A power wheelchair helps people with multiple walking disabilities to participate in life in a mobile manner and travel independently despite their disability. Seniors with age-related weaknesses also like to use a power wheelchair to get around. There are different types of drive and different uses due to the design.
What is a power wheelchair?
Power wheelchairs are to be distinguished from power mobility devices, which are not as precisely adaptable to a disability. A power wheelchair is an assistive device for people who have difficulty getting around as a result of their disability or impairment. It is a means of transportation, not a therapeutic device. The electrically powered wheelchair is particularly suitable for people whose arm strength is insufficient for a manually powered wheelchair. An electrically powered wheelchair is also particularly suitable for people with a general weakness or for people living alone who have no help to push a wheelchair. There are models with a direct drive by an electric motor and alternatively electric wheelchairs with an indirect drive. These are folding wheelchairs, each equipped with a wheel hub motor on both sides. Electric wheelchairs are to be distinguished from electric mobility scooters, which are not so precisely adaptable to a disability. In contrast to an electric wheelchair, electric scooters are mostly center steerable and are more common for outdoor use only. The energy for the drive of an electric wheelchair comes from an accumulator. The control takes place laterally over a joystick. If the hand mobility is appropriately disturbed, other types of control can also be installed.
Forms, types and types
Power wheelchairs come in many shapes, types and styles. They are often made very specifically for an individual disability or customized according to personal needs. Basically, a distinction can be made between power wheelchairs for indoor use and power wheelchairs for outdoor use. However, there are also combination models and mixed forms. If they are intended for indoor use, they usually have a very simple tubular construction. Two electric motors are attached to the rear wheels. These enable indirect drive. Lead-gel batteries provide the electric power supply. Unlike liquid gas batteries, they can be charged indoors because they do not gas. Electric wheelchairs of this type have a relatively high weight. They are not suitable for manual pushing. For indoor use, simple wheelchairs with an additionally installed wheel hub drive are often more suitable, as they can also be moved manually and are much lighter. The speed of these indoor power wheelchairs is about 6 km/h. Combined indoor and outdoor power wheelchairs are among the most commonly sold models. These combination models are agile enough for indoor use, yet have enough sturdiness to be driven outdoors. Wheelchairs directly for outdoor use have a longer range than combination models, have direct steering, and can reach speeds of up to 15 mph.
Structure and operation
If only a manual wheelchair is to be converted to an e-fix, the accessories needed are drive wheels, a mains charger, a junction box and control unit, charging cable and battery pack, a swing-away bracket for the control unit and tilt supports. Folding wheelchairs need a quick-release axle so that everything can be assembled in a few minutes. Thus equipped, a folding wheelchair can be powered electrically or manually. Finished electric wheelchairs are divided into indoor, outdoor and combi wheelchairs. They usually have a modular structure, so that they can be quickly adapted individually to the driver. In their basic design, power wheelchairs consist of a large, ergonomically shaped chair. Matching armrests and footrests are attached to it. Furthermore, the power wheelchair consists of two larger wheels, which are also connected to the electric drive. Furthermore, two smaller wheels that function as support wheels. Depending on the type and design of the power wheelchair, the larger wheels are either front or rear, depending on whether the drive is directed from the front or rear.There are also outdoor power wheelchairs with four equally sized wheels and a corresponding four-wheel drive. Electric wheelchairs have a control in the hand area or in the head area, so navigation can be done, for example, via a button that is integrated in the headrest. The electric motor and batteries are located under the seat. The batteries supply power to the electric motor for locomotion. Usually at night, the batteries can be recharged. They are then connected to a power outlet by a cable. The control is done with an interface that resembles a small computer.
Medical and health benefits
Power wheelchairs have very great medical and health benefits, as they enable locomotion and thus mobility even for people with multiple disabilities. With an electric wheelchair, it is possible for the user to retain much of their independence. This also supports the mental health of a disabled person. The electric wheelchair is thus an almost vital aid for many people with walking disabilities. Power wheelchairs offer a much greater degree of freedom than manual wheelchairs, as the user can move independently both indoors and outdoors. He can do without pushing aids. A power wheelchair protects against dangerous isolation, as the disabled person can actively participate in life with it. In most cases, a power wheelchair becomes a faithful companion for people who are permanently disabled. Vacations away from home are also possible. It should be noted that airlines will only transport a power wheelchair if the batteries are disconnected or even removed. An electric wheelchair is financed by the health insurance if the local area of his home is no longer accessible for a person with a disability.
