Power Wheelchair Types And Features
What Is A Power Wheelchair
Power wheelchairs, also known as power chairs, is a type of motorized wheelchair. Controlled by a joystick which controls the battery, motor and steering. Power chairs are a great solution for those who lack upper body strength to power a manual wheelchair but still want the freedom to be mobile. Power wheelchairs do not require arm strength to propel forward. With the technology of today, an electric wheelchair can easily move forward or backwards, has a tight turning radius, can be driven on different terrains, and some models even elevate the user so they are at eye level with others! A power chair is more than just the freedom to go where you want, but it helps you feel included with others.
Wheelchair For Sale
Whether you are looking for a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair, the main thing you want to look for is something that is reliable, durable, and fits your needs. As an authorized dealer, every wheelchair for sale at Scooter Direct is new and comes with a warranty. We’re always here to help whenever you need us, whether it be help figuring out which powerchair is best for you or if you need help with repairs or warranty.
Different Types of Power Chairs
There are different types of wheelchairs for sale to accommodate different needs and lifestyles. It’s helpful to know which electric wheelchair fits your needs before looking for a wheelchair for sale.
Standard Power Wheelchair
A Standard Power Wheelchairis the most common type of power chair. These electric wheelchairs are made for every day use, so they are known for being reliable, durable, easy to use, and comfortable. The standard power wheelchair is great for paved paths, with some of them being able to drive on gravel. With great turning radius and long lasting battery life, the standard power wheelchair allows freedom to live the life you desire.
Heavy Duty Wheelchair
A Heavy duty
wheelchair is built for a variety of terrains and for heavier riders, including those who need their power
chair to carry weights of more than 350 lbs. If you are in need of a bariatric wheelchair, the best option is a
heavy duty wheelchair. The heavy duty wheelchair is a perfect bariatric wheelchair, as they have wider seats, a
stronger motor, more torque, and more comfort.
Not only is the heavy duty wheelchair a great bariatric wheelchair, but it’s perfect for the outdoor lover. Many
heavy duty wheelchairs have tires for rougher terrain, heavy-duty suspension, enhanced stability, and longer
battery life.
Travel Power Chairs
A travel electric wheelchair is a power portable wheelchair made from lighter materials. Travel power wheelchairs are lightweight and easy to transport. These portable wheelchairs either disassemble into multiple pieces or fold for transportation. Travel power chairs do not require a lift or carrier to be transported.
Foldable Power Chairs
Foldable power wheelchairs are an electric wheelchair that easily folds for easy transport. Many of these are lightweight folding electric wheelchairs for travelling. They has less features, have a smaller frame, and a shorter battery distance. That keeps these foldable electric wheelchairs as light as possible. These lightweight folding electric wheelchairs for travelling easily can be placed in the trunks of cars, taken on airplanes, or stored in smaller spaces.
Disassembling Power Chairs
The power chairs that disassemble are also a great option for those on the go. These portable wheelchairs have a lighter frame, but are sturdier than the lightweight folding electric wheelchairs for traveling. The disassembling type of electric wheelchair can handle indoor use and some outdoor use. These are more comfortable and can be used every day. These traveling power chairs are perfect for the person who is on the go.
Things To Consider When Looking For A Wheelchair For Sale
Aside from knowing what type of power chair would fit your lifestyle best, there are other features to consider when you are looking for a wheelchair for sale. Your electric wheelchair should bring you the freedom to live your life comfortably and allow you to go where you want. Here are some things you should keep in mind when you’re looking for a wheelchair for sale.
- Maneuverability -Although power wheelchairs have great maneuverability, some have tighter turning radiuses than others. Think of the location you’ll be primarily be using your power chair to determine how tight of a turn you’ll need to have.
- Wheelchair size - The power wheelchairs come in different sizes, particularly width. You’ll need to make sure that your power chair can fit through the doorways, particularly in your home. Also keep in mind the space needed for your wheelchair when it’s not in use.
- Weight Capacity - Weight capacity is a big factor when purchasing an electric wheelchair. The powerchair’s weight capacity includes the user’s weight and the weight of items they may be carrying. Going over the weight capacity can shorten the chair’s life, make it slower, and it may become unbalanced. The weight capacity for a standard power chair is generally between 250 to 300 pounds. The heavy duty wheelchair can handle between 450 and 600 pounds, making it a better choice for a bariatric wheelchair.
- Comfort - You’re going to be spending a good amount of time in your power chair, you’re going to want to make sure you are comfortable. Comfort can include arm rests, padded seats, and choosing a seat with the correct width and depth.
