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Electric Wheelchairs



These are designed to be powered by electricity moving gears, belts or both. The belt drive wheelchair is known for its quiet operation, but look for a higher maintenance quotient with these chairs. Gear powered chairs are quiet as well, but do not require the high maintenance of a belt drive chair. The tradeoff is in the longevity...gear drives do not last as long as the belt drives and the decibels increase as they age.

It is important to know the prevailing terrain before choosing an electric wheelchair. Less expensive chairs have light frames and are best used indoors. Outside sidewalks with cracks and bumps can quickly dismantle a lower end wheelchair. Some of the newer, more expensive electric models are built to handle the outdoors with stronger frames and even spring suspension to make a bumpy ride smoother.

If considering an electric wheelchair, there are three main models:

  • Rear wheel drive
  • Front wheel drive
  • Mid wheel drive

The more conventional rear wheel drive is Speedy Gonzales compared to the front wheel drive models, but is not as flexible in turning. The front wheel drive models give you a tighter turning radius but won't win you any races. The trade off is necessary as the combination of speed and turning flexibility could be dangerous. The mid wheel drive models are designed with the caster wheels in the rear with a pair of anti-tip wheels in the front. You will have tight turns but instability on quick stops and starts.

Electric wheelchairs may also offer a reclining feature and an option to tilt the whole seat and foot rests 45 degrees to relieve pressure from constant sitting.



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