The Wheelchair Guide
Your Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Resource
Self-Propelled Wheelchairs and Power Chairs
Monday, October 12th, 2009
Over the history of mankind, there have always been inventions that are designed to help those who can not walk. In the grand scheme of things these devices are considered to be wheelchairs, but they are not usually what most people think of as a wheelchair. Instead, the hollow tubbed metal frame with its vinyl seats that most people first think of when considering a wheelchair is a new invention that has been around for less than 100 years.
Today, there are countless models and brands of wheelchairs, enough that it can almost be overwhelming when trying to shop for a wheelchair, but they all share a very similar design. This is not only true of most manual wheelchairs, but also electric wheelchairs.
Basic Manual Wheelchair Design
Most self-propelled manual wheelchairs have two rear wheels that are larger in size. The rear wheels have another smaller rim attached to the outside of the wheel, which allows the user to spin the wheel, without having to actually touch that parts that makes contact with the ground.
Most manual wheelchairs also have a set of push handles attached to the frame of the wheelchair, which allow it to be pushed easily. Transfer wheelchairs, which are not designed to be self-propelled, do not usually have handrims on the rear wheel and instead the rear wheels are only slightly larger than the front wheels.
The Folding Wheelchair Frame
The typical manual wheelchair is also designed to be folded when not in use, which allows it to be placed in the rear of a car without the need of a vehicle wheelchair use. This also makes them well suited for traveling. The frame of the wheelchair is made out of hollow tubes of metal, with steel being the most common type, which is very sturdy and lightweight. Other metals are also sometimes used, but they tend to be more expensive, with the main advantage of these alternate metals being their lightweight. Many sports wheelchairs will make use of a non-steel metal.
Differences Between Manual and Electric Wheelchairs
While electric wheelchairs no longer use a design that is very similar to a manual wheelchair, they do all standard design. Most consist of a small plastic base, which houses the electric motor, rechargeable batteries, axles, and other electrical components. The chair is attached to the base of the wheelchair and armrest controls are usually attached, using a simple joystick control scheme. This allows the wheelchair to be controlled by simply pushing the joystick in the desired direction. The joystick can be configured for either right hand or left hand use, by simply changing which side of the armrest it is attached to.
Of course, there are a number of people who can not use the standard wheelchair control, so there are a number of alternative wheelchair controls available. This includes wheelchairs that are controlled by head movements, the users breath, and even by remote control.
In the case of electric wheelchairs, they can usually travel between 4 and 8 miles per charge, although this is something that varies depending on the weight of the user and the type of terrain the wheelchair is driven over. For instance, driving an electric wheelchair up a hill repeatedly will wear it down faster than if it were driven across flat ground.
How Manual Wheelchairs Work
Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Wheelchairs have been around, albeit in a much less standard form, for thousands of years. Their roots can be traced back to images of ancient oriental devices, which were designed to provide a way for those who could not walk to get around. Today, despite there being a great number of wheelchair manufacturers around, the general design of the manual wheelchair has become much more standardized.
The modern manual wheelchair is based off of the more than 70 year old E&J wheelchair design, which features a hollow metal tube frame, two large rear wheels, and a smaller set of front wheels. When not in use, the frame can be folded, making it easier to transport and move the wheelchair.
Standard Manual Wheelchair Design
The large rear wheels allows the user of the wheelchair to self-propel, grasping the rear wheels, which have an extended rim, called a handrim, that does not come in contact with the ground and user to spin the rear wheels.
Even though many manual wheelchairs are designed to be self propelled, this is not always the case. Some manual wheelchairs, called transport wheelchairs or transfer wheelchairs, are designed only to be pushed from behind, so feature much smaller rear wheels. They also have a set of push handles that extend from the top of the wheelchair frame, on both corners of the top seat. Most manual wheelchairs also include these push handles, although sports wheelchairs frequently do not.
