Electric Wheelchairs

When you or a loved one suffers from a handicap, injury or illness that limits mobility, a wheelchair can often mean the difference in being stationary and regaining your independence. Choosing the right chair for your specific needs is just as important as making the decision to get a chair at all.

The Two Types of Chairs

Manual Wheelchairs

Though they have been around for over four centuries, the type of manual wheelchairs that are in use today most closely resemble - and are due in no small part to - the design of Harry Jennings who invented the first foldable wheelchair in 1932. The patient can maneuver and move themselves by using the rounded rims that surround the wheels of the chair, or they can sit back and let someone else move them by using the handles on the rear of the chair.

Electric Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs are powered by battery driven motors. They are most often bigger and heavier as well as being build more sturdily to support the additional weight that is added by the motor and battery pack. As you might have guessed, there are a wide variety of electric wheelchairs on the market, each with its own distinct design and features.

Depending on the model you choose, it may be maneuvered by a simple joy stick controller or a series of microprocessors and circuit boards. Some models even have the hydraulic capability to allow the user to climb stairs. With sophistication comes a hefty price tag, though. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $2,000 on up to $30,000 for an electric wheelchair.

The iBOT to the Rescue

The most technologically advanced electric wheel chair on the market today is called the iBOT. It's futuristic design allows the user to climb stairs, glide comfortably across rough terrains like gravel and even raise the user to that they can get to otherwise out of reach items on higher shelves. These robotic machines can even adjust stability automatically by using either two or four wheels for balance.

NOTE: The iBOT may be financially out of reach for most users, and with the average electric wheelchair costing about $7,000 you might think it is a bad investment. I urge you to avoid considering purchasing a used electric wheelchair, however tempting the cost difference may be. Manufacturer's warranties are voided when a wheelchair is sold, as they are intended for use only by the original purchaser. For that reason, you could end up with a real problem on your hands should the motor or batteries need repair or replacement.

Propulsion Systems

There are two main types of propulsion systems used on electric wheelchairs. The first and most common is the rear wheel drive system. Rear wheel drive is good for speed, but you do sacrifice a certain degree of maneuverability. Mid wheel drive chairs are much easier to turn but with the added maneuverability comes less stability, especially with sudden starts and stops.

Before making a decision, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or other medical professionals to get their input.