Electric Wheelchairs - Power Wheelchairs

The physically disabled or otherwise handicapped generally use one of three general styles of electric wheelchairs or powerchairs, they are rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. Each style has its own particular way of handling. Electric wheelchairs or power chairs are also divided by the type of seat.  Some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, while other models of electric wheelchairs have 'captain's chair' seating like that you'd find in an automobile. Electric wheelchairs or powerchairs run the whole gamut from small and portable, foldable or disassemblable wheelchair units to very large and heavy full-featured electric wheelchairs. This type of chair is often called a 'rehab' chair.

Electric wheelchairs or powerchairs can be designed use indoors or outdoors or both. Electric wheelchairs or powerchairs are usually prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder problems or more other disabling conditions.  They may not have the leg strength to propel a manual chair with their feet. A person with full use of the arms and upper torso will usually be prescribed a manual chair, or find that their insurance will not cover an electric wheelchair.

The electric wheelchair user can control the speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. There are many other input devices that can be used if the wheelchair user lacks the coordination needed or the use of the hands or fingers.  For example, using chin controls and puff/suck scanners for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries. Beleive it or not this type of controller is the very delicate and probably is the most expensive part of the electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs or powerchairs can offer a variety of powered functions like tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and  a few others that are  useful or necessary to one's good health and function.

Not surprisingly electric wheelchairs or powerchairs use electric motors to move the wheels. These wheelchairs are usually powered by four or five amp deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, like those used to power outboard boat motors. You can get these in wet or dry options. But most prefer the dry cell batteries. Some electric wheelchairs or powerchairs carry an on-board charger.  The charger can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. The older or more portable models of wheelchairs might have a separate charger unit.

Traveling with  a electric wheelchair when you have a disability or handicap can be difficult. Many people take along extra batteries.  It might be better to rent or buy a traveling wheelchair or make arrangements at your destination to rent an electric wheelchair or manual wheelchair if you can possibly get by with it. I know it won't be like your own wheelchair which seems to fit  like a glove. Air travel can be particularly difficult. In some cases people have had them shipped to their destination if they were going to be away for any length of time. Of course you'd have to find something to use temporarily at home.