A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Electric Wheelchairs

 

You want an electric wheelchair that suits your life. It should give you comfort every day. Many people listen to what other users say before buying. Needs can change, so some people buy another wheelchair later. This guide helps you stay comfortable and happy for a long time.

Key Takeaways

• Think about your daily movement needs before picking an electric wheelchair. Think about how much you will use it and what surfaces you will go over.

• Talk to healthcare professionals for advice that suits you. They can help you find the best fit and features for your life.

• Look at different types of electric wheelchairs. Each type has special benefits, so pick one that fits your space and comfort needs.

Assessing Needs

Daily Mobility & Activities

Start by thinking about what you do each day. This guide helps you look at how you get around at home, school, or work. You may need an electric wheelchair for short trips inside or longer trips outside. How active you are will help you choose the right features. If you use your electric wheelchair all day, you need a comfy seat and a strong battery. If you only use it for errands, a lighter wheelchair might be better.

Tip: Talk to a specialist for a mobility check. They will look at your posture, measure your body, and see what you do each day. Occupational therapists can help you find the best fit and support.

Environment & Terrain

Think about where you will use your electric wheelchair. Some are best for inside, while others are good for outside or rough ground. Look at the surfaces you travel on every day. If you go outside a lot, pick one with bigger wheels, a strong motor, and good suspension. For inside, choose a small wheelchair that turns easily.

• Specialists can help you match your electric wheelchair to your surroundings.

• Occupational therapists look at your health and what you do each day.

• Pressure mapping shows if you need more support for comfort and safety.

There are many choices, so this guide helps you think about your goals and where you will keep your wheelchair. You can find an electric wheelchair that fits your life and helps you feel confident every day.

Electric Wheelchair Types

You can pick from different electric wheelchair types. Each one fits certain needs and ways of living. When you look at these types, you see how design changes comfort and balance. It also affects where you can use your chair. Most people who buy electric wheelchairs are adults. In 2023, adults made up 86.3% of buyers. Mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair models are the most popular. They have 43.0% of the market. Standalone wheelchairs are also common, with 84.4%. Portable and foldable electric wheelchair options are becoming more popular.

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchair models give you strong power and balance. You can control them well on outdoor paths and rough ground. These types are good if you want to go off-road or need help on hills. Rear-wheel drive chairs help you move over grass, gravel, or bumpy ground. You might find them harder to turn inside because they need more space. If you want a power wheelchair for outdoor trips, this type could be right for you.

Tip: Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchair models work well outside. You should check if your home has enough space for turning.

Mid-Wheel Drive

Mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair models turn very well. You can move easily in small spaces and inside buildings. These types, like the Permobil M Corpus VS, have a small turning circle. You can get around furniture and through narrow halls. Mid-wheel drive chairs are the most popular because they are steady and easy to move. You may find them comfy for daily use at home, school, or work. If you want a power wheelchair that feels steady and turns well, mid-wheel drive is a good choice.

• Mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair models are the most popular.

• You can use them for most things inside.

• They are not as strong on rough ground as rear-wheel drive types.

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive electric wheelchair models give you smooth rides and strong outdoor performance. You can climb over things and move on bumpy ground easily. These types soak up shocks and bumps, so you feel comfy on rough paths. Front-wheel drive chairs, like the Permobil F5 Corpus, are great outside. They can be harder to turn inside, but they are very good for outdoor travel.

• You can drive smoothly.

• You get better balance.

• You can get over obstacles more easily.

• You can turn in small spaces.

Folding & Portable Models

Foldable electric wheelchair models are easy to carry and move. You can fold them and put them in small places. These types are good for people who travel a lot or need to put their chair in a car. The portable wheelchair market is growing quickly. Foldable electric wheelchair options are light and simple to use. You can take them on holidays or short trips. If you want a power wheelchair that fits in your boot or cupboard, pick a foldable electric wheelchair.

Note: Foldable electric wheelchair models help you stay active and independent. You can store them easily and take them anywhere.

