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5 things to consider before buying an electric wheelchair

The ability to move around freely at any time to any place is the first step in leading a healthy and active lifestyle. However, some individuals struggle with movement because of health issues that limit their physical capacity. These people could still be independent and mobile if they use electric wheelchairs. But a significant amount of thought goes in before buying this wheelchair. Here are six essential things to consider.

Speed
Electric wheelchairs are designed to assist people in moving around easily and give them the control they require when traveling, including speed. So before one purchases a motorized wheelchair, one ought to look into the speed features and engine power of the chair. This could help narrow down the top available choices to help them easily get to every location hassle-free. Those who wish to move around frequently over long distances should check if the wheelchair’s power comes from its rear wheels or solely the front ones and consider maximum speed options.

Drive system
Power wheelchairs feature their unique drive systems. The types include:

Front-wheel drive
This power chair’s system is located at the front with drive wheels and rear casters. Power wheelchairs with front-wheel drive can navigate obstacles up to two inches high, including bumps and curbs. While it doesn’t have the smallest turning radius, it can maneuver well around tight corners and is known for providing good stability.
Mid-wheel drive
This is also known as the center drive and is located at the center of the wheelchair, below the seat. The drive system has the tightest turning radius of the three drives and is suitable for use in malls, apartments, and other places with limited space. Mid-wheel drives are also easier to maneuver indoors or on flat surfaces outdoors. One might need an accessible van or vehicle lift to transport these motorized chairs as they are heavier.
Rear-wheel drive
This type of drive is situated towards the back of the power wheelchair with casters in the front. This type of drive offers immense maneuvering power, even if the individual is traveling at high speeds, and might also be able to handle rough outdoor terrain. Rear-wheel drive also has directional stability, which means it naturally tracks straight and is less sensitive to oversteering.

Battery life
Since an electric wheelchair runs on battery it is important to consider how long it would run on a full charge. Someone who wishes to use it only for short distances could invest in options with a smaller battery as these might be more cost-effective. Laeger batteries cost a little more, but these work well for daily movement and greater distances. This could ensure the user does not remain stranded, which could usually happen in smaller batteries that run out quickly.

The price
The cost of each electric wheelchair will differ greatly based on the features and other benefits they offer. Some might be affordable, while others might require a substantial investment. Therefore, one should consider the price of an electric wheelchair and compare it with their budget before making a purchase. The individual may need to conduct research to determine the right type for them and also look for the best offers across various retailers in the market that suit their unique needs. Furthermore, to find a motorized chair that is in accordance with their budget, the user should narrow their options based on the characteristics they require and how they plan to use it. Just to put things into perspective, the price of a power wheelchair may start from $1,200 to $1,500 and could go as high as $30,000, with the average price being around $7,135.

Types of power wheelchairs
One of the first factors to look into when buying an electric wheelchair is the types available. While they are meant to transport the user from one place to another, the power-operated aids are also meant to be easily put away until they are needed again. So, one should look for models with features that make it simple to fold the chair or modify it if necessary. Various styles of electric wheelchairs can be folded into smaller sizes when not in use or adjusted for various purposes, which makes moving around a lot easier and saves space. A few common choices include:

Travel power wheelchairs
These normally come with front or rear-wheel drive and can fold and easily be disassembled by removing the seat, battery, and base. This could also make it easy to fit in a car’s trunk or airplane cargo. Travel power wheelchairs are usually smaller and suitable for use in apartments, malls, and even on a cruise. One should bear in mind that this type offers less seat padding and might not be comfortable to spend most of the day. The weight capacity of travel chairs is usually about 300 lb.
Full-sized power wheelchairs
This option is ideal for those who spend most of the day in a wheelchair. A full-sized power wheelchair generally has a larger seat, footrests, armrests, and footrests and additional padding for comfort. These types of motorized wheelchairs have a greater travel range since the battery is larger than travel or portable power options. This type usually handles about 300 lbs.
Heavy-duty wheelchairs
For wheelchairs capable of handling over 300 lbs, one might need to purchase a heavy-duty option with a reinforced frame and broader seat area. The wheels and casters for this type of chair may tend to be wider to support the user. Furthermore, the load capacity of this type of wheelchair is about 450 lb. More specialized options may have a capacity of around 600 lb., and some manufacturers also offer choices that support up to 1,000 lb.

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