- Portability - Think about how you want to transport your power wheelchair. With the folding or travel power chair, you can easily transport in the trunk of a car. It needs little space. Standard and heavy duty wheelchairs will need to be transported by either a wheelchair carrier or lift.
- Wheelchair Carrier: A wheelchair carrier attaches to the the hitch of a vehicle and is more simple. To transport your chair, a piece of the carrier unfolds into a ramp. You’ll drive your wheelchair onto the carrier and press a button to lift the ramp up. The powerchair is secured to the ramp and you’re ready to go.
- Electric Wheelchair Lift: An electric wheelchair lift is the easier way to transport the standard or heavy duty power wheelchair. The electric wheelchair lift is versatile and with just the flip of a switch, you’re ready to go.
Recommended Powerchair Brands
Pride Mobility is one of the most reliable brands of both mobility scooters and powerchairs. Pride Mobility
offers a variety of models to fit different needs. Pride Mobility also is user friendly, easy to use, easily
maneuvers, durable, and comes with a warranty. The Pride Jazzy wheelchair series has many different great
powerchairs. Pride Jazzy offers power wheelchairs for the outdoors, heavy duty powerchairs, portable
wheelchairs, lightweight chairs, and folding electric wheelchairs.
Pride Jazzy Carbon:The Pride Jazzy
Carbon is one of the most favored folding electric wheelchair. Jazzy Carbon weighs only 43.6 pounds,
making it extremely lightweight and easy to travel with. It has an airline compliant battery and a carbon fiber
frame, making the Jazzy Carbon the go to powerchair for travel.
Pride Jazzy Air 2: The Pride Jazzy Air
2 is the modern powerchair. The Pride Jazzy 2 elevates 12 inches in just 11 seconds and can drive up to 4
mph while elevated. It's designed to enhance social interactions and accessibility by allowing users to adjust
their seating height quickly. These features makes the Pride Jazzy Air 2 a popular choice.
Pride Jazzy 1450: The Pride Jazzy 1450 is a great heavy duty power wheelchair. With a weight capacity of 600 pounds, the Pride Jazzy 1450 is one of the strongest models. This wheelchair has knobby drive tires, meaning it can drive on uneven surfaces. That means this powerchair is ready to go outdoors.
Jazzy EVO 613: The EVO 613 is a
great standard power wheelchair. It offers a compact design with a 22-inch base width, facilitating easy
navigation in confined areas. It's tailored for users seeking a balance between indoor agility and outdoor
capability.
Pride Go Chair: The Go Chair is a
portable power chair that disassembles easily, providing greater independence for users who need a lightweight
and transportable solution.
There are many other Pride Mobility and the Pride Jazzy series. If you’d like to see which one fits your needs
the best, please feel free to give us a call and speak with one of our specialists: 1-800-987-6791
How To Buy A Powerchair
When you are ready and know which powerchair you want to buy, purchasing a powerchair is easy. You can either place your order by calling us at 1-800-987-6791 or place an order on ScooterDirect.com. Take note, we do not bill insurance, so if you are going through your insurance company, you’ll need to sort out with them what they require. With ScooterDirect, we do offer financing to help give you the option to make low monthly payments. Once your order has been placed, your powerchair will be shipped to you directly to your home between 3-5 business days. Then you are good to go! It’s just that easy.
Power Wheelchair FAQs
Yes, generally power wheelchairs are slower than mobility scooters for safety. However, at 3.5 to 4 mph, they are still faster than the average walking speed so you will not be left behind.
Yes. Power chairs and wheelchairs do work on firm ground outside. Pavement is best for normal operation and safety.
No. Powerchairs have a motor engage/disengage lever to put the motor in a neutral position which allows them to be pushed.
Powerchairs have a much better turning radius and are preferred for indoor use especially in smaller homes or apartments. They work better than mobility scooters for getting on and off elevators getting into and out of bathrooms and other tight spaces.
here is a category of power wheelchairs designed for easy transportation. Travel Powerchairs, like the Go Chair with a heaviest part of 36 lbs are light enough and small enough to be lifted into a vehicle.
If you are caught in the rain, it is recommended you get under shelter as soon as possible. But if that is going to take too long then you want to cover the joystick as quickly as possible to prevent it from getting damaged.
8. Is there an option to lock these chairs to avoid misuse by kids?
Most power
wheelchairs have a power button without a key so there is no way to lock the unit to prevent use.
Most power wheelchairs have a power button without a key so there is no way to lock the unit to prevent use.
No, Power Wheelchairs are very easy to operate and will arrive in the box with very good instructions for assembly and operation.
Mobility scooters are a better option for significant outdoor use especially when used on uneven or rough terrain. Mobility scooters are often faster and would be better in some cases such as exercising a dog or use as a community vehicle.