A power wheelchair restores freedom to anyone who isn't able to walk. There is a wide range of reasons why people need a wheelchair, from injuries to long-term illness. Manual wheelchairs have been around for quite some time for people who are completely unable to walk. But not everyone in a wheelchair has the energy level and ability required to move a manual wheelchair. For these individuals, a power wheelchair makes it possible to move around on their own.
Power wheelchairs have a reputation for being heavy and slow, but the latest models are much lighter and faster, thanks to the addition of new materials and computer technology. They also include new safety features and have good back and spine support. Power wheelchairs are more comfortable than manual wheelchairs, and many have the ability to be configured in several different positions.
Choosing the best power wheelchair is very important, because the user will be spending a great deal of time in the chair. For the severely disabled, a power wheelchair isn't just an aid to mobility, it's a complete mobile environment. Power wheelchair models are available to meet any kind of need. You can find rear-wheel, front-wheel, and mid-wheel drive systems. Which one you choose will depend on your need for speed or maneuverability. The most common control type is a joystick, but several other control systems are made for differently-abled individuals.
Perhaps the only disadvantage of a power wheelchair is the difficulty of transporting it from one location to another. The average power wheelchair tends to be very heavy. Thinking about how you will be transporting the wheelchair is almost as important as choosing the specific model you want. Portable power wheelchairs are sold by some manufacturers. They are designed to disassemble (without tools) into several pieces, making transport easier. They also use lighter materials, lowering the overall weight of the power wheelchair to as low as 69 pounds. Air travel with a power wheelchair might not be the easiest thing you've ever tried, but you can make the process smoother with a portable power wheelchair.
Another option for transportation is to add a power wheelchair carrier to your vehicle. Several models of power wheelchair carriers are available to fit different types of vehicles. Most fit on to the back of your vehicle, while others can be secured to a trailer hitch. Make sure you check the load rating of the carrier to confirm that it can handle the weight of the power wheelchair.
Do-it-yourself maintenance of a power wheelchair may not be practical. But if you pay attention to the way the chair feels and sounds, you can catch small problems before they get bigger. Power wheelchair parts can be grouped into the basic groups of upholstery, tires and wheels, and the power base. Several online distributors offer power wheelchair parts, so if you, or someone in your household, does feel up to the task, you can do some basic repair and maintenance at home.
As you might have guessed by now, power wheelchair costs can be pretty high. Most new power wheelchairs cost in the neighborhood of $5,000, although a few models can be found for less. In some situations, you may be able to get Medicare reimbursement. If the power wheelchair is medically necessary--that is, you would be immobile without it--then Medicare covers up to 80 percent of the cost.
Power wheelchairs restore freedom to individuals who don't have the ability or energy level required for manual wheelchairs