Power wheelchairs are one of the most innovative mobility aids. Originally designed by George Klein in the 1950s to assist physically disabled World War II veterans, these devices have since become popular with people from all walks of life.
Not only are motorized wheelchairs a step up from their manual counterparts. They also come with a slew of convenience features that rival other advanced mobility aids, including mobility scooters.
Here’s a look at the various ways power wheelchairs can elevate your quality of life.
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Power wheelchairs are equipped with joysticks, which enhance their mobility far more effectively than manual wheelchairs.
A power wheelchair joystick works alongside the motors and batteries. When all three components are connected, the device picks up your hand motions and converts them into useful electrical signals.
The signals are relayed to the control module, which then translates them into appropriate current and voltage energy. This energy controls the wheelchair’s speed and direction.
Manual wheelchairs require physical effort to propel and steer them. This can be a crippling drawback, particularly for people with diminished upper-body strength.
Fortunately, power wheelchairs were designed specifically to address these very limitations.
Instead of applying excessive pressure to get around, simply toggle the joystick to steer your motorized wheelchair.
Reduced physical exertion means you can cruise in a power wheelchair for hours. It also maximizes your daytime productivity, as you no longer have to get to work already feeling exhausted.
A wheelchair shouldn’t merely take you from point A to B. Rather, it should perform that duty remarkably fast.
Many power wheelchairs average 4 - 8 miles per hour (mph), with some high-end models able to hit top speeds of 10 mph. That’s fast enough to run multiple outdoor errands without suffering the physical exhaustion associated with manual wheelchairs.
But despite your power wheelchair’s speed rating, it’s safer to drive much slower. Speeding remains a leading cause of wheelchair accidents worldwide.
Besides, the actual speed of a motorized wheelchair depends on its weight capacity and battery performance.
Power wheelchairs are battery-operated. Each device comes with a rechargeable battery, with the possibility of purchasing spares for uninterrupted cruising.
You can pick from lithium-ion or lead-acid options, depending on your wheelchair’s model.
Lithium-ion batteries are preferable for their superior efficiency. Some advanced batteries can keep your wheelchair going for up to 15 miles on a single charge.
If properly cared for, lithium-ion batteries will last remarkably long, too. Simply ensure you follow the recommended guidelines for safe charging and storage.
Before the advent of power wheelchairs, people with severe upper-body mobility impairments had to contend with being confined in homes or caregiving centers. That’s all in the past now.
Power wheelchairs have revolutionized how individuals with diminished mobility explore their surroundings.
With these mobility aids, you can keep up with all social gatherings and participate in leisure activities with your dear ones.
Separation anxiety isn’t restricted to children and pets. It can affect adults too, especially those with impaired mobility.
By encouraging independent movement, power wheelchairs may address the frustrations of being isolated from the rest of your pack.
Being in control also means less reliance on others, which can further boost your self-esteem.
Modern power wheelchairs are engineered with tighter turning radii, facilitating passage through narrow pathways.
Turning radius denotes the maximum angle you can steer a wheelchair without skidding. It ranges from 20 - 35 inches, which is considerably sharper than 35 - 60 inches for mobility scooters.
A smaller turning radius enables your motorized wheelchair to navigate confined spaces with remarkable ease. Whether you’re shopping at a mall or cruising through crowded streets, you can rely on the device for unhindered access.
Besides turning radius, power wheelchairs also come in different incline angles. That’s the maximum angle you can lean while riding the device on sloppy ground.
Most power wheelchairs have an incline angle of 6 - 12 degrees, which is more than the angle of most ramps. Certain specialized models can handle steeper angles of up to 20 degrees for off-road cruising.
However, experts discourage stretching the limit of your power wheelchair's incline angle. The conventional wisdom is to stay within 20% of the wheelchair's incline.
If you spend numerous hours in a wheelchair, you deserve the most comfortable product you can get.
Fortunately, power wheelchairs aren’t just engineered with functionality in mind. They also come with advanced features that make every ride smooth and comfortable.
One such specification is adjustable seating, with options for reclining, tilting, or elevating the seat. There are also well-padded cushions for all-day comfort.
Power wheelchairs may look bulky at first glance. However, they can be surprisingly lightweight.
Some lighter power wheelchair models can weigh a paltry 30 pounds, making them incredibly easy to handle.
The devices also fold easily for hassle-free storage or transportation.
Outdoor power wheelchairs feature large tires and high suspension systems, allowing them to handle rocky terrain. You can navigate roadside obstacles without losing control of the device.
Besides, modern power wheelchairs feature solid-state/airless tires.
Unlike traditional pneumatic tires that must be inflated with air, solid-state tires feature solid rubber or plastic. That design enables you to cruise in your wheelchair without worrying about maintaining the ideal tire pressure.
Airless tires also tend to be more durable than pneumatic tires, due to their puncture-proof design. However, it’s safer to avoid rocky and muddy paths, despite your wheelchair’s off-road capabilities.
Studies have shown that riding in a power wheelchair may improve blood circulation.
That’s especially true for wheelchairs designed with adjustable functions, such as tilt and recline.
Other potential health benefits of riding in a power wheelchair include minimizing pressure sores, reducing spasticity, and improving digestive health.
Power wheelchairs can enhance the quality of life by increasing access and independence for people with reduced mobility. Thanks to these thoughtful innovations, you can pursue your full measure of happiness much like others.
But like most mobility aids, motorized wheelchairs aren’t made equal.
To pick the right wheelchair for your needs, start with basic aspects like size and weight capacity. Ensure the device can comfortably support your weight and is light enough for easy maneuverability.
After getting over the basics, consider premium features like maximum speed, battery range, and navigation controls. Include more technical specs, such as incline angle and turning radius.
