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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/electric-powered-wheelchairs

Shopping For an Electric Powered Wheelchair Electric powered wheelchairs can be a great help to people with mobility issues They are available at specialized mobility equipment providers and a few major retailers Medicare and private insurance will pay for the cost of an electric wheelchair if its deemed medically necessary by a physician The majority of power wheelchairs have a joystick that the user can use to control the motors The controller which functions as the brain of the wheelchair converts these movements into electrical signals Battery Life Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when buying wheelchairs A highquality battery can last for two years if used regularly and regular maintenance The type of battery also affects how far the wheelchair can travel on a single charge The majority of power wheelchairs utilize deep cycle batteries which are designed to provide a longlasting energy supply These batteries can handle multiple discharges and recharges without causing damage to battery cells It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturers recommended charging practices which typically include charging the battery overnight and avoiding allowing it to run completely empty The battery life is affected by the surface of the wheelchair Smooth flat surfaces require less power to propel the wheelchair which results in longer battery life than rough terrains If a wheelchair is used on rough or uneven surfaces the motors will have to be more efficient in order to maintain stability and speed and this consumes more energy and drains the battery more quickly A batterys longevity is also affected by its age and usage patterns If a battery is getting old and losing its ability to hold an charge it could be time to replace it A newer battery will reduce the time needed to charge a wheelchair and is likely to be more powerful 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 the Group 24 batteries This helps to reduce the overall weight and size of a wheelchair These batteries have a smaller power reserve or juice than Group 24 batteries Avoid charging or subcharging the battery as this can reduce the batterys lifespan It is crucial to keep the battery in a dry cool location as extreme temperatures can impact the batterys performance Capacity for Weight The capacity to carry the weight of a chair is a crucial aspect to consider If the chair is going to be used for long journeys it will need to be capable of supporting the weight of the users body Problems with weight are often caused by excess weight which can also lead to battery life issues and accidents The weight of a power chair varies from model to model and is affected by the type of batteries it uses The weight of a power wheelchair is also affected by the number of accessories as well as the type of accessories such as oxygen tanks holders and different seating systems However the majority of its weight is derived from the batteries One battery can weigh as much as 50 pounds on its own and a powerchair usually has two of them The weight of a power wheelchair is also affected by whether it has an engine with four poles or two A fourpole power chair is more efficient and can carry a greater weight capacity It will however require more energy and drain the batteries more quickly than a motor that has two poles Power wheelchairs could also have different drive bases such as midwheel or rearwheel The location of the wheels may affect the maneuverability and handling of the wheelchair in various conditions The base of the drive could include a range of options including an adjustable controller that assists in sidetransfers as well as sipand puff controls that operate by blowing into a sensor The setting that a power wheelchair is used is a different factor to take into consideration It is essential that the chair is able to be used on a variety of terrains and fit into rooms and hallways It is essential to measure the doorways and make sure that the chair will pass through them This includes hinged doors A physical therapist andor mobility specialist can assist in selecting the right power wheelchair for the individual In addition to evaluating the weight of the chair its speed and range of travel They can also offer advice on other factors like comfort accessibility modifications and seat size They will also consider the frequency and duration of use as well as if the chair will be transported frequently Seating Electric wheelchairs have motors to move them unlike manual wheelchairs This lets you move more freely and further than a manual one however there are some limitations First youll need to determine the weight capacity of your chair It is important to never exceed the recommended weight limit regardless of whether its your own or any equipment or supplies that youre carrying Then ensure that the power chair you choose includes a comfortable seat as well as a footplate that you can fit into If your feet do not fit into the footplate of the chair your center gravity can be reversed and the chair will slouch Finally look for a power wheelchair with tilt and recline features to decrease the risk of getting pressure sores This feature is particularly important for older people whose skin may be thin and easily bruise Power leg rests are also a great way to elevate your legs which can reduce swelling Like all mechanical devices the wheelchair will require regular maintenance to ensure that it performs efficiently and safely Youll need to check the condition of the battery and brakes tire pressure and other parts of the device on a regular basis Also wwwmymobilityscootersuk should inspect the seating for wear and tear and make any adjustments that are needed Be attentive to where you keep your power wheelchair so that you dont expose it to extreme weather conditions The frame could be damaged by high temperatures and low temperatures can harm batteries and electrical components Unless youre buying the wheelchair out of pocket the wheelchair will not be insured and you wont be able return it if its not meeting your needs Manufacturers warranties usually last between one and two years They cover joysticks motors frames and electronic components but not seats back cushions or tires Before buying an electric wheelchair ask your dealer about their return policy The most important thing is to read the manual thoroughly and follow the directions for use and maintenance Operation Power wheelchairs are powered by a motor inside the base of power that is located beneath the users seat The motor is powered either by two 12volt rechargeable batteries connected in series for a total voltage of 24 volts LITHTECH provides lithium batteries that are more efficient in energy than lead acids and can be used over longer periods of time There are a variety of options to customize the controller electronics and power base to meet the specific needs of every user For instance some chairs have adjustable seating to ensure a comfy fit and allow the user to find a position that best supports the stability of their posture Many models include adjustable features like seat height leg rest and recline positions as well as the power tilt feature There are a myriad of extra features that are available for electric powered wheelchairs such as oxygen tank holders elevating seats and a range of power accessories Certain powerchairs are customized so that the user can control them using their brainwaves or nerve signals Some powerchairs can also be able to adjust their speed to accommodate the users preference or to match the speed of other vehicles on the road for example when climbing hills They can also be equipped with sensors that can warn of dangers and obstacles in the area and will automatically slow down or swerve in the event of a need The location of the drive wheels regardless of whether they are midwheels rearwheels or frontwheel drives have a major impact on how a chair performs under different conditions But its a huge subject that well leave for the next Clinical Corner article Check that your brand new electric chair is fully charged and the tires are inflating to the correct pressure prior to taking it for an excursion In preparation for your first time its best to make some adjustments to your chair armrests and footrests It is essential to follow the instructions in your manual prior to operating your wheelchair This is particularly important for driving up and down hills This will reduce the risk of discomfort and injury

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