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Electric Wheelchair |
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Electric wheelchair is a mobility device used basically by people who cannot propel a manual wheelchair. There are many different models of the electric wheelchair built to accommodate special needs.
Electric wheelchairs use gears and belts or both. They are belt-driven or gear-driven. Belt-driven electric wheelchairs needs more maintenance and typically very quiet. Gear-driven electric wheelchairs need low maintenance and fairly quiet since it gets noisier in the process. It is a mobility device used basically by people who cannot propel a manual wheelchair. There are many different models of the electric wheelchair built to accommodate special needs.
General Characteristics: Electric wheelchairs have ruggedness variation. It has a joystick and is most often needed by people who cannot walk at all and/or have use of only one hand. The joystick can be placed on either the right or the left-hand side. These are harder to use than the scooters and are rented only to those who use one at home but do not wish to bring their own. Power wheelchairs offer freedom and mobility. The first-released low-end electric powered wheelchairs have light frames that are suitable for indoor use, but their wheelchair frames crack, front forks bend, and wheelchair motors die when they are used to excess in the outdoors. The latest high-priced electric wheelchairs are more rugged and reliable, with frames designed to handle more weight. Some newer electric models even have spring suspension, which allows a smooth ride over uneven territory.
Typical electric wheelchair features are given below. This serves as a guide to choosing an electric wheelchair based on your special needs.
- Type of seat: rigid seat or sling seat.
- It may or may not require headrest for postural support.
- It has a cushion.
- Method of control may be in forms of joystick, chin control, sip-puff control, head control, or attendant control.
- It has a battery for recharging.
- A charger may be separate or built-in.
- Armrest may be desk, full-length, detachable or fixed, flip-up, or adjustable height
- Backrest may be fixed angle, reclining, or fold-down.
- Footplates may also be: fixed or detachable, adjustable height, heel, calf support, or elevating leg rest.
- Right type of wheel is important for it affects the maneuverability and smoothness of the ride. Smaller wheels are more suitable for indoor use.
The electric wheelchair manual is the first place to look for maintenance and troubleshooting help. The electric wheelchair dealer or repair agent may be called for further help. To do some repair work yourself, you need some basic supplies, like: tire pump, gauge and puncture repair kit; 2 tire levers; can of lubricant and grease; screwdrivers, spanners, pliers; and rags for wiping parts. Maintenance equipment can be bought directly from the supplier or from a hardware store, bicycle workshop or service station. Make use of the services while the wheelchair is under warranty, especially for torn upholstery, any damage to the frame, motor, electrical wiring, batteries, and drive belts or for adjustment to wheel bearings. While transporting the electric scooter or electric wheelchair, consider: the type of car; can the electric scooter or electric wheelchair be disassembled; and try to use a lifter, carrier, ramps or trailer - whichever is available. |
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Invacare Allegro Pediatric
Wheelchair
Peditric wheelchair that grows
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