The front rigging of the manual wheelchair refers to the footrest and supports, which can often be removed and adjusted to increase comfort. The front rigging varies by wheelchair, but most provide a metal foot rest, which can be folded up to allow the wheelchair user to enter and exit the chair.
A braking system is also present on most standard manual wheelchairs, although sports wheelchairs, which have a slightly different design in general, often do not include brakes. When brakes are present, however, they usually use a simple design that holds the rear wheels in place using a simple vice, which is applied separately to both wheels. This allows the person using the wheelchair to easily set the brake, with only a little pressure.
Anti-tip casters are another important feature, which extend from the rear of the wheelchair frame. They are basically like little arms, which are designed to make contact with the ground if the wheelchair tips over too far backwards. The anti-tip casters can not always prevent a fall, but they often make tipping over backwards much less dangerous.
Sports Wheelchairs vs Manual Wheelchairs
More and more, the sports wheelchair is becoming popular, not just for those who play wheelchair sports, such as wheelchair basketball or wheelchair racing, but also those who simply find sports wheelchairs more comfortable and practical. One major difference between sports wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs is the seat design.
Manual wheelchairs usually use a vinyl like material, which is sewn around the hollow tubed frame. Sports wheelchairs, on the other hand, often use a much more breathable material, which is usually softer and a good deal thicker than the vinyl seat found on a conventional wheelchair. This makes it more comfortable and less likely to cause irritations due to sweat, as well as drying much quicker.
Another major difference is the backrest. Most manual wheelchairs have a full backrest, which sports wheelchairs usually have a much smaller and lower backrest. This is one of the features that many non-sports playing wheelchair users appreciate, because it can be much more comfortable and practical indoors, allowing for a much larger range of movement in regards to the arms and shoulders. This can be important when working at a desk, as it allows the wheelchair user to reach around easily.
There are many other differences between sports wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs, including how the front rigging is designed, as well as the size and angle of the wheels. The axle is usually much different on a sports wheelchair as well.
Choosing Between a Manual Wheelchair and a Power Chair
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
In today’s world, the choice of manual or electric often gets looked upon as an easy choice, with power almost always getting looked upon as the easier and more efficient solution. This can be seen in most peoples choice of power tools, power windows, and power steering. However, in the world of manual and electric wheelchairs, the choice is not so straightforward or easy, as both have advantages and disadvantages.
A Look Back at the History of the Wheelchair
Wheelchairs have been used for thousands of years, with images being found that indicate ancient Asians were among some of the first to make use of a wheelchair for those who had difficulty walking. During the middle ages, wheelchairs would be relatively common, but because they had to be custom made, they were almost only available to those who had the resources to build them, such as figures of nobility.
It would not be until much later during the early nineteenth century that wheelchairs would take on a more standard design, using a simple foldable lightweight steel tube frame. Today, this same design remains incredibly popular among manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are also very common, with an electric motor concealed in a base made of molded plastic and a seat attached to the base of the wheelchair.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair: The User
One of the first , and arguably most important, steps in deciding whether to use a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair revolves around the physical abilities of the wheelchair user. It takes a great deal of physical effort to use a manual wheelchair and this can put a great deal of stress on the upper-body. As a result, using a manual wheelchair can be very strenuous, too much so for many
There is of course also something to be said for personal preference, as many people enjoy using a manual wheelchair precisely because it requires more physical effort. There are a number of sports, such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair racing, which make extensive use of manual wheelchairs as well and many wheelchair users prefer the feeling of independence and flexibility that is offered by using a manual wheelchair. .
Choosing the Right Wheelchair: The Location
While the physical condition of the wheelchair user is one of the most important considerations, the location where the wheelchair will be used is also important. For example, if the wheelchair is primarily going to be used around home, then it will require much less upper-body strength to use than if it were to be used around a college campus. As a result, for home use, many people prefer the simple and less complicated design of a manual wheelchair.