When you look at different power wheelchair types, you see how each design helps with different needs. You can pick from many wheelchair options, like foldable electric wheelchair models, mid-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and front-wheel drive. You should think about where you will use your electric wheelchair and which features are most important to you.

Electric Wheelchair Buying Guide: Key Features

When you start looking for an electric wheelchair, focus on the most important things. This guide helps you compare different choices. You can pick what suits your life best. Checking key features makes you feel sure before you buy.

Battery Life & Range

Battery life and range show how far you can go each day. You need a chair that fits your daily trips. Some models let you add more batteries for longer journeys. Here are some average ranges:

• 7.2 miles (room for 2 batteries to double distance)

• 9 miles (room for 3 batteries to triple distance)

• 13.8 miles

• 15.9 miles (40Ah battery) or 20.3 miles (55Ah battery)

• 21.7 miles (60Ah battery) or 29.2 miles (73Ah battery)

• 21.7 miles (53Ah battery) or 27.9 miles (63Ah battery)

• Up to 30 miles at most

Lithium batteries make your electric wheelchair work better. They give more power but are smaller and lighter. These batteries last longer and do not need changing often. You save money and spend less time fixing your chair. Safety features stop overheating and overcharging. Fast charging means you can use your chair again quickly. Lithium batteries are also better for the planet because they make less waste.

Tip: Pick a battery that matches how far you travel each day. If you go out a lot, choose a model with a bigger range and quick charging.

Portability & Storage

Portability is important if you travel or need to store your chair. You want a chair that fits in your car boot or cupboard. Lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre make it easy to lift. Folding frames help you pack your chair for trips or holidays. Small designs fit in most car boots, so you can take your chair anywhere. Some models have batteries you can use on planes, so flying is easy.

• Light materials make carrying simple

• Folding frames help with storage

• Small size fits in car boots

• Plane-safe batteries for travel

If you move your chair a lot, look for these features. Travel and storage will be much easier.

Safety & Terrain Capability

Safety features keep you safe on rough ground and bumpy paths. You need a chair that can handle bumps, slopes, and curbs. Strong wheels and tyres help you grip the ground and soak up shocks. A good suspension system keeps you comfy on gravel or grass. Powerful motors help you climb hills and go over rough ground. Long battery life lets you stay outside longer. Good ground clearance stops your chair from getting stuck.

• Strong wheels and tyres for grip and shock

• Good suspension for comfort on rough ground

• Powerful motor for hills and rough paths

• Long battery life for outdoor trips

• High ground clearance for curbs and bumps

Note: Always check if your chair can handle the ground you use. You want to feel safe and sure wherever you go.

Innovative Features

New technology makes electric wheelchairs easier and nicer to use. Some models have smart systems and special options. The table below shows some new features:

You can use these features to make your daily life better. When you follow this guide, you find choices that fit your needs and help you stay independent.

Callout: Always look at new features when picking your chair. The right model gives you more comfort, safety, and makes life easier.

Checking key features of electric wheelchairs helps you make good choices. You can use this guide to find a chair that fits your life and makes you feel sure every day.

Power Wheelchair: Comfort & Fit

Seating & Positioning

You need a power chair that supports your body all day. Good seating helps you stay comfortable and prevents aches. You can choose from different seat shapes and sizes. Some power chair seats have extra padding for longer use. You may want a seat that lifts or tilts. This helps you reach things and change your position. You can ask for a seat with memory foam or gel. These materials keep you cool and reduce pressure. You should check if the seat fits your hips and legs. A proper seat helps you sit straight and move easily.

Tip: Try sitting in a power chair before you buy it. You will know if the seat feels right for you.

Support & Adjustability

You want a power chair that gives you good support. Adjustable armrests and footrests help you relax. You can move them to fit your height. Some power chair models let you change the backrest angle. This helps you find the best position for your back. You may need extra support for your head or neck. You can add headrests or side supports. These features help you stay safe and comfortable. You should check if the power wheelchair lets you adjust the seat and supports easily.

• Move armrests up or down

• Change footrest height

• Adjust backrest angle

• Add head or side supports

A power chair with good support helps you use it for longer. You will feel less tired and more confident each day.

