Folding electric wheelchairs have made the world of a difference to those who cannot walk, but like an electric device, there are certain things a person should or should not do to make the battery holds a better charge and extend its life. To avoid costly mistakes and to make sure you don’t get stranded, here are some tips for charging a folding electric wheelchair.
Understanding Your Folding Electric Wheelchair
An electric wheelchair, foldable or not, is battery-operated and is controlled by a joystick. These wheelchairs are great for those who have weaker upper body strength. Unlike the manual wheelchairs which do not have any batteries and are powered solely by the user. With electric wheelchairs, comes its own set of challenges and things to know beforehand, like how much battery charge is left, where can you charge the battery, how long to charge the battery for, and even making sure to maintain the electric wheelchair as well.
What’s the difference between a folding electric wheelchair and a regular electric wheelchair, also known as a power wheelchair? Simply put, the folding electric wheelchair is more compact and simpler. It’s smaller in size, lighter, easier to transport, has less features, and is a lightweight wheelchair. A power wheelchair is bigger, heavier, and is generally used more. Both wheelchairs are battery-powered.
Best Practices For Maintaining & Extending Battery Life:
There are several ways and things to do to make sure your folding electric wheelchair battery is properly taken care of, maintained, and keeping it running as long as possible. Here are the best practices for maintaining and extending the battery life:
1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
First, read through the owner’s manual. The different brands may have different instructions to charging, troubleshooting, and maintaining the electric wheelchair battery. Follow the instructions and guidelines to make your battery last.
2. Use the Correct Charger
Use the charger that came with the folding electric wheelchair. Using a different charger might create issues or problems, such as overheating, charging with too much or little power, or may even start a fire. If you need a new charger, it’s best to contact an authorized dealer or the manufacturer. It’s also recommended to purchase a new charger from a reputable retailer instead of a used charger from marketplace sites.
3. Create A Regular Charging Routine
Creating a regular charging routine will help with knowing how charged the battery is. A dead or low battery is not a surprise you’ll want to get. If you can, estimate how much you’ll be driving your folding electric wheelchair. If the time is consistent, like daily, determine a good day to charge the battery. For example, every Thursday night you’ll charge the folding electric wheelchair (this will vary depending on the battery and electric wheelchair you have on the battery life. It may be more or less than once a week.)
4. Avoid Overcharging
Overcharging can shorten the life of the batter and opens the risk of fire. Most chargers are made to stop charging the battery once it's fully charged, but if your charger continues to charge, set a timer so you’ll know when to unplug the battery once it’s fully charged. Make this part of the charging routine so it’s always consistent and you become in the habit of unplugging it.
5. Monitor Battery Levels
Even though you may be maintaining the battery regularly, make sure you still check the battery levels. Batteries can still change within time, and may not hold the same exact charge from when you first purchased the battery. This can help prevent unexpected low or dead battery charges. It’ll be safest if you check this every time you start your folding electric wheelchair.
6. Charge in a Suitable Environment
Batteries are pretty sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you can, charge your folding electric wheelchair batteries in the house, where temperatures are pretty consistent. Charging the batteries in either extreme heat or cold can affect the speed and amount of charge it’s getting. Charging in heat may cause the batter to overheat, causing damage, or may even start a fire. If storing wheelchair batteries, store them in a cool, dry place.
7. Inspect the Battery and Charger Regularly
Make sure to check the battery and charger. Add this to the routine, like every month. Check for corrosion on the battery and check the cables for fraying. Clean the corrosion off, and if it’s happening more than it should, it might be time to replace the battery or the cables. If the cables show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them as well.
8. Use Electric Wheelchair Accessories Wisely
Some folding electric wheelchairs have USB charging ports for cell phones or other electronic devices. Keep in mind that using these ports do use energy from the wheelchair battery.
If you have a standard electric wheelchair, accessories such as lights will also use the battery, so it’s best to use the lights only as needed, or if you use it on the regular, just be mindful that part of the battery power goes towards those accessories.
9. Plan for Long Trips
If you’re going on a long trip, make sure your folding electric wheelchair is fully charged before you leave. Bring a portable charger or extra charged batteries, if you have one. If you don’t, then make sure you plan your trip with the amount of battery life you can do. This just takes some extra planning. See below for more tips on long trips and dealing with the batteries for your folding electric wheelchair.
10. Maintain Your Battery
Overall, just maintain the electric wheelchair battery. Making sure it’s clean, charging properly, storing it in cool, dry places, and not overheating the battery can significantly extend its life.
11. Stay Informed About Battery Health
If your folding electric wheelchair uses an app, check the app to stay informed on the battery's health. These apps can tell you the condition of the battery and when it needs maintenance. These apps can cut out some of the guesswork on what’s going on with the battery.
Charging Your Folding Electric Wheelchair While Traveling
If you’re nervous about traveling with your folding electric wheelchair, don’t be. As long as you plan your trip, you shouldn’t run into any issues. Here are some extra trips if you plan on traveling with your electric wheelchair or power wheelchair.
