base of the drive may have a number of other options, such as a swing-away controller that aids in side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls which work by blowing on a sensor. The environment that a power wheelchair is used is another consideration. It is crucial that the chair can be used on different terrains and can be fitted 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 mobility specialist or physical therapist can help you select the right wheelchair for your requirements. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel They can also provide advice on other factors like accessibility, comfort, and seat size. They also take into consideration the frequency and duration, and whether the chair will be moved frequently. Seating Electric wheelchairs have motors to move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more freely and further than a manual wheelchair, but there are a few limitations. In the beginning, you'll need be aware of the capacity for weight of your new power chair. It doesn't matter if it's your own weight or the weight of any equipment or items that you're carrying, it is important to not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit to avoid overtaxing the power chair and creating damage. Next, make sure your power chair has a comfortable seat and a footplate you can fit into. If your feet don't fit onto the footplate of the power chair your center gravity can be shifted backwards and the wheelchair may swivel. Then, you should look for a wheelchair that has tilt and recline features to reduce the risk of pressure sores. This feature is especially important for those who are older, as their skin can be thin and easily bruise. Moreover, power leg rests can assist in elevating your legs and lessen swelling. Your wheelchair, like any other mechanical device, will need regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll need to check the condition of the battery and brakes, tire pressure and other components of the device on a regular basis. You should also check the seating for wear and make any adjustments that are needed. It is crucial to store your power chair in a place that will not expose it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures could harm the battery as well as other electrical components. If you don't purchase your wheelchair out-of-pocket it will not be insured and you won't be able return it if it doesn't satisfy your requirements. Warranty warranties from manufacturers usually last from one to two years and cover motors electronic, joysticks, and electronics frames, but not the seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your provider about their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair. The most important thing to do is read the manual and follow the instructions regarding use and maintenance. Operation The motor of the power wheelchair is situated in the power base. It is situated under the user's seat. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries that are connected in series, for 24 volts total. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries, which are more energy 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 various users, with numerous options available. For example, some chairs can be customized to ensure a comfortable fit and let the user choose the most suitable position to support postural stability. Many models also come with adjustable seat height as well as recline and leg rest positions as well as the power tilt feature. There are a variety of additional features offered for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders elevating seats and a range of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow users to control them by using brainwaves or nerve signals. Some powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the user's preferences or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For instance, when driving uphill. Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that warn them of obstacles or other potential hazards nearby, and they will automatically slow down and swerve whenever necessary. The position of the drive wheels – whether they are rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive – has a big impact on the way the chair performs under different situations. This is a vast subject, so we'll save it for a later Clinical Corner. Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the right pressure before you take it for a spin. It's also a good idea to make a few adjustments to the armrests, seat, footrests (if appropriate) and joystick, to prepare it for first use. Remember that it's important to follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving down and up slopes. This will minimise the chance of injury, damage, and discomfort.