Electric Wheelchairs - What to Look For Before Buying
By Anne Clarke
When selecting a wheelchair, the first step is to choose between a manual and an electric wheelchair. Manuals are usually less expensive than electric and are lightweight, which make them easier to carry. Manuals also come in two types: standard and transport. Standards allow the user or a companion to push the chair, while transport chairs rely on a companion to push the device.
One's budget, physical requirements and personal interests may influence the decision between a powered or manual model. However, electric styles offer the following advantages over manual standard and manual transport chairs:
Greater turning maneuverability
Greater propelling versatility
Greater independence
Less exertion required
Less area restriction
For individuals who require daily increased maneuverability and/or long-distance traveling capability, an electric wheelchair is a solid investment. It might be helpful when purchasing an electric model to speak to other owners and find out what features, concerns, and advice they can provide. Additionally, any trial-period sales can determine the features in a chair an individual might need.
 Keep in mind a power chair will cost more money, needs more maintaining, and are heavier devices. These chairs are more expensive because they include a powerpack and motorized wheels. These items will need to be maintained regularly and parts will cost more than manual parts. Due to the added motorized components, the device is much heavier than a standard or transport chair. However, these can still be lifted in vans with motorized ramps.
Before selecting an electric model consider the following questions:
How often will the device be used?
Over what terrain will the device be used?
Will this be an outdoor or indoor device?
What type
of incline will the user encounter most?
What type of distances will the user travel?
Are there any additional physical restrictions to consider?
Are there any custom additions or adjustments to be made?
What type of seat is needed (i.e. captain, solid pan, or rehab)?
What weight support is needed?
What arm support will be required? What style armrest?
What leg support is needed? What style leg and footrest?
What speed levels are required?
How much battery range is needed?
Once these questions are answered, an individual can begin filtering out that are indoor or outdoor only as well as models that do not fit the style and physical requirements needed. Pay attention to maintenance and battery power options as well as speed and incline options.
Finally, an individual will want to ensure enough seating and arm or footrest support is provided. Measure from the knee to the tailbone and from hip to hip to determine the size of the seat. Measure from the shoulders to the elbow and the elbow to the hands to determine the armrest proportions. For foot and leg support, measure from the knee to the heel of the foot. An individual should fit comfortably in the chair with limited but some space to adjust.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and recreation. For more of her useful articles on wheelchairs, please visit [http://www.thewheelchaircompany.com/]Wheelchairs, supplier of information about wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and more.
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