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

Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair A wheelchair powered by electricity is a great option for individuals with limited mobility These chairs are sold at major retailers and specialty mobility equipment providers Medicare and private insurance may pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if deemed medically necessary by a physician Most power wheelchairs come with an electronic joystick which the user can use to control the motors The controller which functions as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals Battery Life Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when buying wheelchair A highquality battery will last for two years with regular usage and regular maintenance The type of battery also affects how far the wheelchair can travel on a single charge Deep cycle batteries are found in a majority of power wheelchairs They provide a longlasting energy source They can handle numerous discharges and recharges without harming the battery cells It is essential to follow the recommended charging practices of the manufacturer This includes overnight charging of the battery and avoiding leaving it running at a complete loss The surface on which the wheelchair is operated also influences the batterys lifespan Smooth level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair leading to an extended battery life than rough terrains If a wheelchair is driven over rough terrain the motors have to work harder in order to maintain balance and speed which takes energy and drains batteries faster The age of a battery and its usage pattern can also affect its longevity If a battery has become old and is losing its capacity to hold a charge it may be time to replace it A newer battery will decrease the time required to charge a wheelchair and is likely to have more capacity Wheelchair batteries are available in several sizes that include Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most wellknown selections The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries This helps to reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair These batteries have a lower power reserve or juice than Group 24 batteries It is recommended to avoid charging too much or undercharging your battery because this can result in the batterys life span Keeping the battery in a dry cool location is also essential as exposure to extreme temperatures can adversely affect the batterys function Weight Capacity The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is a key factor to take into account If the chair is going to be used for longdistance trips then it must be able to support the users weight Problems with weight are often caused by excess weight which could lead to battery life issues and accidents The weight of a power wheelchair differs from model to and is affected by the type of battery it is powered by 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 make up the majority of its weight One battery can weigh up to 50 lbs by itself and a power chair usually has two of them The weight of a power wheelchair can also be dependent on whether it has a fourpole or twopole engine A fourpole motor is more efficient and can support greater capacity for weight However it will require more energy from the batteries and can drain faster than a twopole motor Power wheelchairs can also have different drive bases such as rearwheel or midwheel The location of the drive wheels could influence its maneuverability and handling in a variety of conditions The base of the drive can include a variety of options such as the swingaway control which helps with sidetransfers and sipandpuff controls that work by blowing on the sensor The environment where a power chair is used is an additional consideration It is important that the chair can be used on a variety of terrains and can be fitted into hallways and rooms It is important to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair can fit through them This includes hinged doors A physical therapist or mobility specialist can help you select the right power chair for your needs In addition to assessing the weight of the chair its speed and range of travel They can also offer advice on other aspects such as comfort accessibility modifications and seat size They will also take into account the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair will be transported frequently Seating In contrast to manual wheelchairs electric powered ones come with motors that move them This allows you to move more and a greater range than a manual chair but it comes with certain limitations and other factors to consider Youll first need to know the weight capacity of your wheelchair Whether its your personal weight or the weight of any equipment or supplies that youre carrying it is important to not exceed the manufacturers recommended weight limit in order to avoid overloading the chair and causing damage Next make sure the power chair you choose includes a comfortable seat as well as a footplate you can fit into If your feet do not fit into the footplate of the chair your center of gravity will be shifted backwards and the wheelchair will lunge Choose a chair that has reclining and tilt functions to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores This feature is important for older people whose skin could be fragile and easily bruises Power leg rests are also an excellent way to raise your legs which can reduce swelling Your wheelchair like every mechanical device requires regular maintenance to function properly and safely Youll have to check the battery brakes tire pressure and other parts of your device regularly You should also check the seating for wear and make any adjustments that are needed It is also important to pay attention to the location you store your power wheelchair to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions The frame could be damaged by high temperatures while low temperatures can harm the battery and its electrical components If you dont buy your wheelchair from your pocket there wont be insurance coverage and you wont be able return it if you discover that it doesnt meet your requirements Manufacturers warranties typically last between one and two years They include joysticks motors frames and electronics but not seats back cushions or tires Ask your provider about their return policies prior to you purchase an electric wheelchair The most important thing to do is read the manual thoroughly and follow the guidelines for maintenance and use Operation Power wheelchairs are driven by a motor inside the base of power that is located beneath the seat of the user The motor is powered by rechargeable batteries of 12 volts connected in series to produce an overall voltage of 24 volts LITHTECHs lithium batteries are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used for a longer period of time The controller electronics power base and controller can be customised to suit the needs of different users with a variety of options available For instance certain chairs have adjustable seating to help ensure a comfortable fit and let the user choose the best position for postural stability A lot of chairs have adjustable features like the height of the seat leg rest and recline positions as well as power tilt functionality There are a myriad of extra features available for electric powered wheelchairs including oxygen tank holders elevating seats and a range of power accessories Certain powerchairs are customized so that the user can control them by using brainwaves or nerve signal Certain powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user or to match other vehicles on the road For example when driving uphill Some powerchairs are equipped with sensors that warn them of dangers or obstacles nearby and will automatically slow down and stop when necessary The position of the drive wheels whether they are frontwheel midwheel or rearwheel drive has a significant impact on how the chair performs under various situations This is a vast issue so well leave it to a future Clinical Corner Before you take your brand new electric wheelchair for an outing make sure its fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure in them To prepare for the first time its recommended to make some adjustments to your chair armrests and footrests Make sure you follow the manuals instructions for operating your wheelchair particularly when driving down and up slopes This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injury