Wheelchairs have been providing mobility for individuals for centuries. But manual wheelchairs are not much help to people with reduced upper body strength or with severe disabilities. Motorized wheelchairs were created to meet this need. For anyone who is unable to use a manual wheelchair, motorized wheelchairs are the best option.
Motorized wheelchairs are mobility aids that are designed to be used primarily indoors. Because they are designed for people with severe disabilities, they often include features not found on ordinary wheelchairs. Sometimes referred to as power chairs, motorized wheelchairs usually have six wheels and are controlled by a joystick. Other control systems are available if the user's disability prevents safe control using the joystick. Motorized wheelchairs often include multi-position seating that even allows the user to rise to a standing position.
The Scooter Store (www.thescooterstore.com) is one of the leading online providers of motorized wheelchairs. The Scooter Store motorized wheelchairs come in three main product lines: the Jet, the Jazzy and the Pronto. They feature weight capacities up to 450 pounds. Equipped with rechargeable batteries that provide a range of up to 25 miles, the Scooter Store motorized wheelchairs provide excellent mobility and maneuverability indoors.
You may be able to find used motorized wheelchairs for sale. Carefully inspect any wheelchair you are considering for purchase. Upholstery and seating actually tends to show the most wear first. Find out if parts are still available for the model you are looking at. Regardless of the amount of use, used motorized wheelchairs may need fresh batteries for optimum performance.
Unfortunately, cheap motorized wheelchairs are not widely available. Motorized wheelchairs start at around $6,000 and go up depending on features, capacity and quality. If you qualify medically, you may be entitled to insurance reimbursement or Medicare help on the cost of a motorized wheelchair. Medicare has their own criteria to determine whether a motorized wheelchair is medically necessary or not. Motorized wheelchairs are not considered medically necessary if they are for use outside your home only--they must be required for inside mobility as well.
Most motorized wheelchairs are designed for indoor mobility. Some individuals may have led active lives outdoors before becoming confined to a motorized wheelchair for some reason. A new generation of mobility products designed for off-road use are meeting this need. Motorized off-road wheelchairs are designed to tackle obstacles anywhere outdoors. Even difficult surfaces like mud, snow, sand and gravel can be handled easily. Motorized off-road wheelchairs make it possible for a wheelchair user to get back to nature.
If you're in the market for a motorized off-road wheelchair, try to arrange for an extended trial of your own, trying it out on the specific obstacles you want to overcome. That's the only way to be sure that the chair will meet your needs. Beware of purchasing from an unknown company. Manufacturers of specialized products have sprung up quickly in the market. Motorized off-road wheelchairs are not a small investment, and you want to be sure that you can get parts and product support in the future.
In addition to outdoor sports, many wheelchair users want to participate in sporting events. Wheelchair racing continues to grow in popularity. Specialized racing wheelchairs are now available that include high performance tires, lightweight construction and enhanced control systems. Most wheelchair racing is done in manual wheelchairs, although a few motorized races are held from time to time. Motorized racing wheelchairs are not yet widely available, but with the competitive spirit of many motorized wheelchair users, chances are this will change soon.
Motorized wheelchairs were designed for indoor mobility, but are adapting to new challenges