Nowadays, you have a choice between a manual and an electric wheel chair. Of course, both provide the same function of providing for more freedom and independence of movement for mobility-challenged individuals.
However, the electric type is almost always preferred today, budget notwithstanding, because of its ease of operation, greater convenience and durable construction, among other advantages.
However, not all electric wheelchairs are manufactured equal, so to speak. You have to choose the right electric wheelchair for you in order to get more mileage out of it and, hence, more value for your money. Fortunately, there are steps that you and your family can adopt to determine the right one for you. Be prepared to choose from many models, which can indeed be a double-edged sword.
Budget Considerations
As can be expected, an electric wheel chair is more expensive than its manual counterpart because of the numerous electronic and mechanical features as well as other comfort features present. You can expect to pay at least $5,000 on a basic model with some types selling for as high as $30,000 apiece.
Thus, it is very important to look at your budget so that you can narrow down your choices at the very start.
The good news is that your health insurance provider may shoulder part of the cost of the electric mobility device under certain conditions. Basically, you must be able to prove that the wheelchair is a medical necessity in your daily life, not just for recreation or leisure purposes.
Choice of Features
You should choose your electric wheel chair based on the features you want as these relate to your physical needs. After all, what good is a mobility device when it does not perform its functions as it pertains to you, its owner?
Thus, you need to look at the height and back support of the wheelchair to determine their suitability to your physical limitations. For example, if you have little upper body strength, then a back support that can be tilted at a 45-degree angle works best for you. If possible, you should ask your physical therapist for recommendations.
The most important part of the electric wheel chair, however, is the control system. You have many choices in this matter, of which the final one will, again, depend on your physical limitations.
For example, if you have arm and hand control, then a control system operated by a joystick is the one for you. However, if you are unable to move your arms, then a control system running on cues from your head or upper body is your best buy.
You can have a standard electric mobility device customized to your needs. Thus, the padding, height and even color of the wheelchair can be personalized – at an additional cost, of course.
However, before you even think of customizing the wheelchair, you have to take it on a test drive. This should help you make the final decision. Most reliable manufacturers allow this customer privilege albeit for a limited time so take advantage of it.
Buying the right kind of electric mobility device for you takes a little research, a little effort and a little money, thanks, to Medicare and health insurance. The rewards, however, are anything but little for truly an electric wheel chair can change your life for the better.
The best thing about living in the 21st century is that we have many choices in many things, thus, enabling us to make an investment worthy of our time, effort and money. The same is true when it comes to choosing the best electric wheel chair for your needs.
The range of electric mobility devices are so many that it can be considered a double-edged sword. On one hand, you will find something for everybody. On the other hand, you can become confused just comparing the numerous models of electric wheelchairs available.
Well, why be confused when you can simplify things? The range of electric wheelchairs can be classified into the following types, from which you can narrow down your final choice.
Front Wheel Drive
If you are looking for an electric mobility device that will work well in different types of terrains, slopes and surfaces, then the front wheel drive type is your best bet. You can use it for outdoor activities in just about any setting, even sports in some instances. Just remember that a front wheel drive electric wheel chair can be unstable at high speeds.
Center Wheel Drive
Because of its tight turning radius and ease in execution of maneuvers, the center wheel drive electric wheelchair is best suited for novices and for individuals who want an indoor mobility device. Also, its caster wheels on the front and back provide for outstanding balance and stable center of gravity. Still, it pays to be careful when going downhill and uphill.
Rear Wheel Drive
This is the most common and most stable as well as the fastest models in the market today. In fact, you can conduct wheelchairs races in it and come out the winner, all other things being equal, if you are so inclined. Also, the anti-tip feature of this type of electric wheel chair ensures that you will not fall backwards when climbing ramps and hills. However, you might want to take note of its small turning radius and lesser maneuverability.
Heavy Duty
In acknowledgement of the fact that heavier and larger individuals also need their own mobility devices, manufacturers continue to develop heavy duty wheelchairs aimed specifically at this marker segment. These wheelchairs can carry as much as 650 pounds of bodyweight, thanks to reinforced supports, as well as offer wider chairs.
Folding Wheelchair
If you want the convenience of a portable wheelchair with the full features of a conventional electric wheelchair, then the folding type is the one for you. With this type of electric wheel chair, you can adjust the seats, armrests and backrest in addition to the fact that it can perform very well in various outdoor situations.
Travel Wheelchair
As the name implies, a travel wheelchair is very portable and, hence, can be taken to places that the heavier models cannot. Thus, it is preferred by vacationers since it can fit well into the trunk of a car or be sufficiently lightweight as to avoid extra charges on airplanes. However, a travel wheelchair is not appropriate for everyday use, no thanks to its lightweight components.
So, now that you know the basic types of the electric wheel chair, you can choose which one suits your needs and preferences the best. Of course, you should also take out the wheelchair for a test drive to assess its durability, convenience and comfort.