There are several different kinds of wheelchair available today for those with disabilities and those who have mobility issues or injuries. A manual wheelchair is the most popular kind and cost effective.

Although a manual wheelchair is portable and lightweight, all operations must be performed manually because it lacks electronic features. For a manual wheelchair to function, the user must actively turn the back wheels with their hands, or a caregiver can assist by pushing the mobility aid from the back.

Other types of wheelchairs you may come across in your search include:

• Portable/traveling Electric Wheelchairs
• These portable gadgets are excellent for traveling.
• Full-size Power Wheelchairs
• These motorized wheelchairs are typical, reliable models with a variety of daily uses.
• Strong Power Wheelchairs
• The typical weight capacity is between 300 and more; it's mostly suited for difficult terrain or outdoor applications.

How Do Electric Wheelchairs Work?

The battery, motor, drive, and controller are the four fundamental components of an electric wheelchair that allow it to operate effectively without the need for manual assistance.

Rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, center-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive are the three different types of driving mechanisms available for electric wheelchairs.

Wet or dry cell rechargeable sealed lead-acid batteries of 4-5 amps are typically used in electric wheelchairs. You can drive an electric wheelchair using a joystick controller that regulates movements and adjusts speed.

There are more advanced features for people who cannot reach or use their hands to operate the controls. These alternatives include head-to-chin controllers, eye-to-computer screen controllers, and more.

What Is the Price of an Electric Wheelchair?

Depending on the high-functioning recline, turning capabilities, and other amenities, a typical electric wheelchair can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. Power chairs with high-end features designed for outdoors or uneven terrain may sell for $10,000 or more.

What Causes the High Cost of Electric Wheelchairs?

Electric power wheelchairs are made, produced, and designed using a staggering amount of technology and research. You can be sure that the company that made the wheelchair spent thousands, if not millions of dollars and many hours throughout the research and development phases, even though the materials used to build a particular wheelchair might not cost the same as the finished result.

In addition, even though the industry is expanding annually, there is still a dearth of demand for electric wheelchairs, giving producers a considerable competitive advantage. This is made worse by the fact that most users, regardless of cost, don't just desire but actually require an electric wheelchair.

One other thing to keep in mind is that an electric wheelchair manufacturer must receive FDA approval under the Powered Wheelchair category to distribute their mobility product in the USA. To fulfill particular requirements for quality, longevity, and product life requires considerable testing.

Wrapping Up

Considering all of these factors, it is simple to see why electric wheelchairs are more expensive than manual wheelchairs: They are more costly to purchase because they are more expensive to manufacture. However, for a lot of people, the price is totally justified by the freedom and independence these devices grant their users.