Motorized Wheelchair

Motorized wheelchairs are generally the type of wheelchair mobility prescribed for people who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions. Common styles of such wheelchairs are rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and center-wheel drive. Each style of medical wheelchair has particular handling characteristics and also varies by type of wheelchair seats. Some models look much like manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, others have seating like that of an automobile. These chairs are sometimes referred to as powered wheelchair and cover a wide range; from pediatric wheelchair to portable electric wheelchairs that can be disassembled, to heavy-duty electric wheelchair and rehab chairs. They may be designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, or both.

Using a Powered Wheelchair

The user of a or powered wheelchair typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers; examples of such devices include chin controls and puff/sip scanners. The user blows into a tube located near the mouth, which controls the movement of the chair. This controller is delicate and usually an expensive component of a powered wheelchair.

Functionality

Functions such as leg elevation, seat elevation, tilt - a feature that tilts the entire seat assembly and footrests upwards to an angle, recline - a feature that tilts the seat back and raises the leg rests up horizontally, and other features useful or necessary to health and functionality. Benefits commonly found in a motorized wheelchair includes more maneuverability in small or tight spots, and spring suspension that offers a smooth ride on uneven outdoor surfaces.

Customizing

These can be custom made wheelchairs whether it’s portable electric wheelchairs, a heavy-duty electric wheelchair, or rehab chair. There are numerous options that can be added to suit particular needs and make it a custom made wheelchair. Examples of such options include transport tie-down feature which allows the wheelchair an be used as a car seat, various powered seating options, non-powered adjustable seating options, back options, and control device. Some custom made wheelchairs offer more portability than others as they can be disassembled and folded for easy transport i.e. portable electric wheelchairs, whereas a heavy-duty electric wheelchair may not offer as much ease.

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