How an Electric Wheelchair is Different from a Manual Wheelchair

How an Electric Wheelchair is Different from a Manual Wheelchair

Posted by B&F Medical Supplies on Jun 28th 2019

Are you looking to buy a wheelchair for your family member or relative with disability? If yes, buy a flexible electric wheel chair to provide comfort and independence to the disable person. People with cardiovascular problems or disability due to some injury often like electric wheelchair due to its automatic mobility. This factor gives a lot of comfort to the people who are unable to walk or have a serious medical condition.

electric wheel chair

Generally, the electric wheelchair has four wheels to provide stability and control. These controls are programmable and can be operated using various kinds of joysticks or switches. A joystick on the armrest controls direction and speed in some models. The seating system in the wheelchair provides you comfort and safety. The amount of cushioning in the seat and backrest is important for the user. If users have difficulty in shifting their weight, some chairs can recline and others can tilt in space to manage posture and help in doing several activities.

Difference between Manual Wheelchair and Electric Wheelchair

Using a wheelchair to get around is important for people who have physical condition and have no endurance to walk need wheelchair. But which one is a better option between Manual wheelchair and electric wheelchair?

  • 1.Manual wheelchairs are propelled by the user or can be pushed by the caretaker. Electric wheelchair does not need any assistance from anyone. The wheelchair is operated with the battery with the use of a joystick to get around a home or outside.
  • 2.A powered wheelchair is heavyweight and harder to transport while manual wheelchairs are light and can be lifted in steps. This means that they are easy to transport.
  • 3.It is difficult to go long distance or on slopes with manual wheelchairs. If you are using powered wheelchairs you can go to a far distant place without feeling tired.
  • 4.Power wheelchairs are expensive than manual wheelchairs.
  • 5.Programming controls of electric wheelchairs are sophisticated and require regular maintenance.

Tips to Choose a Right Electric Wheel Chair

You need to know how often you need an electric wheelchair. Are you going to use it indoor or outdoor? Different models are suited according to the usage- from compact travel models to sleek indoor models to go everywhere. By understanding the features and applications that different models offer, you can figure out which electric wheelchair may be best for you.

  • 1.Before buying a wheelchair, check the seating material that eases your comfort. Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages regarding stability, pressure distribution and airflow. Check the cushion and backrest material properly.
  • 2.Check the battery life of a wheelchair and see which model has a long battery life. Check how far a single charge of a wheelchair can take you.
  • 3.Check your budget and match with the qualities that you need in a powered wheelchair.

In case, you do not know much about an electric wheel chair, you can consult a Physical therapist or an expert who can advise you to buy the best powered wheelchair.