Electric wheelchairs come in various forms to meet your specific needs, from budget models to those offering advanced features and capabilities.
One important consideration when purchasing an electric wheelchair is cost. Prices can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to many thousands.
Basic models
An electric wheelchair is a power chair powered by its own motor and battery, offering increased comfort and stability compared to traditional manual chairs, making them easier to use on complex outdoor terrain.
These chairs come in different sizes to meet the height and weight needs of individuals, making a worthwhile investment for maintaining independence and mobility. Some models may cost more, yet all can help people maintain their independence.
As well as helping you travel further distances and venture outside more often, they also make traveling up hills and inclines much simpler than a regular wheelchair.
Electric wheelchairs can typically be controlled using a joystick, although breathing, tongue movement and lower extremity control may also be effective methods of controlling them. Having access to such controls may be particularly useful for users unable to use their hands or arms to operate the chair.
Mid-range models
Mid-range models tend to be more affordable than their high-end counterparts and provide an excellent balance between price and functionality. Many include extra safety features as well as being more customizable to meet different user needs.
The ideal electric wheelchairs should be comfortable and durable while being easy to use and store. Furthermore, they should be capable of handling a range of terrains.
Based on your specific needs, it may be advantageous to choose a chair with high back support, swing-away footrests and adjustable seat width - for instance Pride Mobility's Jazzy Air offers all these key features.
An adjustable wheelchair with an elevated seating position makes reaching things on work surfaces or cabinets much simpler, while some wheelchairs offer joystick controls which can be mounted either side of the chair for users who struggle controlling their movements with their arms.
High-end models
If you require an electric wheelchair with a higher weight capacity, several high-end models exist that feature larger rear wheels to provide efficient riding experiences - some models even travel up to 40km on one charge!
Some wheelchairs feature the Tilt-N-Space function, enabling you to tilt backwards for extra comfort and to reduce pressure on joints. Additional features of these chairs include a comfortable rehab seating system and a VRII 9Amp controller for maximum performance.
Drive Medical is a pioneering producer of power chairs, offering a fair warranty policy covering structural frame components, chargers and motors. Operating since 1984 and known for producing top-of-the-line products.
Accessories
Wheelchair accessories can make a substantial impactful difference to the quality of life for individuals utilizing either manual or power wheelchairs, surprising caregivers with how quickly these accessories become part of daily routine.
An accessible wheelchair ramp can help you overcome obstacles and navigate over steep curbs or pathways more quickly and effortlessly, saving time in the process. This is both efficient and time-saving.
Transfer belts are another essential item that can assist your caregiver in safely transporting you into and out of the chair with greater ease, helping reduce the chance of falling off it altogether - an issue for many seniors.
An oxygen tank holder is also medically necessary for those requiring additional oxygen supplemental therapy with or without ventilator use, especially those living alone and experiencing difficulty opening doors or carrying their heavy tank. This accessory may especially prove useful to individuals having trouble accessing or carrying their tank around.
