boxcart57

User Name: You need to be a registered (and logged in) user to view username.

Total Articles : 0

https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/electric-powered-wheelchairs

Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair A wheelchair powered by electricity can be very beneficial for individuals who have a limited mobility They are available at major stores and specialist mobility equipment providers Medicare and private insurance can pay for an electric wheelchair if its considered medically necessary by a physician Most power wheelchairs come with an electronic joystick which the user can use to control the motors These movements are converted into electrical signals by a controller that acts like the brain of the chair Battery Life Battery life is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when purchasing a wheelchair A good battery can last up to two years if regularly used and maintained The type of battery affects how far the wheelchair can be able to travel on one charge Deep cycle batteries are used in a majority of power wheelchairs They provide a long lasting energy source They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without causing damage battery cells It is important to adhere to the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer This includes charging the battery over a long period of time and avoiding the battery from running completely empty The surface on which the wheelchair operates also influences the batterys lifespan Smooth level surfaces use less energy to propel the chair leading to longer battery life If a wheelchair is driven on rocky or bumpy surfaces motors will have to be more efficient in order to maintain speed and stability and this consumes more energy and drains the battery quicker A batterys longevity is also impacted by its age and usage patterns If a battery is old and starting to lose its capacity to hold the charge it might be time to replace it A newer battery will decrease the time needed to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity Wheelchair batteries are available in several sizes with Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most soughtafter options Group 22NF batteries are smaller and lighter than Group 24 batteries which helps to decrease the overall weight and width of a power wheelchair However these batteries have a lower power or juice reserve than Group 24 batteries Beware of overcharging or subcharging your battery as this will shorten its lifespan It is important to keep the battery in a cool dry location as extreme temperatures can impact the functionality of the battery Capacity for Weight The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is a crucial aspect to take into consideration If the chair will be used for long journeys then it must be able to support the users weight A heavy weight can cause structural problems reduced battery life and a greater risk of accidents The weight of a power chair varies from model to model and is influenced by the type of battery it is powered by The weight of a power chair is also affected by the amount of accessories as well as the type of accessories like oxygen tanks holders as well as different seating systems However the majority of its weight comes from the batteries One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs by itself and a power chair usually has two of them The weight of a power wheelchair can also be affected by the type of engine it is either a twopole or fourpole motor A fourpole motor is more efficient and has a higher weight capacity However electric wheelchairs will require more energy and drain batteries faster than a motor with two poles Power wheelchairs may also come with various drive bases like rearwheel drive or midwheel drive The location of the drive wheels may influence its handling and maneuverability under various conditions The drive base may also offer a variety of options like a swingaway controller that aids in sidetransfers as well as sipand puff controls which work by blowing on a sensor Another aspect to consider is the environment that the power wheelchair is employed It is crucial that the chair is able to be used on different terrains and fit into hallways and rooms It is essential to measure the doors and ensure that the chair can move through them including those with hinged doors A mobility specialist or physical therapist can assist you in choosing the right wheelchair for your needs In addition to assessing the wheelchairs weight speed and driving range They can also offer advice on other factors like accessibility comfort and the size of the seat They also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as whether the chair will be transported frequently Seating In contrast to manual wheelchairs electric powered ones come with motors that move them This lets you move more easily and farther than a manual wheelchair however there are a few limitations It is important to understand the capacity of your wheelchairs weight It is important to never exceed the weight limit of your power chairs recommended limit whether its you or any equipment or other items that youre carrying Next make sure your chosen power chair has a comfortable seat and a footplate that you can fit comfortably into If you dont have enough space for your feet to rest on the footplate it may shift your center of gravity forward and cause the chair to lunge Look for a power chair that has reclining and tilt functions to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores This feature is crucial for seniors whose skin is thin and can bruise easily Leg rests that are powered are a great way to elevate your legs which could reduce swelling Like all mechanical devices it will require regular maintenance to ensure it functions safely and efficiently Youll need to check the battery as well as the tire pressure brakes and other components of your wheelchair regularly You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any adjustments that are needed You should also pay attention to the place you place your power wheelchair in order to ensure that it is not exposed to extreme weather conditions The frame may be damaged by high temperatures while low temperatures can harm electrical components and the battery If you dont buy your wheelchair from the pocket you wont have insurance coverage and wont be able return it if you discover that it doesnt meet your needs Warranties from manufacturers typically last between one and two years and cover the motors electronics joysticks and frames but not the cushions on the back seats or tires Ask your provider about their return policies before you purchase an electric wheelchair The most important thing is to review the users manual thoroughly and follow the instructions on how to use and maintain the device Operation Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the power base that sits under the users seat The motor is powered either by two 12volt rechargeable batteries connected in series for total voltage of 24 volts LITHTECH provides lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for an extended period of time Many options are available for customizing the controller electronics and power base to meet the requirements of every user Certain chairs offer customizable seating which can aid in ensuring a comfortable fit It can also help the user find the position that best will help their posture Many chairs come with adjustable features such as leg rest seat height and recline positions as well power tilt functionality There are a myriad of extra features offered for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders elevating seats and a range of power accessories Some powerchairs are customised so that the user can control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals Some powerchairs are able to adjust the speed according to the preferences of the user or to match other vehicles on the road For example when driving uphill They are also equipped with sensors that can warn of dangers or obstacles in the area and will then automatically slow down or stop if necessary The location of the drive wheels whether they are frontwheel midwheel or rearwheel drive has a big impact on the way a chair performs in different situations However thats a large subject that well leave for another Clinical Corner article Before you take your brand new electric wheelchair for a spin check that its fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure Its also a good idea to make a few adjustments to the armrests seat footrests if appropriate and joystick to prepare it for its first use Remember that its important to follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair particularly when driving down and up slopes This will minimise the risk of injury damage and discomfort