If You've Just Purchased Electric Powered Wheelchair ... Now What?

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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair

An electric powered wheelchair can be extremely beneficial for people with limited mobility. They are available at specialty mobility equipment suppliers and some major retailers. Medicare and private insurance will pay for an electric wheelchair if deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

The majority of power wheelchairs come with a joystick, which users can use to control the motors. The controller, acting 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 the battery's life. A good battery can last for two years with regular usage and regular maintenance. The type of battery determines how far a wheelchair will be able to travel on one charge.

Deep cycle batteries are utilized in a majority of power wheelchairs. They offer a long-lasting energy source. These batteries can handle multiple recharges and discharges without harming the cells of the battery. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging practices which usually include charging the battery over the course of a night and avoiding letting it run completely empty.

The battery's life is also affected by the surface of the wheelchair. Smooth, level surfaces require less energy to propel the chair, resulting in longer battery life. If a wheelchair is driven on bumpy or rocky surfaces, the motors will have to be more efficient in order to maintain speed and stability which means that they consume more energy and drains the battery faster.

The condition of a battery and its usage pattern can also impact its longevity. It may be time to replace batteries if they are becoming old and losing its ability to keep charge. A newer battery could help reduce the time a wheelchair must be charged, and is more likely to have more capacity than older batteries.

Wheelchair batteries come in various sizes. The most popular are Group 24 and Group 22NF. Group 22NF batteries are lighter and smaller than Group 24 batteries, which help to reduce the weight and width of the power wheelchair. However, these batteries have less power or "juice" reserve than Group 24 batteries.

It is recommended to avoid charging or undercharging your battery, because this can result in a decrease in its life span. It is crucial to keep the battery in a cool, dry area, since extreme temperatures can affect the battery's performance.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a power chair is a key factor to consider. If the chair is used on long trips and long trips, then it should be able to support a user's weight. Overweight can lead to structural issues, a decrease in battery life, and an increased chance of accidents.

The weight of a power wheelchair differs between models and is affected by its batteries. It is also impacted by the number and types of accessories it has, such as oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. The batteries are responsible for the bulk of its weight. One battery can weigh up to 50 pounds on its own and a powerchair usually has two of them!

Whether the power chair has two-pole or four-pole motor could affect the weight of the wheelchair. A four-pole power wheelchair is more efficient and it can support the weight of a larger capacity. However, it will require more energy and drain the batteries more quickly than a motor with just two poles.

Power wheelchairs also be equipped with different base drives, such as mid-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The location of the wheels may affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions. The drive base may offer a range of options, including an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers, or sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing on the sensor.

Another factor to consider is the setting that the power wheelchair is utilized. It's essential that the chair can travel across a variety of terrains and be able to fit in hallways and rooms. It is essential to measure the doors and make sure that the chair can maneuver through them, here including doors with hinges.

A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help you choose the right wheelchair for your needs. They can provide advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility changes along with the size, shape, and weight of the wheelchair. They will also take into consideration the frequency and duration of use, and whether the chair is transported regularly.

Seating

Electric wheelchairs come with motors that move them, in contrast to manual wheelchairs. This allows you to move more freely and further than a manual one, however, there are a few limitations.

You'll first need to know the capacity of your wheelchair's weight. You shouldn't exceed your power chair's recommended weight limit, regardless of whether it's you or any other equipment or items that you're carrying.

Make sure that the power chair you pick has a comfortable footplate and a seat that you can comfortably fit in. If your feet aren't able to fit into the footplate of the power chair, your center gravity can be shifted backwards and the chair will slouch.

Also, consider a power wheelchair that has tilt and recline functions to reduce the risk of getting pressure sores. This feature is important for those who are elderly and whose skin may be thin and bruises easily. Power leg rests are also an excellent way to raise your legs, which can reduce swelling.

Like every mechanical device, requires regular maintenance to perform well and safely. You'll have to inspect the condition of your battery and brakes, tire pressure and other parts of the device regularly. You should also examine the seating for wear, and make any adjustments that are needed.

Be attentive to where you keep your power wheelchair so that you don't expose it to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could affect the frame's condition, while exposure to low temperatures can harm the battery as well as other electrical components.

If you don't purchase your wheelchair out-of-pocket it won't be insured and you won't have the option to return it if it doesn't satisfy your needs. Warranty warranties from manufacturers carbon fibre electric wheelchair usually last one to two years and cover motors electronic, joysticks, and electronics frames but not the cushions on the back, seats or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, inquire with your dealer about their return policy. In the first place, review the user's manual thoroughly and follow all instructions on how to use and maintain the device.

Operation

The motor of the power wheelchair is situated in the power base. This is underneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts mobility wheelchair electric connected in series to produce a total voltage of 24 volts. LITH-TECH provides lithium batteries that are more energy efficient than lead acids and can be used for a longer period of time.

There are a variety of options for customizing the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the requirements of each user. For example, some chairs can be customized to ensure a comfy fit and allow the user to find the most suitable position to support the stability of their posture. Many chairs come with adjustable features such as seat height, leg rest and recline positions, in addition to power tilt functionality.

There are a variety of additional features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs, including oxygen tank holders elevating seats, and a variety of power accessories. Some powerchairs are customised to allow the user to control them using their brainwaves or nerve signal.

Some powerchairs are able to adjust the speed according to the preferences of the user, or website to be synchronized with other vehicles on the road. For example, when driving uphill. Certain powerchairs come with sensors that alert them to dangers or obstacles nearby, and will automatically slow down and stop when necessary.

The position of the drive wheels - whether rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive - can have a huge impact on the way a chair performs in different situations. This is a vast check here issue, so we'll leave it for a future Clinical Corner.

Check that your new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are at the right pressure before you take it for an outing. In preparation for your first time it's recommended to make some adjustments to your chair, armrests, and footrests. It's essential to follow the directions in your manual prior to operating your wheelchair. This is especially important when driving on and down hills. This reduces the chance of injury, damage, and discomfort.