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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be a huge aid to those with mobility issues. You can find these chairs at specialized mobility equipment providers and a few major retailers. Medicare and private insurance can pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if it's determined to be medically necessary by a doctor. The majority of power wheelchairs come with a joystick that users use to direct the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals. Battery Life Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing wheelchairs. A high-quality battery can last for up to two years if used regularly and regular maintenance. The battery type also influences the distance that wheelchairs can 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 numerous discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended charging practices which usually include charging the battery overnight and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty. The surface on which the wheelchair operates also affects the battery's longevity. Smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the chair, leading to longer battery life. If a wheelchair is used on rocky or bumpy surfaces, the motors will have to work harder to maintain stability and speed and this consumes more energy and drains the battery more quickly. electric automatic wheelchair of a battery as well as its usage patterns can influence its lifespan. It could be time to replace the battery if it's getting old and losing its ability to keep charge. A newer battery will reduce the time needed to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity. Wheelchair batteries come in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This helps to reduce the weight and size of the wheelchair. However, these batteries have less power or “juice” reserve than Group 24 batteries. Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as it will reduce its life. It is important to keep the battery in a dry, cool location, as extreme temperatures can impact its functionality. Weight Capacity The weight capacity of a power chair is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. If the chair is intended to be used for long journeys, it will need to be capable of supporting the user's body weight. Excessive weight can lead to structural problems, reduced battery life and a greater chance of accidents. The weight of a power wheelchair differs from one model to the next and is influenced by the batteries it uses. It also affects 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 the weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs by itself and a powerchair typically has two batteries! The weight of the power wheelchair is also dependent on whether it has either a two-pole or four-pole motor. A four-pole power chair is more efficient, and it can support the weight of a larger capacity. It will however require more energy and drain the batteries faster than a motor with two poles. Power wheelchairs can also be equipped with different base drives, such as rear-wheel drive or mid-wheel drive. The location of the wheels may affect its handling and maneuverability in various conditions. electric automatic wheelchair of the drive may have a number of other options, including an adjustable controller that assists in side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that operate by blowing into a sensor. Another factor to consider is the setting where the power wheelchair is utilized. It is crucial that the chair is able to move over varying terrain and fit into hallways and rooms. It is essential to measure the doorways and ensure that the chair can pass through them. This includes hinged doors. A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist you in choosing the best power wheelchair for your needs. They can advise on factors like comfort, accessibility modifications, seat size, and the weight of the wheelchair. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair is transported frequently. Seating Electric wheelchairs have motors to move them, unlike manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more and greater mobility than a manual one, however, it has certain limitations and other factors to consider. First, you'll need to understand the weight capacity of your new wheelchair. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit to avoid overtaxing the power chair and creating damage. Next, make sure your chosen power chair includes a comfortable seat as well as a footplate you can fit comfortably into. If you don't have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate, it may shift your center of gravity backward and cause the wheelchair to move. Finally, look for a power wheelchair that has tilt and recline functions to decrease the chance of developing pressure sores. This feature is crucial for those who are older, as their skin can be thin and easily bruise. Furthermore, power leg rests can assist in elevating your legs and reduce swelling. Like any mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely. You'll have to inspect the battery condition and brakes, tire pressure, and other components of the device frequently. You should also examine the seating for wear, and make any adjustments that are needed. It is also important to pay attention to the location you place your power wheelchair in order so that you don't 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 out of pocket, you won't have insurance coverage, and you won't be able return it if you discover it doesn't meet your requirements. Manufacturers' warranties typically last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronics but not back cushions, seats or tires. Before buying an electric wheelchair, ask your supplier about the return policy. The most important thing is to read the user manual and follow all the directions regarding the use and maintenance of the device. Operation Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the base of power, which sits beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, resulting in a total of 24 volts. LITH-TECH's lithium batteries are more energy efficient than lead acids and can be used for an extended period of time. There are a variety of options to customize the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the requirements of every user. Certain chairs offer adjustable seating, which can help to ensure an ideal fit. It also allows the user to determine the best position that allows them to maintain their postural stability. A lot of chairs have adjustable features, such as leg rest, seat height and recline positions, in addition to the ability to tilt with power. Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a wide range of additional features. These include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs, and a wide range of power accessories. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow the user to control them by using brainwaves or nerve signals. electric powered wheelchairs are able to alter the speed according to the preferences of the user or to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For instance when driving uphill. They can also be equipped with sensors that warn of dangers and obstacles in the vicinity and will then automatically slow down or stop when necessary. The location of the drive wheels – whether rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive – has a significant 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 that the tires have enough air pressure. To prepare for the first time it's best to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. Make sure you follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, especially when driving on and down slopes. This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injury.