Smart Mobility: How to Choose the Best Power Wheelchair

Gone are the days when wheelchairs were synonymous with limited mobility. Nowadays, power wheelchairs give you more independence and control for moving inside and out. Regardless of whether you’re enhancing your manual model or purchasing an electric wheelchair for someone else, finding the ideal one can be a challenging task due to the wide range of options to suit different lifestyles and needs. To help you figure things out, here is a list of the most important factors to consider when buying.

Read more: Smart Mobility: How to Choose the Best Power Wheelchair

Types

Improve your mobility and gain more independence with a premium electric wheel chair. Generally speaking, there are three types available on the market. You can choose between a front, rear or mid-wheel model.

Although choosing the ideal type depends mainly on your lifestyle and daily needs, power wheelchairs with larger front wheels offer a smoother ride outdoors. They also allow you to get closer to tables and countertops. Since front-wheeled models have a larger turning radius, they are not the most suitable for beginners. However, they are still the best all-around option and can navigate tight corners with ease.

Those looking for a comfortable ride can benefit from rear wheelchairs. These have the largest turning circle of the three options, which means that they are stable at high speeds, but not when going uphill. Rear models are best for outdoor use.

Beginners should stick to the mid-wheel solution as these power chairs have the smallest turning circle of the three options. They navigate small spaces very well and are best for indoor use. The mid-wheeled option comes with less suspension but increased stability.

Range

The range you need will depend on your lifestyle. Consider where and how frequently you’ll be using your powered wheelchair. Your occupation, whether you drive, your social activities, the settings in which you’ll use the wheelchair, how often you leave your home, as well as the need for a portable powered wheelchair, are some of the key factors to consider when choosing the right electric wheel chair.

Each powered wheelchair has a specified mileage that it can achieve on a full charge. Generally, smaller and lighter batteries provide a shorter travel distance compared to their larger, heavier counterparts.

However, it’s essential to understand that a smaller battery does not necessarily mean a reduced range compared to larger, configurable powered wheelchairs. For example, lightweight models with lithium batteries may weigh less because of the battery type rather than its size, while still offering a similar range.

You should also look for a foldable electric wheelchair Australia-wide. These have gained popularity due to their numerous practical advantages. One of their key benefits is the ease of transportation they come with. Foldable alternatives typically fit comfortably in the trunk of a standard vehicle and can navigate tighter spaces more easily.

Use

One of the key factors to consider is the environment in which you will be using your powered wheelchair, your living situation and whether you will need to navigate it indoors.

Countryside

If you reside in a rural area, you may need a powered wheelchair equipped with durable, larger wheels and enhanced suspension to navigate uneven terrain effectively. Additionally, a powered wheelchair with an extended range could be beneficial if public transportation options are limited in your region.

All-terrain-powered wheelchairs can tackle challenging conditions, featuring larger wheels and a significantly longer range. These models can provide increased access for those who love hiking and exploring the great outdoors. However, they may not be ideal for everyday use.

City

If you reside in a city with smooth sidewalks and reliable public transportation, you probably won’t require extensive range or suspension. A compact, manoeuvrable powered wheelchair is ideal for navigating buses, trains, and taxis. Additionally, if you use public transit frequently, a smaller powered wheelchair is likely the most suitable choice for you. In urban settings, however, challenges like broken glass on the sidewalks are common, so opting for solid tyres may provide you with greater reliability.

Indoors

If you plan to use your powered wheelchair primarily indoors, it’s important to consider the available space. Many homes feature smaller turning areas and narrow doorways, which can make getting around more difficult. So, before choosing a powered wheelchair, measure all the doorways in your home to ensure that the chair will provide you with complete access throughout your living space.

Height and Weight

All powered wheelchairs have different weight limits, so it’s good to know your weight when looking at all the options. There are heavy-duty powered wheelchairs that have a higher weight limit.

If you are quite tall or short, then a configurable powered wheelchair could be a better option for you. Standard powered wheelchairs have a basic range of seating adjustments, whereas a configurable powered wheelchair can be tailored to your measurements, providing the best fit and more options.