15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Electric Powered Wheelchair
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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great assistance for those who have a limited mobility. They are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and at some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair when it's deemed medically necessary by a doctor.
The majority of power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which the user can use to control the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important aspect to consider when purchasing wheelchairs. A good battery will last for up to two years if it is maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery affects the distance the wheelchair can be able to travel on one charge.
The majority of power wheelchairs have deep cycle batteries that are designed to provide a long-lasting power supply. They can handle a variety of discharges and recharges without causing damage to the battery cells. It is essential to follow the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes overnight charging of the battery and avoiding the battery from running completely empty.
The battery life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less power to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven over rocky or bumpy terrain, the motors have to work harder in order to maintain balance and speed which consumes energy and depletes battery faster.
The condition of a battery and its usage patterns can affect its longevity. If a battery is getting old and losing its capacity to hold a charge, it may be time to replace it. A newer battery will decrease the time it takes to charge a wheelchair and is likely to be more powerful.
Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes that include Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most well-known choices. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This helps to reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. However, these batteries have less power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.
Avoid charging or subcharging the battery as this will shorten its lifespan. It is essential to keep the battery in a cool, dry location, as extreme temperatures can impact the functionality of the battery.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is a key factor to consider when choosing the right power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used on long trips and long trips, then it should be able to support a user's weight. A heavy weight can cause structural problems, reduced battery life, and a higher chance of accidents.
The weight of a power chair varies between models and is influenced by the batteries it uses. It also is affected by the variety and types of accessories it comes with, such as oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the majority of its weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs alone, and a power chair typically has two batteries!
The weight of a power wheelchair is also affected by whether it has a four-pole or two-pole engine. A four-pole motor is more efficient and has greater capacity for weight. However, it will require more energy and drain the batteries faster than a motor with two poles.
Power wheelchairs also come with various drive bases, like mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The position of the wheels can affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The drive base may contain a variety of options, like the swing-away control, which helps with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing on the sensor.
The environment where a power chair is used is a different consideration. It is crucial that the chair be used on a variety of 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 power chair for your needs. They can offer advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility changes along with the size, shape, and weight of the wheelchair. They also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair is transported regularly.
Seating
Unlike manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones have motors that move them. This lets you move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are a few limitations.
In the beginning, you'll need be aware of the weight capacity of your new wheelchair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or other items that you're carrying, it is important to never exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit in order to avoid overloading the power chair and damaging it.
Make sure that your chosen power chair has a comfortable seat and a footplate you can fit into. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it may shift your center of gravity forward and cause the wheelchair to slouch.
Then, you should look for a wheelchair that has tilt and recline features to reduce the risk of pressure sores. This feature is essential for those who are elderly and whose skin may be thin and prone to bruises. Furthermore, power leg rests can help elevate your legs and reduce swelling.
Your wheelchair, like every mechanical device, will need regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll have to inspect the battery condition and tire pressure, brakes and other parts of the device frequently. You should also check the seating for wear, and make any adjustments that are needed.
You should also pay attention to where you place your power wheelchair in order to ensure that it is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. Exposure to high temperatures can degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures may harm the battery as well as other electrical components.
If you don't buy your wheelchair from pocket, you won't have insurance coverage, and you won't be able to return it should you find it does not meet your requirements. Manufacturer check here warranties typically last one to two years and cover motors electronic, joysticks, and electronics frames, but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Before buying an electric wheelchair, ask your dealer about their return policy. The most important thing is to go through the manual and follow the instructions regarding maintenance and use.
Operation
The motor of a power wheelchair is found in the power base. It is situated under the user's seat. The motor is powered either by rechargeable batteries that are 12 volts connected in series, for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries, that are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer periods of time.
The controller electronics, power base and controller can be customized to meet the needs of various users, with a variety of options available. Some chairs allow for customizable seating, which can aid in ensuring the most comfortable fit. It can also help the user find the position that best supports their postural stability. Many models also include adjustable heights for the seat as well as recline and leg rest positions and power tilt functionality.
Electric powered wheelchairs can come with a wide range of additional features. They include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs, and many other power accessories. Some powerchairs can also be customised so that the user can control them with their own brainwaves or nerve signals.
Some powerchairs can also have the capability to adjust their speed according to the preferences of the user or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when going up hills. Some powerchairs have sensors that warn them of dangers or obstacles nearby, and they will automatically slow down and turn whenever necessary.
The location of the drive wheels - whether they're rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive - can have a huge impact on how the chair performs under various situations. But, it's a huge subject that we'll leave for the next Clinical Corner article.
Before you take your new electric wheelchair out for an outing, make sure it's fully charged and the tires have enough air pressure in them. It's also a good idea to make some adjustments to the seat, armrests, footrests (if necessary) and joystick to prepare it for first time use. Remember that it's important to adhere to the instructions in the manual for operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving up and down slopes. This will minimise the chance of injury, damage, and discomfort.