The Benefits of an Electric Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are a popular mobility solution for people with disabilities. They offer many benefits for users and caregivers alike, including ease of use, comfort, and safety.
There are many different brands of electric wheelchairs, each with their own features and advantages. Before choosing an electric wheelchair, consider your needs and your budget.
Battery Life
The battery life of your electric wheelchair depends on a number of factors. The type of battery installed, age, and the environment where it is used all play a role.
The best way to keep your electric wheelchair’s batteries in top shape is to follow a few simple tips. These include using the right charger, draining and recharging them properly, and taking proper care of them.
Typically, the life of an electric wheelchair’s battery is between six months and two years. However, this varies from one person to the next.
There are many different types of power chair batteries, but most are 12-volt sealed deep-cycle lead acid batteries. They can be either AGM (absorbent glass mat) or gel batteries.
AGM batteries are more expensive upfront, but they last longer and recharge much faster than gel batteries. They are also more durable and don’t need to be replaced as often.
If you use your wheelchair regularly, it is important to recharge your batteries as soon as they run low. This will maximize their lifespan and improve your driving range.
Always charge your batteries in room temperature, avoiding extremes like freezing cold. Leaving them in a cold place will reduce their lifespan and your driving range.
Another tip to help prolong your battery’s life is to make sure you charge it with a battery charger that matches the voltage of your power wheelchair. This will prevent it from overcharging, which can shorten your battery’s lifespan and reduce its power output.
Finally, make sure you always remove your wheelchair from the charging outlet when you’re not using it. This will protect the power chair’s battery from overcharging and destroying it.
While the battery life of your electric wheelchair depends on dozens of different factors, following these simple tips can help you make the most out of it. By implementing these practices, you can expect your power chair’s battery to last for a year or more.
Speed
Electric wheelchairs come with a variety of speeds, depending on the model. Some high-end models can accelerate up to 10 mph, but most have a top speed of 4 to 8 mph.
Ultimately, the speed of an electric wheelchair is determined by a number of factors, including the environment and the user’s preferences. Some people may find that they want a more powerful wheelchair for outdoor use, while others may prefer reduced speeds for safety reasons.
A wheelchair’s speed is also affected by a few other things, such as the terrain it travels on or steep gradients. Some chairs will do quite well on hills, while others may struggle a little bit.
In addition to these factors, the user’s weight will also impact how fast an electric wheelchair goes. This is because a heavier person will require more power to move electric wheelchair the wheelchair, which can deplete the battery more quickly.
If you’re concerned about the impact that your weight will have on your electric wheelchair’s speed, you can choose a chair with a higher maximum user weight capacity. This will help you achieve a faster speed on a wider range of terrain.
The speed of your electric wheelchair will also depend on how well the chair is maintained. Poor maintenance will reduce the battery’s performance and can also shorten its life.
Using a fairing can also increase your chair’s speed, particularly when going downhill. This helps to reduce friction and wind resistance, which can improve your wheelchair’s overall efficiency.
One of our favorites is the Cirrus Plus EC, which can reach 5 miles per hour and travels at a distance of 12.5 miles. It comes with premium features like removable padded armrests and adjustable tension back upholstery.
Another option is the Medalist Heavy Duty Power Wheelchair, which offers a maximum speed of 4 mph and travels up to 15 miles. This wheelchair is ideal for those who want a zippy electric wheelchair with a lot of features, but at a lower price.
Range
The range of an electric wheelchair is largely dependent on the battery type, the driver’s weight, the road surface, and the efficiency of the drive train. It is also affected by the driving behavior of the user.
An electric wheelchair can be used in a wide variety of environments and conditions, including paved roads and uneven terrain. However, the battery life and range of the chair can be negatively impacted by weather and the terrain it travels over.
To ensure your electric wheelchair stays in good condition, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and service schedule. This will help keep your chair in top shape, allowing it to get the most mileage out of its battery.
You can also make your electric wheelchair last longer by charging it regularly and not letting it drain completely. This is especially important if you use it often.
It is also essential to maintain your tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cause your powered wheelchair to break down quickly.
If you need an electric wheelchair to travel long distances, it is recommended that you purchase a model with high-capacity batteries. These can be found in heavy-duty power chairs, such as the Patriot 12.
The battery on this model is designed to handle low speeds and good road conditions, and can go up to 18 miles with a single charge. This is more than what is found in most other wheelchairs in this category.
A regenerative braking system can also be used to extend the battery’s lifespan. This method works by recovering the frictional energy that would have been lost during braking, and then uses this energy to recharge the battery.
This is a useful electric wheelchair feature that allows wheelchair users to travel long distances with ease, even in rough terrain. It can also help the wheelchair stay in top condition, avoiding the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
A regenerative braking system can also provide the user with extra comfort and safety, reducing their risk of falling. This is especially important in high-risk areas such as urban environments.
Comfort
The most important factor when it comes to the comfort of an electric wheelchair is the seat. A wide seat with a long armrests, a supportive backrest and good footrests will provide unmatched support for the user and their caregiver(s). In addition to comfort and convenience, a well-designed power chair can reduce the risk of injury from falls or other fall-related accidents.
The best part is that most seniors are able to purchase one of these devices at no cost with the help of a Medicare-approved supplier. To qualify, a senior must have a written doctor’s order indicating that a power wheelchair is medically necessary for completing activities of daily living.
Today’s power wheelchairs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the relatively small portable models to the larger, more sophisticated full-featured units often found in rehabilitation clinics or assisted living facilities. They are usually powered by a battery or rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack and can be controlled using a plethora of features and technologies. A few of the more popular include a lighted navigation system, programmable settings and remote control.