Callout: Always check the adjustability of a power chair. You will get better comfort and support for your daily life.

Buying an Electric Wheelchair: Cost & Value

Price Range & Budget

You should know how much electric wheelchairs cost. Basic models start at about £1,000. Chairs with more features can cost £5,000 or more. The price changes if the battery lasts longer or the motor is stronger. Extra comfort and new technology also make chairs cost more. You need to compare different models and see what you really need. A guide can help you look at price and value. Try to find a chair that gives you the most for your money.

Insurance & Funding

Insurance keeps your electric wheelchair safe from loss or damage. There are different types of insurance you can pick. The table below shows some common choices:

You can also get help from the government. The NHS has Personal Wheelchair Budgets. This lets you choose a wheelchair that fits your needs. You can use a non-NHS supplier if you get approval. Since December 2019, you have the right to a personal wheelchair budget. This means you have more choice and better value.

• Personal Wheelchair Budgets let you pick NHS wheelchairs.

• You can use other suppliers if you get permission.

• You can get a budget for both manual and electric wheelchairs.

Balancing Cost, Quality & Features

You want to get the best deal when you buy a wheelchair. Looking at cost and value helps you choose well. Check for important things like battery life, how much weight it holds, and if it is easy to move. Think about how much it costs to fix or keep working. A good warranty and support are important too. You should look at price, quality, and features together.

• Pick features that fit your daily life.

• Remember to check how easy it is to fix.

• Choose a chair with a strong warranty and good support.

A guide can help you balance these things. You will get the most for your money and enjoy your wheelchair for a long time.

Suppliers & After-Sales Support

Finding Reputable Retailers

You should buy your electric wheelchair from a trusted shop. Good shops help you get a safe and strong wheelchair. They also make sure your money is well spent. Some shops fix up used wheelchairs and check them before selling. Charities and groups sometimes sell second-hand wheelchairs that are safe to use. You can also look online for sellers, but always check if they are trustworthy.

• Look up sellers to make sure they are reliable.

• Check the wheelchair’s condition before you buy it.

• Learn about the warranty so your money is safe.

• Pick shops that fix and check used wheelchairs.

• Think about charities for good second-hand choices.

• Use safe online sites to find good sellers.

Tip: Always ask to see the wheelchair work before you buy. This helps you know if it is right for you.

Warranty & Maintenance

Warranties are different for each brand. Top brands give you longer cover and extra help. You should read the warranty rules before you buy anything. The table below shows what most warranties include:

You need to look after your wheelchair to keep it working well. Batteries last about 1.5 to 3 years if you charge them often. Motors need oil to run smoothly. Wheels and tyres wear out faster on rough ground, but you can change them. Frames last a long time. Cushions may need changing to stay clean.

Customer Service

Good customer service makes things easier for you. Pick shops that answer your questions and help you after you buy. Friendly workers can help with repairs, warranty problems, and advice. You can ask for lessons on how to use your wheelchair. Good service helps you feel safe and keeps you moving.

Note: Good after-sales support means you get help when you need it. You can use your wheelchair without worry.

You need to pick an electric wheelchair that fits your life and body. Healthcare professionals say you should look at the ground you travel on, how high the seat is, and what you might need later. Getting a check that is just for you and having follow-ups helps you stay comfy. When you want to buy an electric wheelchair, write down your top choices, try them out, and talk to experts. Picking the right one lets you be more independent and enjoy life more.

FAQ

How do you choose the right electric wheelchair size?

First, measure your body to know what you need. Check the seat width to see if it fits you. Try out a few models to find what feels best. Make sure you can sit well and move without trouble.

Can you travel with an electric wheelchair on aeroplanes?

Most airlines let you take electric wheelchairs if the batteries are approved. Speak to the airline before you fly to check their rules. Ask about how to store your wheelchair and what battery types are allowed.

What maintenance does your electric wheelchair need?

Charge the batteries often so your chair works well. Clean the wheels and frame to keep them in good shape. Look at the tyres to see if they are damaged. Book regular checks with a specialist. Always follow the maker’s instructions.