1. Carry a Portable Charger
A portable charger is the best way to ensure you can charge the battery. If you have one, bring it! If you don’t, you might want to look into purchasing one. Make sure the portable charger is compatible with your wheelchair’s battery. If you’re ever unsure, speak to a mobility specialist to make sure you buy the proper equipment.
2. Know Your Power Sources
When traveling, it’s important to know where you can get power from. Will you be able to charge at the airport, if need be? Are you staying somewhere where power is easily accessible, like a hotel or are you camping in a cabin without power? If you’re traveling internationally, the outlets may take a different plug, so be aware that you’d need an adapter.
3. Plan Your Stops
If you plan on being out and about a lot, it might be a good idea to plan your stops. If you’re out exploring the town, plan for a lunch break at a cafe where you can charge up while you enjoy a bite, for example. If you’ll be riding in a vehicle for a little while, many cars have the ability to charge your electric wheelchair battery as well. Make sure to check the vehicle you’ll be riding/driving so you can plan on if you can charge your battery or not.
4. Stay at Accessible Accommodations
If you can, stay where it’s wheelchair accessible, such as ramps, charging facilities, and space to maneuver around. Most hotels can accommodate electric wheelchairs, but if you are going somewhere more remote, you’ll need to check beforehand. If you do plan on staying somewhere that’s not wheelchair friendly, plan ahead for that. Plan on how you’ll be getting to the car to the sleeping quarters and how you’ll navigate around. This is not a surprise you want to pop up.
5. Emergency Charging Options
Always have a plan for an emergency. If your wheelchair battery happens to die while you are out and about, what’s the plan? Some people carry around electric wheelchair accessories for emergencies, such as solar chargers or power banks. These electric wheelchair accessories should help you gain enough of a charge to get to a charging spot.
Integrating a Wheelchair Ramp for Van Use
Folding electric wheelchairs are easy to transport, as they fold right into your vehicle. Though it's a lightweight wheelchair, many users find that a wheelchair ramp for their van has made it much easier to get the wheelchair in for transport. Here are some tips for integrating a wheelchair ramp for van use:
1. Choose the Right Ramp
Not all ramps are the same, so make sure to look for one that fits your needs best. Some ramps are for occasional use, while others are set for everyday use.
2. Secure the Ramp Properly
This is an important step! Make sure the ramp is securely and properly placed. If it’s not, the ramp could collapse, tip over, or break, causing you and your electric wheelchair to fall, causing damage or injury.
3. Practice Loading and Unloading
Navigating your folding electric wheelchair onto the ramp and into the van can be tricky. Take time to practice so when you are out and about, you can confidently get your chair in and you’ll be on your way.
4. Maintain the Ramp
Make sure to maintain your ramp so you can keep using it safely.
Finding an Electric Wheelchair for Sale
If you’re looking for an electric wheelchair for sale, here are some tips so you can find exactly what you are looking for.
- Research Different Models
Start with determining if the folding electric wheelchair or a standard electric wheelchair would fit your needs best. Then check out the different brands and models to compare which fits you ideally.
- Read Reviews
Reading reviews tells you about the quality or issues users commonly face. Reviews tell you how happy others have been with their purchase. Purchasing an electric wheelchair for sale is an investment and a purchase of your freedom. Make sure it’s a good one.
- Speak To A Specialist
When you speak to a mobility specialist, they can tell you about the electric wheelchairs you are considering purchasing and if it’ll fit your needs. They know the ins and outs of the chairs, so they can help guide you in finding the perfect electric wheelchair that's for sale.
Top Folding Electric Wheelchairs For Sale:
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Zip'r Transport Pro Folding Electric Wheelchair: The Zip'r Transport Pro Folding Electric Wheelchair has an amazing turning radius and can navigate both indoors and outdoors.
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Golden Cricket Folding Power Wheelchair: The Golden Cricket Folding Power Wheelchair is one of the lightest wheelchairs, making it easy to transport and store.
Why People Like The Lightweight Wheelchair
Of course, there are pros and cons to a lightweight wheelchair over a power wheelchair, which is much heavier. Users enjoy how easy it is to transport lightweight wheelchairs. It’s less strain on them and caregivers to push, move, or even store, if needed. The lightweight wheelchairs also use less battery power, since there’s less energy exerted from just the weight of the chair. The lightweight chairs do not look as durable, but don’t let the looks fool you. They are made with durable materials made to last everyday use.
Why People Like the Power Wheelchair
Then there are people who prefer the power wheelchair. The power wheelchair is more stable, generally more comfortable, offers more wheelchair accessories, and has a higher weight limit capacity.
Tips for Charging A Folding Electric Wheelchair
Charging your folding electric wheelchair correctly is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. By following these tips and being mindful of the environment and conditions in which you charge your wheelchair, you can ensure it remains reliable and ready for use. Additionally, integrating electric wheelchair accessories wisely, planning for trips, and considering factors like the right wheelchair ramp for van use can significantly enhance your mobility experience. Whether you're looking for an electric wheelchair for sale or aiming to choose the best power wheelchair for your needs, thorough research and consideration of your personal requirements are key. With the right knowledge and preparation, your folding electric wheelchair can provide you with the freedom and independence you deserve.