However, those that will be using the wheelchair across larger distances, such as around town or driving around the neighborhood, might be better served with an electric wheelchair.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair: The Cost
One of the other major considerations when choosing between an electric wheelchair or a manual wheelchair is the cost of the device. While it is possible to spend a great deal on a manual wheelchair, they still typically cost a great deal less than an electric wheelchair. For those who are unable to get a Medicare wheelchair, Medicaid Wheelchair, or other insurance discount, an electric wheelchair might simply not be affordable.
A Look at Wheelchair Development
Friday, September 11th, 2009
Mobility vehicles of some shape or form have been around for hundreds and thousands of years. These devices are important tools for increasing accessibility and allowing those who have difficulty walking to get around.
Early Wheelchair Design
In the early days, there was no standard to these devices and often they were only affordable by nobility. It was also not uncommon for the kings and other royalty who used these early wheelchairs to need them more as a result of their lavish lifestyle, rather than out of a practical need.
This began to change towards the end of the nineteenth century, when a wicker wheelchair was designed. The wicker wheelchair had a very high back and sides, with two wheels on the side and one in the back. Due to its large size and the design of its wheels, it was very hard for a wheelchair user to self propel this type of wheelchair or even to transport it away from the hospital. Still, it was much more effective than previous designs and was adopted across the United States by most hospitals.
The Development of the Folding Self-Propelled Wheelchair
The wicker wheelchair had a number of design problems that made it very difficult for the average wheelchair user to use. As a result, two inventors, one of whom was in a wheelchair, worked together to develop a lightweight foldable wheelchair. Their design, which is known as the E & J wheelchair, made use of a frame made out of hollow steel tubes, which provided a great deal of support and strength, but without the same weight as that of a wicker wheelchair. The steel tube frame could also be folded up, making the wheelchair much easier to transport.
At the time the E & J wheelchair was invented, America was on the precipice of the Second World War and so the wheelchair was put to great use. The development of antibiotics meant that soldiers were able to recover from wounds that even only a few short years ago would have been fatal, with many soldiers returning from the war without full use of their legs.
The E & J wheelchair would remain the standard for some time and the first electric wheelchairs were built around its frame. A number of companies began to sell converter kits that allowed the E & J wheelchair to be inexpensively converted to an Electric Wheelchair. These made use of a simple electric motor that could be attached to the axle of the wheelchair and controlled by a simple joystick placed on the wheelchair’s arm. While the design of a modern electric wheelchair is much different, the joystick control scheme is the standard for most electric wheelchairs. However, there are also a number of other control systems available for those who can not use a joystick.
Today, the basic design of the E & J wheelchair has remained the same and can be seen in most modern manual wheelchairs, although there are many other popular wheelchair manufacturers.
Manual or Electric, Not Just a Question for Tim Taylor
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
For those wheelchairs, often one of the most important decisions is whether to choose a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair. There are a number of factors that go into this decision and it is important to spend some time considering what type of wheelchair will best fit the needs of the wheelchair user.
A Brief Look at the Development and History of the Wheelchair
Wheelchairs have been around for thousands of years, albeit in a much less standard design than what we are used to today. Early wheelchairs were often custom made and during the middle ages, they were often a byproduct of the gratuitous lifestyle of nobility, who were able to afford to have a smith custom build a wheelchair. As time went on, several designs would come and go. Prior to the metal tubed lightweight foldable wheelchair common today, a wicker wheelchair became popular. These had a very high back and three wheels, with two on either side and one in back for support. While these kinds of wheelchairs were very popular and common during the turn of the twentieth century and even up until the 1940′s, the wicker wheelchair left a lot to be desired, because it could not be easily self propelled.
Today, a great deal of thought and design has gone into the manual wheelchair, making it very efficient and lightweight. Electric wheelchairs are also very common and include an electric motor and rechargeable battery to quickly and easily move an individual across many types of terrain.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair
Choosing between an electric wheelchair and manual wheelchair should not be a decision that is taken lightly and there are in fact a number of things that must be taken into consideration.
