About
Electric Wheelchairs
How
does an Electric Wheelchairs work?
The name suggests how an electric wheelchairs works. It works
with the electricity generated by a battery through motors,
gears and belts. The problem of plenty of choices available
makes it difficult to choose an electric wheelchairs. The
important decision one has to make here is a choice between
a manual wheelchair and an electric wheelchairs.
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Electric
wheelchairs are a boon to wheelchairs users. They add power,
speed and comfort to the experience. Huge varieties and brands
to choose from for any individuals specific need. Plenty of
colors and styles to choose.
Physical
capabilities to be considered before going for electric wheelchairs:
• Deformities
• Visual abilities
• Mental state
• Sitting posture
• Sensory Level
• Wheelchairs transfer ability
• Duration of time spent in the electric wheelchair
Also
consider
• The accessibility at home and work place
• Suits short distance travel.
• Carrying in an automobile is a little tedious. (Vans
would suit better)
• Dismantling or folding is also not so easy.
• High maintenance cost
• Cost of an electric wheelchairs could also be a factor.
These
are general suggestions. But if your individual necessity
suits an electrical wheelchairs forget the above considerations
and go for it.
Parts
of basic electric wheelchairs
Frame : Electric wheelchairs are mostly not foldable
which is constructed with a fixed frame. Still some companies
offer foldable electric wheelchairs which use a cross brace
frame. Invention of light weight materials has considerable
reduced the weight of these electric wheelchairs. Still they
are heavier than manual wheelchairs.
Brakes
: The control unit through a joy stick or any other interface
controls the braking system in an electric wheelchairs. Brakes
engage automatically when the wheelchairs is stationary or
switched off.
Tires
and wheels
Electric wheelchairs use Pneumatic, semi pneumatic or solid
tires are used. Like in normal manual wheelchair front two
wheels could be small caster wheels and the rear wheels bigger
wheels. Or all four wheels could be small caster wheels.
Control
system
Controls the speed, braking, turning abilities of an electric
wheelchairs. They use various interfaces like push buttons,
joystick, voice, sip-puf, head-chin, trackball and tillers
for controls. Other special interfaces are also available
for individuals need with vendors who specialize in control
systems only.
Batteries
Rechargeable Lead acid, gel, or sealed wet batteries are used
in electric wheelchairs. Mostly U1 group 24 batteries are
used because they can go longer between recharges. Two 12V
batteries are also common. Battery chargers come with the
electric wheelchairs when you purchase one.
Electric
wheelchairs with special features
Some electric wheelchairs come with special features like
tilt, recline, elevating seats. Tilt almost takes the user
to a standing position for relaxation or stair climbing purposes.
An
electric wheelchairs could cost anywhere between $3500 to
$12000
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