15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Electric Powered Wheelchair
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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
An electric powered wheelchair is a great option for individuals who have a limited mobility. These chairs are available at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance may pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair when it's determined to be medically necessary by a doctor.
The majority of power wheelchairs feature an instrument that users use to direct the motors. The controller, which functions as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when shopping for wheelchairs. A quality battery can last up to two years if used regularly and maintained properly. The battery type also influences the distance that wheelchairs can travel on one charge.
Deep cycle batteries are utilized in most power wheelchairs. They offer a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for charging which usually include charging the battery over the course of a night and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty.
The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven over rough or bumpy terrain, the motors have to work harder to maintain speed and balance which consumes energy and drains battery faster.
The life expectancy of batteries is impacted by its age and usage patterns. If a battery is old and is losing its capacity to keep a charge, it may be time for a replacement. A newer battery can help reduce the time a wheelchair must be charged, and it is more likely to have a higher capacity than older batteries.
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 Group 24 batteries. This reduces the overall weight and size of a wheelchair. However, these batteries have a lower power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.
Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery, as this can reduce the battery's lifespan. It is crucial to keep the battery in a dry, cool location, as extreme temperatures can alter the battery's performance.
Capacity for Weight
The weight capacity of a power chair is an important factor to take into account. If the chair is going to be used for long journeys the chair must be able to support the user's body weight. Weight issues can result from excessive weight, which can also cause accidents and battery life issues.
A power wheelchair's weight differs from model to and is affected by the type of batteries it is powered by. It is also impacted by the number and types of accessories it has like oxygen tank holders and various seating systems. However, the majority of its weight is derived from the batteries. One battery can weigh up to 50 lbs by itself, and a power chair usually has two of them!
Whether the power chair has a two-pole motor or four-pole motor can also have an impact on the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can support more weight capacity. However, it will require more energy and drain the batteries more quickly than a motor with just two poles.
Power wheelchairs can also have different drive bases, such as mid-wheel or rear-wheel. The location of the wheels may affect its maneuverability and handling in different conditions. The base of the drive could include a range of options, such as a swing-away controller which aids in side-transfers, and sip-and-puff controllers that operate by blowing into the sensor.
Another consideration is the environment that the power wheelchair will be employed. It is essential that the chair be used on a variety of surfaces and be able to fit into hallways and rooms. It's important to read more measure doors and ensure that the chair can easily move through them, including those with hinged doors.
A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist in selecting the best power wheelchair for your needs. They can advise on factors like comfort, accessibility changes as well as the size of the seat and the weight of the wheelchair. They will also look at the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair will be moved regularly.
Seating
In contrast to manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones are powered by motors that move them. This provides you with more mobility and a greater range than a manual chair but it does have certain limitations and other factors to consider.
You'll first need to know the weight capacity of your wheelchair. If it's your own personal weight or the weight of any equipment or other items you're carrying, you must not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit in order to avoid overloading the power chair and creating damage.
Then, ensure that your chosen power chair is comfortable and has an appropriate footplate that you are able to fit comfortably into. If your feet aren't able to fit on the footplate of the power chair your center of gravity could be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge.
Also, consider a power wheelchair with tilt and recline functions to decrease the risk of pressure sores. This feature is particularly important for older people, whose skin is thin and can easily bruise. Additionally, leg rests with power can help elevate your legs and lessen swelling.
Like all mechanical devices the wheelchair will require maintenance to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. You'll need to check the battery and tire pressure, brakes, and other parts of your wheelchair regularly. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any adjustments that are needed.
It is also important to pay attention to the location you place your power wheelchair in order to ensure that it is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The 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're not purchasing the wheelchair out of pocket the wheelchair isn't insured and you won't be able to return it if it doesn't satisfy your needs. Manufacturer warranties typically last between one and 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, you should inquire with your provider about the return policy. The most important thing is to read the manual thoroughly and follow the guidelines for use and maintenance.
Operation
Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the power base, which sits beneath the user's seat. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries in series, for 24 volts total. LITH-TECH's lithium batteries are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used over longer periods of time.
Many options are available to customize the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the specific needs of each user. For instance, some chairs can be customized to ensure a comfortable fit and let the user find the best position for postural stability. Many models also come with adjustable seat height, recline and leg rests, and the ability to tilt with power.
Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a range of accessories. These include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs, and an array of accessories for power. Certain powerchairs are customized to allow the user to control them by using brainwaves or nerve signal.
Some powerchairs have the ability to adjust the speed according to the preferences of the user or to match other vehicles on the road. For instance, when driving uphill. They can also be equipped with sensors that alert you to obstacles and other potential hazards in the area and will then automatically slow down or swerve in the event of a need.
The location of the drive wheels - whether front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive - has a big impact on the way a chair performs in different situations. This is a huge topic, so we'll leave it to a future Clinical Corner.
Check that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflated to the right pressure before you take it for an excursion. It's also recommended to make some adjustments to the seat, armrests footrests (if necessary) and joystick, to prepare it for its first use. It's important to read the instructions in the manual before operating your wheelchair. This is particularly important when driving up and down hills. This will reduce the chance of injury, damage or discomfort.