The Abilities of the Wheelchair User
One of the most important things to consider when deciding between a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair is how well an individual will be able to use a manual wheelchair.
Due to disease, illness, or injury, it may not be possible to use a manual wheelchair, because using a manual wheelchair can be very strenuous. As a result, in many cases, due to the physical abilities or the wheelchair user, using a manual wheelchair may simply be out of the equation. In these cases an electric wheelchair may be a better choice and there are a number of alternate control systems available that make using a wheelchair much easier, such as allowing the user to control it with head.
However, many people enjoy manual wheelchairs for just this reason and enjoy the physical effort required to use it. There are many wheelchair sports that are becoming increasingly popular, such as wheelchair racing and wheelchair rugby. So, for a number of wheelchair users, the physical effort required to use a manual wheelchair is looked on as a benefit. Manual wheelchairs are also much more responsive, in that the wheelchair user ultimately has a great deal more control over the wheelchair, which is a big benefit for many, just as many people prefer manual vehicles over automatics.
Where the Wheelchair Will Be Used
The place and location that the wheelchair will primarily be used is also an important thing to think about. If the wheelchair is going to be primarily used in the home, then using a manual wheelchair will require a great deal less effort than if it were to be a mode of transportation across a college campus. If on the other hand, the wheelchair will be used away from home, an electric wheelchair, which often has a per-charge range of over 15 miles, might be a much more efficient and practical choice.
Determining how and where the wheelchair will be used is important. It is also important to consider how the wheelchair will be transported though, because a manual wheelchair can be folded up and placed in the back seat of a car or the trunk with little problem. Transporting an electric wheelchair is not usually as easy and typically requires a vehicle wheelchair lift.
The Cost of the Wheelchair and Wheelchair Accessories
As is usually the case, it is also important to consider cost when deciding whether to use a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair. If it is possible to get a Medicaid Wheelchair or a Medicare wheelchair, then the cost of the wheelchair will be greatly reduced, with the insured usually only responsible for 20% of the cost.
However, if insurance is not an option, than an electric wheelchair can be very expensive, at least in comparison to a manual wheelchair. Even a top end manual wheelchair is usually much less expensive than a power chair, so it is important to consider your budget.
When considering cost, it is also important to consider operating cost, as a power chair will require periodic replacement batteries, usually once every 12 to 18 months, depending on use. Power chairs also usually require a vehicle wheelchair lift to make transportation easier, so if it will be used away from home, this could be an additional cost. It may also be necessary to install a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp at home, which in reality is probably needed for both power chairs and manual wheelchairs, although it is most assuredly needed to move a power chair into and out of the house, as electric wheelchairs are much heavier than manual wheelchairs.
A Quick Look at the Power Chair
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Electric wheelchairs, which are often called power chairs, have been around for over fifty years and are very important, because many people are not able to use a manual wheelchair, which requires a great deal of upper body strength. However, power chairs have changed a great deal since when they were first invented.
The power chairs of fifty years ago were simply manual wheelchairs that had been fitted with an electrical motor. The E & J manual wheelchair was very popular at the time and consisted of a foldable frame made up of hollow steel tubes. A number of companies began to develop power chair converter kits, which could be easily added to the E & J frame, turning it into an electric wheelchair. Today, while the influence of the E & J design can still be seen in most manual wheelchairs, power chairs are actually much different.
Modern power chairs consist of a molded plastic base, which consists of the wheels, electric motor, rechargeable battery, and other electrical components. A chair is attached to the base, which in someways looks similar to a high-end office chair, except many also include an adjustable headrest.
The chair, which is referred to as the Captain’s Chair, usually has an adjustable height and armrests that can be raised or lowered to make it easier to transfer into and out of the electric wheelchair. Typically, the chair can be quickly removed from the base of the power chair, to make it easier to transport.
