Choosing The Right Power Wheelchair For Your Needs
A power wheelchair, or a motorized wheelchair, is a battery-operated device designed to provide mobility for individuals with physical disabilities without requiring upper-body effort to propel it. These chairs come in various models, each suited to different needs based on the user’s body size, terrain, intended use, and medical condition.
Choosing the right power wheelchair ensures comfort, safety, mobility, and independence, significantly improving quality of life. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best power chair for your needs.
Type of Power Chair
Power wheelchairs feature a high back, specialized cushions, and customizable options to support proper posture, keeping the head, neck, spine, knees, and hips aligned. However, one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply when choosing a power wheelchair. Consult your physiotherapist or occupational therapist for an assessment to determine the right type of chair for your needs.
Your ability to perform daily activities largely determines the power chair you need. You may require a chair for mobility support or to assist with balance and endurance while standing or walking. Your prescriber will consider factors such as your weight, how often and how long you’ll use the chair, and whether it needs to be easily transportable. Based on these factors, they may recommend one of the following types of power chairs:
- Travel chairs: They are mainly rear or front-wheel drives, can fold, and are easy to disassemble by removing the base, battery, or seat to fit in the car trunk or plane cargo. Travel chairs are smaller and can support a weight of around 300lb. Due to less seat padding, they are uncomfortable to spend the whole day on without extra support.
- Full-size chairs: These are ideal if you spend a lot of time in a wheelchair. They have more padding and larger armrests, footrests, and seats to provide additional comfort. Full-size chairs can cover longer travel distances before the battery needs recharging.
- Heavy-duty chairs: These chairs have a wider seat area and a reinforced frame to accommodate people weighing more than 300lb. The casters and wheels of these power chairs are also wider to offer additional support.
The Drive System
Where you plan to use the power chair is key when choosing the right model. Some chairs are designed for indoor use, while others work well both indoors and outdoors. Below are the three main types of drive systems and their ideal applications.
- Rear-wheel drive: The rear-wheel drive has four wheels—two large driving wheels at the back and two smaller ones at the front. The front castors help with stability and maneuverability, while the front ones help propel the chair over soft and rough terrain. The rear-wheel drive is more comfortable than the rest, handles different gradients, and is a better shock absorber, resulting in a smoother drive outdoors. However, it has a bigger turning radius than the other wheel drives and hence needs more space to turn. It also lacks good obstacle-climbing capabilities.
- Mid-wheel drive: Also known as the center drive, this system has six wheels providing excellent traction. It features two large drive wheels in the middle and four smaller caster wheels at the front and back. Due to the placement of the drive wheels, mid-wheel drive models easily navigate turns in the house and offer the tightest turning radius. These chairs are intuitive to drive. The center of gravity is directly over the drive wheels, allowing for smoother, more precise control.
- Front-wheel drive: The chair’s two large wheels are at the front, hence the name front-wheel drive. It has smaller rear castor wheels, providing stability and maneuverability. Front-wheel drives are ideal for climbing obstacles due to the position of the drive wheel, which increases the heights the chair can climb. They also maneuver well around tight corners, allowing lower limbs to be further back, perfect for individuals with tight hamstrings.
Power Chair Seating, Positioning, and Fit
If you spend most of your time in a wheelchair, consider the seating and position to enhance your comfort and health. Get a chair that accommodates seat cushions and customized backrests for additional support. Users who are unable to shift their weight should choose a power chair that can recline or tilt in space to allow them to ease pressure and increase blood flow.
A chair with a tilt-in-space feature allows you to change its orientation without altering the lower body’s angle. With the reclining feature, you can change the recline degree of your backrest with your legs elevated. These chairs help manage the user’s posture and ease the transfer process for caregivers. Proper fitting is equally essential to ensure the user’s positioning and space needs are met. An inaccurately fitted wheelchair may cause pressure sores or worsen existing conditions.
Living Conditions
Your living space determines the type of power chair you need. Ensure the chair can fit and navigate through rooms and hallways. Measure doorways to accommodate the wheelchair, including the joystick and armrests. The user must be able to maneuver and make 90-degree turns when entering rooms.
Other spaces to consider include:
- Bathrooms: Choose a power chair that can easily navigate around the sink and toilet.
- Around tables and desks: Get a wheelchair with armrests and controls that fit under a desk or table. You can also consider an elevation mechanism to reach high surfaces like countertops.
- Outdoors: The outdoor terrain affects the chair’s range, such as along the driveway and porch. You may consider getting a porch lift for easy navigation with the wheelchair.
Controllers
Power wheelchairs are mainly controlled using a keypad and joystick. The keypad controls speed, horn, and reclining degree, while the joystick controls direction. Depending on their physical condition, the user may opt for a wheelchair with additional controls to better accommodate their specific needs. Some models even offer customizable settings for enhanced comfort and ease of use.
Speed of the Power Chair
Power wheelchairs usually travel between 4 and 6 miles per hour. Some models are faster, while others may be slower, depending on your needs. Rear-wheel-drive wheelchairs often handle high speeds better, offering more control and stability. But remember, it’s not just about speed. You’ll also want to consider safety and how comfortable you feel using the chair. Things like battery life and motor strength play a big role, too. Picking the right chair means finding the balance for your daily life.
Find the Ideal Power Wheelchair for Your Lifestyle
A suitable power wheelchair provides more than just mobility—it restores your independence and enhances your quality of life. When looking for the ideal mobility aid, consider all the factors to get the best option that effectively meets your needs.
Choosing the ideal wheelchair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Affordable Medical Supply, we’re committed to offering high-quality medical equipment and innovative solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a wide range of medical supplies, home care solutions, or personal incontinence products.
