Choosing the Right Motorized Wheelchair For You

by feedme on March 15, 2010

In years past, being dependent on a Motorized Wheel Chair provided a person two options; maintain enough upper body strength to move yourself, or employ an assistant to wheel you around 24/7. Obviously, not every wheelchair owner has a healthy and working upper body. Not many of us have the finances to pay for a personal attendant, and it is even rarer to have a husband, wife or child with the time and devotion which are essential to be an assistant. Happily, these days we are able to own motorized wheelchairs which allow us to enjoy our independence without curtailing someone else.

Motorized wheelchairs are controlled by programmable joysticks, so you merely need the use of one hand to steer the chair. These wheelchairs are often more maneuverable than normal wheelchairs, seeing as the owner doesn’t need to extend their limbs out past the sides of the chair. The motor allows these chairs to provide electrically-powered postural supports, such as power tilt and recline. These features enable the rider to alter their position regularly enough to halt pressure sores. A few models of motorized chairs are able to raise the rider to a standing position which lets them spend their time erect rather than seated. Motorized wheelchairs come with more tire and power base possibilities, and often incorporate spring suspensions, which permit them to maneuver on rough surfaces effectively. While carrying a motorized wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the chair may be belted to the vehicle and employed as a regular car seat; a possibility which is not available with most normal wheelchairs.

Motorized wheelchairs have several drawbacks, by the way. First, they will prove very heavy and may need a Wheel Chair Lift. Motorized chairs are energized by very large batteries which weigh more than enough without any help, and when their weight is thrown in with the well-built suspension in addition to the overall support structure, you could own as much as 300 lbs of wheelchair before the person is actually in it. Thanks to the necessary weight and bulk, even travel power chairs are not terribly convenient for flying with, and if you want to disassemble and store these types of chairs, you will definitely need an extra set of hands. Naturally, will also be incredibly pricey. They can cost between $1800 and $8000, while in many situations, Medicare will subsidize as much as 80% of that expense. The majority of retailers are alarmingly willing to help you in doing the Medicare paperwork, incidentally, and many will turn in the paperwork for you.

Motorized wheelchairs might be great options for folks with extremely limited mobility who would rather not limit their lifestyles. These chairs could give any user the mobility and independence necessary to enjoy an active lifestyle.

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