While there have been many changes to the power chair over the years, one thing that has remained the same is the way the wheelchair is controlled. Of course there have been many technological advances, but the joystick has been the traditional wheelchair control since they were first developed. The joystick of the wheelchair allows the wheelchair to be moved in any direction by simply pushing the joystick in the desired direction. An electric throttle, which controls the speed of the power chair, is also usually attached to the captain chair’s armrest.
The joystick control usually only requires a single finger to operate, but for some using the standard control is not possible, so a number of alternate controls exist. Alternate controls can be as simple as a allowing for head movements to move the electric wheelchair, but there are many much more advanced control systems available.
Today, portable power chairs are becoming more popular and manufacturers have begun to manufacture travel power chairs, which are designed to be quickly and easily disassembled into several easy to manage pieces. Individually the pieces are typically rather light, which means the wheelchair can be transported without requiring a wheelchair lift or other type of wheelchair carrier. Of course, to help reduce weight, they usually lack features and do not have as comfortable of a chair. However, portable power chairs can be very useful for those who will be traveling on a plane or other form of public transportation.
Power chairs are today very common, but the manual wheelchair is still the most used type of wheelchair.
The History of the Modern Manual Wheelchair
Friday, August 21st, 2009
Manual wheelchairs are one of the oldest types of wheelchairs known to man and records of their use can be traced back thousands of years. However, up until the end of the nineteenth century, there was very little standardization when it came to manual wheelchairs and they were often only available to people who had the resources to hire a professional builder.
Wicker and Wood: Early Wheelchair Designs
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, however, the wicker basket wheelchair began to become very popular. These wheelchairs provided a wicker seat for the person using the wheelchair, which had a very long and high back. These wicker wheelchairs had three wheels and were not only incredibly bulky, but also very heavy.
As a result of how these wheelchairs were designed, it was very difficult to transport a wicker wheelchair and it was also very difficult for the person using the wheelchair to move it on their own. Instead, they were forced to rely on nurses and family members to push the wheelchair if they wanted to move around.
In addition to the wicker wheelchairs, there were also several popular wooden wheelchairs, which were also incredibly heavy and difficult to transport, but were easier to self propel than the wicker wheelchair.
The Development of a Lighter Easier to Use Manual Wheelchair
Despite all their flaws, the wicker wheelchair would remain the standard in wheelchair design for over two decades until the 1930′s, when the first foldable tube framed manual wheelchair was developed. This new wheelchair was created by two inventors named Everest and Jennings and would come to be called the E & J Wheelchair.
Harry Jennings set out to build a newer lightweight wheelchair when he saw the difficulties his friend Herbert Everest was having using the standard wicker wheelchair. Together, they came up with a very innovative wheelchair design, which used hollow metal tubes and a foldable frame. By using metal tubes, they were able to create an incredibly strong wheelchair frame, which was also relatively lightweight.
The E & J Wheelchair frame could also be folded up and placed in a carriage or other vehicle, making easily traveling with a wheelchair possible for the first time. As the E & J Wheelchair was being developed, the build up to the Second World War was beginning and the E & J Wheelchair would soon have a number of users.
The First Electric Wheelchairs
The E & J wheelchair was also used as the base of the first electric wheelchair, when inventors in the 1950′s developed an electric motor that could be attached to the frame of an E & J wheelchair. This allowed the E & J wheelchair to be easily turned into an electric power chair and several companies began selling conversion kits for the E & J Frame.
The Wheelchairs of Today
The E & J manual wheelchair quickly became the standard and was used worldwide. Today, E & J wheelchairs are still available and their influence can be seen in virtually all modern manual wheelchairs.
Choosing the Right Electric Power Wheelchair
Friday, August 14th, 2009
For wheelchair users, the choice between an electric wheelchair and a manual wheelchair often revolves around the physical abilities of the wheelchair user. However, there are a number of other considerations, including personal preference, budget, and the place the wheelchair will be used.
