The purchase of an electric wheelchair needs to consider various factors, including the core components such as frame material, controller, motor, battery, and brake system, as well as parameters affecting comfort such as seat width, seat length, seat height, seat back height, armrest height, etc. It is also necessary to consider the pre-sale and after-sale services of the chosen brand. When buying a power wheelchair, it is also crucial to choose the right type of power wheelchair, drive system, etc. according to the actual needs. Here is a look at how to buy a power wheelchair and five suggestions for choosing one.
There are many electric wheelchair products, and the price is not cheap, we should pay attention to the comprehensive consideration of product quality, material configuration, brand reputation, and many other aspects, to select a good quality, cost-effective electric wheelchair, in the purchase, the main consideration of the following points:
1.The core components of the electric wheelchair
1.1 Frame material:
The materials can be divided into carbon steel (that is, iron), aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and some high-end models are made of carbon fiber. The most common electric wheelchair frames on the market are made of carbon steel and aluminum alloy. The cost of carbon steel is relatively low, the load-bearing is not bad. The disadvantage is bulky, easy to rust and corrosion in water and humid environments, and the service life is shorter. Most mainstream electric wheelchairs are made of aluminum alloy, which is lighter than steel tubes and more resistant to corrosion, and the price is cheaper than magnesium alloy and carbon fiber.
1.2 Controller
Controller is the core component of the electric wheelchair, its good or bad directly determine the maneuverability and service life of the electric wheelchair. The quality of imported brand controllers is better than domestic ones. Just imported brand controllers cost more, generally equipped with high-end electric wheelchairs, and the price is also higher.
1.3 Moto
The motor is the core component to drive the electric wheelchair, according to the way of transmitting power, it is generally divided into brushed motor and brushless motor. The advantage of a brushed motor is its strong driving force, it will be easy to go up some small slopes, and the starting and stopping are relatively smooth. The disadvantage is that the conversion rate of the battery is low, and it is more expensive, so the wheelchair using this kind of motor will be equipped with a large-capacity battery. This will lead to the weight of the whole vehicle will be 30kg-100kg. The advantage of the brushless motor is the high conversion rate of the battery and power saving, so the battery does not need to be very large and can reduce the weight of the whole vehicle, most of the weight of the whole vehicle with this type of motor is about 25kg.
1.4 Battery
There are two main types of lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries, lithium batteries are lightweight and are mainly used in lightweight electric wheelchairs; secondly, the service life is longer, and lastly, lithium batteries are allowed to be carried on airplanes within the permissible energy range. Finally, lithium batteries are allowed to be carried on airplanes within the permissible energy range. Lithium batteries are also sold at a higher price, and the cost of replacing the batteries later is larger.
1.5 Brake system
The brake system can be divided into electromagnetic brake and resistance brake. Electromagnetic braking system is more recommended here because electromagnetic braking can also brake by magnetism when the battery is dead, which is safer compared to resistive braking.
2. How to buy the right power wheelchair
2.1 Portable, full-size or heavy-duty?
Portable electric wheelchair: Travel power wheelchairs are usually front or rear wheel drive. They can be folded or easily disassembled by removing the seat, battery, and base to fit in the trunk of a car or airplane cargo. These chairs tend to be smaller, making them ideal for apartments, shopping malls, and even cruise ships. The seat may have less padding, so it may be uncomfortable for people who sit in the chair most of the day or need extra support. The weight capacity is usually about 300 pounds.
Standerd electric wheelchair: If the user spends most of the day sitting in a power wheelchair, a full-size chair may be a better choice. Full-size power chairs typically have larger seats, armrests, and footstools, as well as more comfort padding, and backrests that can be reclined or flattened. Because the battery is larger than a travel/portable power chair, it also has a greater range (the distance you can travel before the battery needs to be recharged). The weight capacity is usually about 300 pounds.
Heavy-duty electric wheelchair：People who weigh more than 300 pounds will need heavy duty power wheelchairs with reinforced frames and wider seating areas. These types of wheels and casters tend to be wider to support the chair in which the user sits. Most heavy-duty power wheelchairs have a weight capacity of 450 pounds; more specialized wheelchairs have a weight capacity of 600 pounds, and some manufacturers produce 1,000-pound power wheelchairs.
2.2 How to choose the drive system
FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE: Front-wheel drive power wheelchairs can pass small obstacles very well. They have a sizable turning radius and are easier to maneuver around your home or in tight spaces. While these power wheelchairs can provide good stability, they can drag when turning at high speeds. Front-wheel drive power wheelchairs are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Rear-Wheel Drive: rear wheel drive power wheelchairs maneuver well over rough terrain, making them a good choice if you enjoy outdoor activities. The rear-drive system provides greater maneuverability even at high speeds. They do have a larger turning radius, so they may be difficult to maneuver indoors.
2.3 Seating and positioning comfort
Most users spend a great deal of time in power wheelchairs, so seating and positioning are important to their health and comfort. Power wheelchairs must accommodate customized backrests and seat cushions made of contoured shapes, gels, and other materials for those who need extra support. Individuals who are unable or have limited abilities should choose a power wheelchair that can recline or tilt in space to relieve pressure and increase blood flow. These types of wheelchairs can also simplify caregiver transfers and help users manage posture.Most of WENRY‘s power wheelchairs have customizable backrests and cushions.
2.4 Controller Selection
The most common controllers for power wheelchairs are joysticks and keypads. The joystick controls direction and speed on some models. Keypads also control speed and other features such as tilt and horn. Most require constant pressure to operate and will brake once pressure is removed from the controller. Depending on the physical condition of the user, the power wheelchair must be able to accommodate other types of controls:
(1) Head controls – switches added to either side of the headrest.
(2) Foot controls – pedals and buttons on the footrests.
(3) Chin controls – controllers near the chin and operated by the chin.
(4) Voice control – controlled by simple voice commands.