Power wheelchairs are among the mobility aids and one of the best wheelchair types in the market. They offer convenience and functionality for people with mobility issues. However, choosing the right one among the array of options out there can be a daunting task.
This article provides the essential tips you can follow when choosing the best power wheelchairs. It’ll discuss everything you need to consider and look out for during your shopping journey so you can make the best decisions according to your mobility needs.
5 Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Power Wheelchair
Below are essential tips on how to select the perfect power wheelchair. Whether you're seeking increased mobility due to a disability, injury, or age-related limitations, choosing the right power wheelchair is crucial to maintaining independence and comfort.
1. Specify Your Needs
Before anything else, you have to make sure you 100% know your needs. The main question to ask yourself is, “What do I need a power wheelchair for?” There are three factors to think about when specifying your needs:
Mobility Needs Indoors and Outdoors
Do you need a wheelchair you can use inside the house, when outdoors, or both? Answering this can help you specify what kind of power wheelchair you need and should get. This aspect is important to ensure that the wheelchair you’ll get can be used extensively in the environment you plan to use it for.
For instance, some people with mobility issues can walk with assistance at home, so they’d only need a power wheelchair for outdoor use.
If you'll use the chair outdoors, pick one with versatile, terrain-friendly wheels. For indoor use, consider your house's space and choose a power wheelchair that fits and moves well indoors.
Portability
When considering your wheelchair options, it’s crucial to contemplate your travel and mobility needs. If you intend to use your wheelchair on journeys and while on the go, prioritize a lightweight, easily disassembled power wheelchair.
Many models offer the convenience of folding or disassembling by removing the base, battery, or seat. These portable wheelchairs are typically compact and more manageable in size than their standard counterparts. This makes them the ideal choice for those seeking convenience on the move.
Entering and Exiting
Specify your needs regarding your access to the chair and its functions. This means your needs for entering and exiting the wheelchair would vary depending on your level of mobility.
In most cases, users don’t need help getting in and out of the wheelchair if they can walk short distances and sit down and back up without any problem. But, if you’re having trouble doing those things occasionally, it’s best to consider your need for easy access to the chair.
For example, you might need a wheelchair with a swivel seat and removable armrests to sit down and leave the chair without trouble easily.
2. Check the Basics
It’s crucial to check the basic features and specs of the power wheelchair as well. This will help you determine whether a certain option suits your needs. Check for the following basic factors:
Type of Power Wheelchair
There are three main types of power wheelchairs you can choose from:
- Travel/Portable
These wheelchairs can be folded or disassembled to allow storage when traveling. When disassembled, they’re easier to bring and carry in the car. This is ideal if you plan to use a wheelchair for traveling or need something you can easily carry with you in case you go on trips.
- Full-Size
These are bigger than standard-sized power wheelchairs and are great as an all-around wheelchair for everyone. Because of their bigger specifications, they’re ideal for users with restricted movements.
- Heavy-Duty
These are power wheelchairs specifically made for people with mobility who weigh more than 300 lbs. They’re made of more heavy-duty components like frames, seats, and wheels. Most heavy-duty wheelchairs can support up to 450 lbs, but some can support 600 lbs to 1000 lbs.
Driving System
Aside from the type of wheelchair, check the driving system the wheelchair uses as well. The driving system or drive wheel system pertains to which wheels are the driving force of the wheelchair.
Depending on your outdoor and indoor needs and preferences, you can choose from three main types:
- Rear-Wheel Drive
These have two large drive wheels at the back of the wheelchair, hence the name ‘rear-wheel drive.’ They also have two smaller front castors to aid stability and maneuverability. This allows them to navigate through tough terrain easily.
- Front-Wheel Drive
These have two large wheels positioned at the front of the chair, hence their name ‘front-wheel drive.’ They have two smaller rear castors for stability and maneuverability as well. Wheelchairs with this system can easily move around tiny obstacles and in small spaces like the house. Most of the time, these wheelchairs can be used indoors and outdoors.
- All-Wheel Drive
This means that you’re using all wheels to move the wheelchair. Wheelchairs with this driving system are ideal for places with flat surfaces, like malls and other small spaces. They don’t handle slopes and rugged terrain very well.
Battery Life
Power wheelchairs rely on batteries to operate, so it’s only natural to check the battery life or capacity of your preferred wheelchair. Consider how long the battery will last on a single charge and how long it will take to charge. Most batteries can last 10 to 25 miles, while others can last longer. If you plan to use the wheelchair for long periods, look for a wheelchair with longer battery life.
Size and Weight
Check the size based on the dimensions of the power wheelchair to see how large or small the wheelchair would be. See that your preferred model comes in a size that can accommodate your height and body size.
Additionally, check the weight capacity of the wheelchair as well. You have to make sure that it can hold and support your weight. It’s recommended to get a wheelchair with a capacity of at least your weight.
Turning Radius
This is the amount of space required around the wheelchair to make a complete 360-degree turn. If you live in a house with tight spaces and small hallways, look for a chair with a small turning radius. Most of the time, the turning radius is directly related to the size of the chair: the larger the chair, the larger the turning radius.
3. Ensure Comfort
The best power wheelchair is one that’s comfortable to use. When checking comfortability, look at its seat width, cushion, and adjustable components. The seat width should be wide enough for you to sit on and have enough space for leg room. It’s also best for the seat, backrest, and armrests to have enough cushioning to avoid strains and pressure on your body when used for a long time.
The adjustability of the wheelchair allows you to adjust its components to your needs. This ensures that you can stay comfortable all the time. Look for a wheelchair with adjustable armrests and leg rests if you can. If you have limited ability to shift your weight when sitting down, choose a wheelchair that has a tilt or recline function. This will allow you to relieve pressure on your body.
4. Consider the Price
Different power wheelchairs come with different price tags. Whatever your needs and preferences are, always watch your budget. If you don’t have one, it’s ideal to set a budget and try your best to stay within it, especially if you don’t want to spend too much.
5. Check Reviews and Feedback
Lastly, check for reviews from previous users and customers to ensure you’ll get your value for money. You can start by looking at the brand’s reviews and then at the customers’ to get a sense of the wheelchair’s pros and cons. This will give you a better idea of whether the power wheelchair can meet your needs.
Conclusion
Power wheelchairs are one of the best wheelchairs for people with mobility problems. They’re easy to use and don’t need manual strength. This makes them convenient for all ages. If you want the best power wheelchairs, specifically determine your needs, check their basic features, ensure their comfortability, stay within your budget, and check for product reviews.
If you want to look at quality options, check out our power wheelchair collection. We offer high-quality wheelchairs with amazing features to accommodate all kinds of mobility needs!