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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be an excellent assistance for those with mobility issues. They are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance can cover the cost of an electrical wheelchair if a doctor considers it medically necessary. 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 When you are looking for a new power wheelchair, one of the most important aspects to consider is battery life. A quality battery can last for up to two years if used regularly and maintained properly. The type of battery affects the distance the wheelchair can travel on a single charge. Deep cycle batteries are used in a majority of power wheelchairs. They offer a long-lasting energy source. These batteries can handle multiple discharges and recharges without harming the cells in the battery. It is important to adhere to the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer. This includes charging the battery over a long period of time and not the battery from running completely empty. The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth flat surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, which results in longer battery longevity than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is used on rough or uneven surfaces motors will have to work harder to maintain speed and stability which means that they consume more energy and drains the battery quicker. The age of a battery and its usage pattern can also impact its longevity. It is possible to replace a battery if it is becoming old and is losing its ability to hold charge. A newer battery will reduce the time required to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity. Wheelchair batteries come in a variety of 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 reduces the weight and size of a wheelchair. These batteries have a lower power reserve or “juice” than Group 24 batteries. Avoid overcharging or subcharging the battery, as this can reduce its lifespan. Maintaining the battery in a dry, cool location is also essential, as exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the battery's performance. Capacity for Weight The weight capacity is an important aspect to take into account when selecting the best power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips the chair must be capable of supporting the weight of the person. Excessive weight can lead to structural problems, decreased battery life and a greater chance of causing accidents. The weight of a power wheelchair differs between models and is affected by the batteries it uses. The weight of a power wheelchair is also affected by the amount of accessories and the kind of accessories, including oxygen tanks holders and various seating systems. The batteries account for the bulk of its weight. electric lightweight wheelchairs can weigh up to 50 lbs by itself and a power chair usually has two of them! Whether the power wheelchair has two-pole or four-pole motor can also affect its weight. A four-pole power chair is more efficient and it can support more weight capacity. However, it requires more energy and drain batteries faster than a motor with two poles. Power wheelchairs may also have different drive bases, such as rear-wheel or mid-wheel. The position of the wheels can affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The drive base can also contain a variety of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing on a sensor. The environment where a power chair is used is a different aspect to consider. It is important that the chair is able to be used on various surfaces and be able to fit into rooms and hallways. It is crucial to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair can easily maneuver through them, including those with hinged doors. A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help you select the right power chair for your requirements. In addition to evaluating the wheelchair's weight, speed and range of travel They can also provide advice on other aspects such as comfort, accessibility modifications and the size of the seat. They also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as if the chair will be frequently transported. Seating Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more freely and farther than a manual wheelchair but there are some limitations. In the beginning, you'll need know the weight capacity of your new chair. Whether it's your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies you're carrying, you should not exceed the manufacturer's suggested weight limit in order to avoid overloading the chair and causing damage. Then, ensure that your power chair is comfortable and has a footplate you can fit into. If your feet don't fit on the footplate of the chair, your center of gravity will be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge. Look for a power chair that has tilt and reclining functions to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores. This feature is important for older people whose skin could be thin and prone to bruises. Furthermore, power leg rests can assist in elevating your legs and decrease swelling. Your wheelchair, like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll need to examine the condition of the battery as well as brakes, tire pressure and other components of the device regularly. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to store your power chair in a space that will not expose it to extreme weather conditions. The exposure to high temperatures can cause damage to the frame, whereas exposure to low temperatures can harm the battery as well as other electrical components. If you don't purchase your wheelchair from pocket, you won't have insurance coverage and you wont be able return it if you find it does not meet your requirements. Warranties from manufacturers typically last one to two years and cover the motors electronic, joysticks, and electronics frames but not the seats, back cushions or tires. Ask your supplier about their return policy before you purchase an electric wheelchair. In the first place, go through the user's manual and follow all instructions regarding the use and maintenance of the device. Operation The motor of a power wheelchair is located in the power base. It is situated underneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series for total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries, that are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time. Many options are available to customize the controller, electronics and power base to meet the needs of each user. Certain chairs offer adjustable seating, which will ensure an ideal fit. It also lets the user determine the best position that allows them to maintain their postural stability. Many models include adjustable features such as seat height, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to the power tilt feature. There are many additional extras that are available for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders, elevated seats, and a variety of power accessories. Some powerchairs can also be customized so that the user can control them with their own brainwaves or nerve signals. Certain powerchairs be able to adjust their speed to accommodate the preferences of the user or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road, for instance when climbing hills. They can also be equipped with sensors that alert you to dangers and obstacles in the vicinity and will then automatically slow down or stop if necessary. The position of the drive wheels – whether front-wheel, rear-wheel, or mid-wheel drive – has a big impact on the way the chair performs under various situations. This is a massive topic, so we'll leave it for a future Clinical Corner. Check that your new electric chair is fully charged and that the tires are inflated to the right pressure prior to taking it for an excursion. It's also recommended to adjust the armrests, seat, footrests (if necessary) and joystick to prepare it for first time use. Make sure you adhere to the instructions in the manual for operating your wheelchair, particularly when driving on and down slopes. This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injury.