For those that have decided to invest in an electric wheelchair, selecting the right power chair is very important, so it is important to understand some of their features and some of the different types of electric wheelchairs.
Rear-Wheel Drive Power Chairs vs Mid-Wheel Drive Power Chairs
There are several ways to categorize electric wheelchairs, but the drive system is one of the most important considerations. Power chairs are either driven by a mid-wheel drive system or a rear-wheel drive system. Understanding the difference between the two is important, because they both offer advantages and disadvantages.
A rear-wheel drive power chair, as the name implies is driven by the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive power chairs typically have only two sets of wheels, one in the front and one in the back, with the back wheels being responsible for moving the wheelchair. They may also have anti-tip casters, but as far as actual weight bearing wheels, there are usually only four. Since the weight of the wheelchair user is spread out evenly amongst the four wheels, the rear wheel drive system provides a very stable platform. This makes it a better choice for outdoor use or higher weight capacities.
A mid-wheel drive power chair, on the other hand, has three sets of wheels and is driven by the middle set of wheels. This main advantage of a mid-wheel drive power chair is that it is very maneuverable, which results in a smaller turning radius than rear wheel drive system. However, the weight distribution is not as even on a mid wheel drive system, as the middle set of wheels supports the most weight. This makes them not quite as stable as a rear wheel drive system, but an excellent choice for indoor use, because mid-wheel drive wheelchairs are so very maneuverable.
Portable Power Chairs vs Standard Power Chairs
Deciding whether to go with a portable power chair or a standard power chair is also an important consideration and depends a great deal on the needs of the user and where the electric wheelchair will be used.
Portable power chairs, which are also sometimes called travel power chairs, are designed so that they can be taken apart into several easy to manage pieces. These individual pieces are light enough that they can usually be lifted by most people, so that the wheelchair can be transported without using a vehicle wheelchair lift. However, it is important to note that even though portable power chairs are designed to be as light as possible, the heaviest piece is usually around fifty pounds, so some might still find this too heavy to lift.
In order to reduce weight, portable power chairs have reduced features, such as smaller seats, and also typically have a slightly lower top speed, range, and weight capacity.
Standard Power Chairs, on the other hand, weigh a great deal more than portable power chairs and typically require a vehicle wheelchair lift to transport. Standard power chairs can typically still be easily disassembled, but the individual pieces are typically heavier than those of a portable power chair, with the heaviest piece usually weighing around ninety pounds.
While standard power chairs are not as easily transported without a vehicle wheelchair lift, they are typically more comfortable and include more features. Standard power chairs usually have a more comfortable chair, a higher per-charge range, higher top speed, and a greater weight capacity than travel power chairs.
Increasing Accessibility With a Power Chair
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Today, many of those who use wheelchairs, opt to go with a electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs, which are also called power chairs, are popular for a number of reasons, including the fact that they can be operated with very little physical effort on the part of the wheelchair user.
Power chairs are not exactly a new invention and have been used for over fifty years. Back then, however, power chairs were simply manual wheelchairs that had been outfitted with an electric motor. The E & J Manual Wheelchair, which was incredibly popular at the time, actually had several do-it-yourself converter kits, which were sold to consumers, so they could transform their manual wheelchair into an electric wheelchair.
Today, power chairs remain to be very popular, but most do not share the same design as that of a manual wheelchair. Instead, most modern power chairs have a small plastic molded base, which contains the electric motor, axles, batteries, and other electrical components. A chair, often referred to as the captain’s chair, is attached to the base and often looks more like an office chair, complete with armrests, extra padding, headrest, and in some cases a reclining backrest.
