Power Wheelchairs

How does a power Wheelchair work?

The name suggests how a Power Wheelchair 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 a Power Wheelchair.
The important decision one has to make here is a choice between a manual wheelchair and a Power Wheelchair.

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Power Wheelchairs are a boon to wheelchair 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 a Power Wheelchair:

• Deformities
• Visual abilities
• Mental state
• Sitting posture
• Sensory Level
• Wheelchair transfer ability
• Duration of time spent in the Power 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 a Power Wheelchair could also be a factor.

These are general suggestions. But if your individual necessity suits an electrical wheelchair forget the above considerations and go for it.

Parts of basic Power Wheelchair:

Frame : Power Wheelchairs are mostly not foldable which is constructed with a fixed frame. Still some companies offer foldable Power Wheelchairs which use a cross brace frame. Invention of light weight materials has considerable reduced the weight of these 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 Power Wheelchair. Brakes engage automatically when the wheelchair is stationary or switched off.

Tires and wheels

Power 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 a Power Wheelchair. They use various interfaces like push buttons, joystick, voice, sip-puf, head-chin, trackball, 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 Power 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 Power Wheelchair when you purchase one.

Power Wheelchairs with special features

Some Power 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. Recline for relaxation purposes. Seat elevation for transfer into a van or a car.

Click here for a List of Leading Wheelchair Manufacturers

An Power Wheelchair could cost anywhere between $3500 to $12000

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