 There are a large number of people who suffer from disabilities due to accidents and health conditions. These misfortunes often cause traumatic changes within the individual’s lifestyle including loss of physical mobility. If you are one of these individuals, don’t worry; with modern technology, you can have partial if not complete mobility with ease. In this regard, portable powered wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs help you immensely in regaining mobility at the same time providing you the seating comfort.
Designed especially to facilitate movement and enable injured and sick to move about freely, these powered and motorized wheelchairs come equipped with all the necessary features to make it a comfortable ride.
Basic Designs
Motorized wheelchairs are available in three basic designs. It includes
- Power-base wheelchairs
- Motorized versions of manual wheelchairs
- Wheelchairs with big wheel bases
Powered specifically by batteries or electricity, these wheelchairs are a much better option as compared to manual wheelchairs. To get best results, it is quite important that wheelchair fits your physique and is in line with doctor’s recommendation.
Drawbacks of Using Used Power Wheelchairs
Some people commit the mistake of using used or old power wheelchairs. Find below some of the drawbacks of using used power wheelchairs.
- The physical makeup of used power wheelchairs can get affected. This in turn can pose lots of maintenance issues.
- Used power wheelchairs are often not compatible to the new user due to different medical diagnosis.
- There is no guarantee or warranty with used power wheelchairs.
How to Use Motorized Wheelchairs?
 First of all, you need to use the given seatbelt in order to operate powered wheelchairs in outdoors. If your wheelchair does not have any seatbelt, it is advisable that you install one as it is for your own safety. In addition, attach wheelie bars if your wheelchair does not have them. A motorized wheelchair provides you mobility with high speed. Because of this, it is quite mandatory that you remain careful when moving.
To avoid accidents, foot-support straps are necessary. Most of the motorized wheelchairs have automatic brakes but this does not mean that you can stop all of a sudden. A sudden jerk or stop can damage your wheelchair. Use of joystick control is advised when you want to move quickly.
Customization of Wheelchair
On the basis of disability level, motorized wheelchair may require customization. In case, if the user has no hand function and therefore cannot take the assistance of a joystick in order to control the wheelchair, customization of wheelchair becomes important. When the customization is done, user will get an opportunity to use another body part to control the wheelchair movements.
As motorized wheelchairs are quite expensive research thoroughly before ordering one. Before buying motorized wheelchair make sure that you consult your doctor and physical therapist. This is important because they can suggest you the kind of wheelchair which is ideally suited for you. Majority of motorized wheel chairs are not collapsible and due to this there is a good chance that they will not fit into your average car. You may require a special van for proper handling of motorized wheel chairs. However, folding motorized and powered wheelchairs are also available. Check with your doctor and therapist regarding the kind of powered wheelchair you should buy for easy mobility along with comfort.
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