10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Electric Powered Wheelchair
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Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair
Electric powered wheelchairs can be an excellent assistance for those who have a limited mobility. These chairs are sold at major retailers as well as specialist mobility equipment suppliers. Medicare and private insurance could pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if a doctor deems it medically required.
Most power wheelchairs come with an electronic joystick, which the user can use to control the motors. The controller, which acts as the brain of the wheelchair, converts these movements into electrical signals.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing wheelchairs. A high-quality battery can last up to two years if maintained regularly and is regularly used. The type of battery also affects the distance a wheelchair can travel on a single charge.
Deep cycle batteries are utilized in a majority of power wheelchairs. They provide a long-lasting energy supply. They can handle numerous recharges and discharges without damaging the battery cells. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for charging. This includes charging the battery overnight and avoiding the battery from running completely empty.
The surface on which the wheelchair operates can affect the battery's life. Smooth, level surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair, resulting in an extended battery life than rough terrains. If a wheelchair is driven on rough or uneven surfaces motors will have to perform harder to maintain stability and speed and this consumes more energy and drains the battery faster.
A battery's longevity is also affected by the age of the battery and its usage. It could be time to replace batteries if they are getting old and losing its capacity to hold charge. A newer battery can help decrease the amount of time that a wheelchair has to be charged, and is more likely to have more capacity than older batteries.
Wheelchair batteries are available in a variety of sizes including Group 22NF and Group 24 being the most popular options. The Group 22NF batteries weigh less and are smaller than Group 24 batteries. This reduces the weight and size of a wheelchair. These batteries have a smaller power reserve or "juice" than Group 24 batteries.
It is also a good idea to avoid overcharging or undercharging the battery because this can result in a decrease in its lifespan. Maintaining the battery in a dry, cool place is also important since exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively impact the battery's functionality.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is an important aspect to take into account when selecting a power wheelchair. If the chair is going to be used for long-distance trips, then it must be able to support the user's weight. Problems with weight can result from excessive weight, which can lead to problems with battery life and accidents.
The weight of a power wheelchair varies from one model to another and is influenced by its batteries. It also is affected by the variety and types of accessories it has like oxygen tank holders and a variety of seating systems. The batteries account for the majority of the weight. One battery can weigh as much as 50 lbs by itself and a power chair typically has two batteries!
The weight of the power wheelchair is also affected by the type of engine it is an engine with four poles or two. A four-pole motor is more efficient and can support a higher capacity of weight. However, it requires more energy from the batteries, and can drain faster than a two-pole motor.
Power wheelchairs may also have different drive bases such as mid-wheel or rear-wheel. The position of the drive wheels could affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair under various conditions. The drive base can also include a variety of options, like an adjustable swing-away control that assists with side-transfers and sip-and-puff controls that work by blowing on the sensor.
Another aspect to consider is the environment in which the power wheelchair is used. It's essential that the chair be able to travel across a variety of terrains and fit into hallways and rooms. It is crucial to measure the heavy duty power chair doorways and ensure that the chair will fit through them. This includes hinged doors.
A physical therapist or mobility specialist can assist in selecting the appropriate power wheelchair for the person. They can offer advice on aspects like comfort, accessibility modifications, seat size, and the weight of the chair. They also take into account the frequency and duration of use and whether the chair is transported frequently.
Seating
In contrast to manual wheelchairs, electric powered ones have motors that move them. This lets you move more freely and farther than a manual one, however, there are a few limitations.
In the beginning, you'll need know the capacity for weight of your new chair. It doesn't matter if it's your own weight or the weight of any equipment or other items you're carrying, you must never exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit in order to avoid overloading small electric wheelchair the power chair and damaging it.
Make sure that the power chair you pick has a comfortable footplate and a seat that you can fit into. If your feet don't fit into the footplate of the chair, your center of gravity could be reversed and the chair will slouch.
Also, consider a power wheelchair with tilt and recline features to decrease the risk of getting pressure sores. This feature is especially important for those who are older, as their skin can be thin and easily bruise. Furthermore, power leg rests can assist in elevating your legs and lessen swelling.
As with any mechanical device it will require maintenance to ensure it functions well and safely. You'll need to check the condition of the battery and brakes, tire pressure and other components of the device frequently. You should also inspect the seating for wear and tear, and make any adjustments that are needed.
It is also important to pay attention to the place you place your power wheelchair in order to ensure that it is not exposed to extreme weather conditions. Exposed to extreme temperatures could degrade the frame, while exposure to low temperatures may cause damage to the battery and other electrical components.
If you don't purchase your wheelchair out of your pocket, you won't be able to get insurance coverage and won't be able return it if you discover that it doesn't meet your needs. Manufacturers' warranties usually last between one and two years. They cover joysticks, motors, frames, and electronic components, but not back cushions, seats, or tires. Before purchasing an electric wheelchair, ask your supplier about the return policy. Most importantly, read the user manual and follow all the compact electric wheelchair directions on how to use and maintain the device.
Operation
Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the power base, which sits beneath the seat of the user. The motor is powered by one or two rechargeable 12-volt batteries that are connected in series, giving 24 volts total. LITH-TECH offers lithium batteries, that are much more energy efficient than lead acid batteries and can be used for longer durations of time.
There are a variety website of options to modify the controller, electronics, and power base to meet the needs of every user. For example, some chairs offer customizable seating to ensure a comfortable fit and allow the user to find the most suitable position to support postural stability. A lot of models also have adjustable height of the seat, recline and leg rests, and power tilt functionality.
Electric powered wheelchairs can be equipped with a range of accessories. They include oxygen tank holders, elevating chairs and a wide range of accessories for power. Some powerchairs are customised to allow users to control them with their brainwaves or nerve signals.
Certain powerchairs are able to adjust the speed to the preferences of the user, or to match other vehicles on the road. For example when driving uphill. Certain powerchairs come with sensors that alert them to obstacles or other potential hazards close by, and they automatically slow down and swerve when necessary.
The location of the here drive wheels - whether they're front-wheel, rear-wheel, or mid-wheel drive - has a significant impact on how the chair performs under different situations. But, it's a huge subject that we'll leave for another Clinical Corner article.
Before you take your new electric wheelchair for a spin, check that it's fully charged and that the tires have enough air pressure. It's also a good idea to adjust the armrests, seat, footrests (if necessary) and joystick, in order to prepare it for first use. Make sure you follow the directions in the manual when operating your wheelchair, especially when driving up and down slopes. This will reduce the chance of injury, damage or discomfort.