Another innovation in the wheelchair market is the creation of power wheelchairs. These are wheelchairs that move on electricity and do not need to be physically propelled. Researchers and doctors, the world over, agree that using these chairs is a huge benefit to patients because not only does it help in conserving energy but also in increasing self-esteem and the development of other skills.
Unlike manual chairs, choosing a power wheelchair requires considering a number of aspects in addition to the three basic concerns mentioned above. Firstly, it is necessary to determine whether a power wheelchair is the best option for your particular needs. Ideally, these wheelchairs are best suited for someone who requires independent mobility but is unable to propel a manual wheelchair. It is also necessary to consider physical and developmental factors as posture, coordination, and visual perception of the disabled person while picking these up.
Secondly, it is crucial to evaluate your living conditions and environment. While ease of access is a concern for any wheelchair user, it is even greater with power chair users; these wheelchairs need a totally accessible environment with wide doorways and halls. Since these chairs are slightly heavier than manual wheelchairs, they cannot be lifted to negotiate steps or curbs. Hence it is also important to have enough space to accommodate the larger turning radius of power wheelchairs.
Thirdly, power wheelchairs do not fold or conveniently dismantle, making them difficult to transport. And because these run off electricity, you need to consider things like the types of batteries and charger used, whether they are included with the chair, how soon do you need to charge it and the speed of the chair. Finally, since these are often in the high-end range depending upon the modifications and attachments, you might want to consider the cost of purchasing. Based on your requirements you can choose from either of these two styles of power chairs:
Traditional style power wheelchair
These wheelchairs look much like standard manual chairs and generally incorporate a motor system with a battery beneath or behind the seat. These models offer features such as variable length armrests, swing-away detachable legrests and an array of options and custom modifications.
Power wheelchairs with affixed seating system
This kind of wheelchair is a more modular chair with a power base with an affixed seating system. This style allows the seat to be raised to various heights above the floor or to be lowered to floor plus power reclining and tilt-in-space features. Some chairs also offer a choice of bucket, flat, padded, or sling backs and seats.
An all terrain wheelchair will let you go out on the road, climb steep hills, take a walk on the beach or join your friends on a trek without any excessive strain on your body or limbs. The ideal all terrain wheelchair takes into consideration a number of factors to provide better functionality and mobility for its disabled user, other than additional power... All Terrain Power Wheelchairs
Whether you want to take a spin in a narrow hallway, on rough terrain outdoors or take it to the beach, your mid-wheel drive should remain stable over all these terrains and offer enough maneuverability to navigate smoothly of small curbs and bumps. Mid-Wheel Drive Wheelchairs
Sunrise Medical is to wheelchairs and mobility products what Microsoft is to desktop computing. Sunrise has been manufacturing high quality, power and manual wheelchairs, electric motorized scooters, mobility aids and accessories since 1983. Their Quickie wheelchair brand is a world leader for motorized mobility with robust, lightweight designs and great performance options... Sunrise Medical
From the lightweight and maneuverable mid-wheel drive Quickie Freestyle series of manual standard, folding and pediatric chairs to the latest and most advanced power chairs like S-646 and Quickie S-646 SE, Quickie has a solution for every need of their disabled or elderly users... Quickie