Power wheelchairs (also known as electric) have many features to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. These chairs can be operated with minimal movement often using a joystick controller. These chairs can handle everyday terrain such as sidewalks, gravel, and grass with specific options being considered “all terrain”. A draw back to powerchairs is their battery life and weight. Transporting powerchairs often requires a wheelchair van or public transit; although there are options on the market that can disassemble to fit in smaller cars. Let’s explore common considerations when purchasing your power wheelchair.
Power Wheelchair Finder Tool
Avoid hours of looking up power wheelchairs! After reading this article take a look at the power wheelchair finder tool. It is designed to show you what power wheelchairs are currently on the market and their key features.
Mid-Wheel vs. Front-Wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are controlled with power to the 2 most front wheels. These power chairs are able to handle rougher terrain but have a larger turning radius. While Mid-wheel drive chairs are controlled by the middle set of wheels. This allows for a tighter turning radius but can limit the chairs ability to handle larger curbs and obstacles. The turning radius needed is often determined by your home as it is likely to have the tightest spaces. The terrain a chair can handle is often limited by the front wheels, in mid-wheel drive the front wheels are half the size of the main wheels; while in front wheel drive the front wheels are the largest set.
Battery Life
When purchasing a power wheelchair look at the expected battery life and distance that can be travelled. If you are spending all day in the chair and rolling often then you may prioritize having a longer, more reliable battery life.
Adjustable vs. Non-Adjustable
Adjustable means that the seat width and depth can be adjusted. This feature often increases the price of the wheelchair, which you may notice is the opposite for manual wheelchair pricing. An adjustable chair can grow with you, meaning if you gain or lose weight the seat can adjust only requiring a change in seat cushion.
Power Seating Options
Wheelchairs with power seating give you more freedom to move throughout the day. These options can be added (for an additional cost) on to Quantum and Permobil wheelchairs. Tilt is the most common feature added on to power wheelchairs as it significantly reduces the risk of pressure injuries. Elevate and standing are useful features depending on your daily life.
Tilt
Power wheelchairs with tilt allow you to easily angle your seat back using the wheelchair’s controller (often joystick). This feature is used to off-load pressure throughout the day which avoids pressure injuries. Tilt can also be useful for personal care such as dressing. Recline may be part of tilt or it’s own feature.
Elevate (iLevel)
Powerchairs with the elevate feature allow you to raise up while seated. This feature is great for reaching items that are high up and having conversations at standing height.
Standing Feature
A few powerchairs on the market offer standing features. Using knee and chest supports, these wheelchairs stand you up and allow you to roll in the standing position. It’s like having a standing frame wherever you go.
Controllers
The classic controller option is a joystick which allows you to control the chair using 1 hand. The joystick covers can be changed out for options with better ergonomic grips. Depending on hand dexterity and control you may want to look at palm grips; they allow you to control the joystick with your palm regardless of finger dexterity.
Another option for controllers is the sip-and-puff, which allows you to control the wheelchair using your mouth/breath. This option is helpful if you have limited or no hand control.
Head controls are another option that can be combined with sip-and-puff or used on their own. These controls allow you to control your wheelchair using side to side head movements or wireless voice control. Click here to read more from the Sunrise website.
Push Handles
Power wheelchairs have the option for push handles to be placed on the back. These are typically used by caregivers should the chair need to be pushed. For example, if the battery dies. Push handles also give a spot for bags/backpacks to hang on.
Wheelchair Weight
Power wheelchairs are expected to be heavy ranging from 50-400lbs. This makes transporting them a challenge. The lighter weight power wheelchairs typically fold or disassemble making it possible to fit in the trunk of a car. That feature requires you to transfer out of the wheelchair and typically have support putting it in the trunk. The heavier weight wheelchairs require accessible transportation often a van or bus. The benefit of using a van or bus for transport is that you can stay in your wheelchair during transit.
In manual wheelchairs, the weight of each item (brakes, cushion, ect.) is carefully considered since the chairs are around 15lbs. In power wheelchairs, the chair weight is expected to be high making each item matter less. You can get the heavy cushion, backrest, and lights without having to care about the added weight. This is less true if you are going for a lighter option and disassembling it each time.
Cushions & Backrests
There are many cushion options for power wheelchairs similar to the options for manual wheelchairs. In a power wheelchair there is less concern for overall chair weight allowing you to choose more “heavy-duty” cushions. This often is called “high profile” cushions or specialized seating.
The back rest of your power wheelchair will often have a solid frame giving you additional support. These backrests can have contour which gives lateral support to help with weak core muscles. Headrests are sometimes attached to the backrest along with other add-ons such as chest straps. Depending on your core strength you may opt for a lower backrest that sits below the should blades. This option can allow you to use your core muscles but will not allow for a headrest of chest strap/supports.