Understanding Electric Wheelchair Controls
While the overall design of the power chair has greatly changed since it was first invented over fifty years ago, one thing that is still very similar is the default control system. The standard control system on electric wheelchairs is a joystick control that is attached to one of the chair’s armrest. This allows the power chair to be moved in any direction by the push of a button. However, unlike the original electric wheelchairs, modern wheelchairs also have a throttle setting to control the speed of the wheelchair. They are also much more sensitive than the first wheelchair controls, deftly turning and controlling the wheelchair in a very fluid motion.
While the joystick control system is the default control for most electric wheelchairs, there are many people who are unable to use it. For these people, a number of alternate controls are available, which can allow the power chair to be easily controlled even by people who are unable to move their hands.
Many of the popular alternate wheelchair controls are based around using the head. There are systems that allow the wheelchair to be controlled by head movements and also some that use the individuals breath to move the wheelchair. There are also a great number of experimental wheelchair controls in the works. This includes using magnets on the persons tongue and even several that rely on a brain computer interface, which uses signals from the users brain to control the electric wheelchair.
In addition to alternate control systems that make it easier for the wheelchair user to control their wheelchair, there are also a number of control schemes intended to make it easier for caretakers to move the wheelchair. The most basic is a simple remote control, either wireless or directly attached to the wheelchair, which can be used by someone walking next to the power chair. There are also much more advanced systems, which can learn the floor plans of a home or other area and then be programmed to move the wheelchair to any area in the home.
Electric wheelchairs are very powerful tools and remain to be one of the most popular accessibility tools. While these devices have been around for over fifty years, modern power chairs are much more reliable, durable, and powerful than their predecessors.
Modern Power Chairs
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
Electric wheelchairs, or power chairs, are today a very important accessibility aid that greatly improves the lives of millions of people every year. While modern power chairs offer similar functionality to the first electric wheelchairs developed almost 60 years ago, their design and reliability has changed a great deal.
Power Chair Range and Speed
One of the biggest changes to the modern power chair is that it now uses a much stronger and more reliable electric motor. The batteries are also much improved, offering a much greater per charge distance. This not only means the wheelchair can be driven further faster, but also that it can support more weight and preform better over uneven terrain. It is not uncommon for an electric wheelchair to be able to travel more than 10 miles on a single charge, with a number of power chairs having a range between 15 and 20 miles. The top speed is also significantly higher, with most power chairs traveling at speeds at or above 5 miles per hour.
General Power Chair Design
While from a functionality and reliability standpoint, having an improved electrical system is one of the biggest differences between modern electric wheelchairs and their predecessors, there are also a significant number of changes involving the design of the device. The original electric wheelchairs were simply manual wheelchairs that had been outfitted with an electric motor and battery. However, today, most electric wheelchairs share a much different design.
This includes a much smaller molded plastic base, which contains the electrical components of the wheelchair. A seat is installed upon this plastic base and is usually referred to as the captain’s chair. Depending on the type of wheelchair, the captain’s chair could be relatively small, or it could resemble a high end office chair, with a high back and extended armrests. In either case, it is much different than the chair used on most manual wheelchairs, which is made out of slats of vinyl.
Power Chair Controls
There are in fact a great number of improvements and changes that have been made to the power chair over the years, many of these mechanical, but the standard electric wheelchair control scheme is the same. This is of course the joystick control system, which is found on most electric wheelchairs. The joystick is attached to the armrest of the wheelchairs chair and allows the power chair to be controlled by only the push of a finger.
There are also a number of alternate wheelchair controls that are commonly used, made available for people who are not able to physically able to use a standard joystick control scheme. There are many different types of controls, often aided by computers, allowing power chairs to be controlled by the angle of ones head, an individuals breath, or other parts of their body’s. For caretakers, there are also several popular remote control systems that can be attached to a standard power chair, allowing the unit to be controlled by someone walking behind it.
Even though the modern power chair shares a number of similarities with the first electric wheelchairs in regards to the functionality, they are actually quite different. Not only do they have a completely different design, but the modern power chair is much more reliable and durable.