A Primer on Motorized Wheelchairs
In years past, being dependent on a Motorized Wheel Chair gave a person two options; keep sufficient upper body strength to move yourself, or employ another person to move you around every day. Naturally, not every wheelchair bound person has a fit and functioning upper body. Very few people have the resources to employ a full-time attendant, and it is even less common to have a spouse or other relative with the time and devotion required to be an assistant. Happily, these days we are able to own motorized wheelchairs which allow us to preserve our independence without presuming on another person.
Motorized wheelchairs are steered by mounted joysticks, so you merely need the use of one hand to guide the chair. Powered wheelchairs are usually more maneuverable than normal wheelchairs, since the rider isn’t required to place their arms beyond the edges of their chair. The motor allows the chairs to provide power-assisted postural supports, such as power tilt and recline. These capabilities allow the user to alter their position often enough to prevent pressure sores.
One or two models of motorized chairs can lift the user to a standing position so they can spend their time upright rather than seated. Motorized wheelchairs come with more tire and power base possibilities, and usually incorporate spring suspensions, which enable them to maneuver on uneven surfaces effectively. While transporting a motorized wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible bus, a motorized chair could be belted to the vehicle and treated as a normal car seat; a feature which is not found in most normal wheelchairs.
Motorized wheelchairs have several issues, however. First, they will prove very heavy and may need a Wheel Chair Lift. The chairs are animated by heavy duty batteries which weigh quite a bit alone, and when this weight is combined with the very solid suspension and the remaining support frame, you can own as much as 300 lbs of wheelchair before the person is actually in it. Because of the required weight and size, even travel power chairs are not very convenient to go through an airport with, and when it’s time to take apart and store these kinds of chairs, you will probably want the help of one more set of hands. Predictably, Motorized Wheel Chair & Lift will also be quite expensive. They usually run between $1800 and $8000, although in some situations, Medicare will pay for as much as 80% of that expense. Quite a few retailers are more than happy to help you in completing the Medicare paperwork, fortunately, and often they will send in the paperwork for you.
Motorized wheelchairs could be handy products for folks with very limited mobility who choose not to limit their lives. These chairs will provide any user the mobility and independence needed to enjoy an active lifestyle.
Tariq Yaman works with an Wheelchair Disability Scooter website that educates consumers about the Motorized Wheel Chair & Lift.
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