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If people are immobile or disabled but need to get around on their own, it’s best they use the services of electric wheelchairs. Usually, electric wheelchairs are heavier than their manual counterparts because the weight of the wheelchair includes the weight of the battery and motor. This makes it ideal for use on rough terrain and to climb stairs.
Choosing your electric wheelchair: It’s best to choose a wheelchair after consulting one’s physical or occupational therapist. Today, there are several electric wheelchair options, depending on one’s needs. So, how do you choose the one that suits your needs best? Here’s how:
Rear wheel drive electric wheelchairs: These are the commonest kinds of electric wheelchairs available today. They move fast and are very stable and come with an anti-top feature to prevent such chairs from falling backwards when negotiating a climb. However, their turning radius and their ability to go uphill are their chief drawbacks.
Center wheel drive electric wheelchairs: This is very highly maneuverable with a tight turning radius which allows the user to navigate inside the house very easily. Easy to operate, it has caster wheels on the front and back for better balance.
Front wheel drive electric wheelchairs: These wheelchairs are the best when on difficult terrain and on slopes, making it ideal for the outdoors. When turning at high speed, such electric wheelchairs become just a little unstable. This is counterbalanced by their low maximum speed.
Heavy duty electric wheelchairs: These are specially designed for heavier people ranging from 135-270 kg. Their chairs are wider and are made of reinforced standard equipment.
Portable or travel electric wheelchairs: Travel or electric wheelchairs allow the user to fold and travel with their wheelchairs. Lightweight, they can be easily carried from place to place.
Foldable electric wheelchairs: These too can be transported but can serve as one’s permanent wheelchair. They come with adjustable seating features with armrests, backrests or cushions, and can be taken wherever you go—outdoors or indoors.
How to use your electric wheelchair safely: Considering disabled people or those who have met with an accident or undergone a surgery generally use electric wheelchairs, special care must be taken to use these machines safely. Here’s a guide to help users:
? Always use the seat belt as they protect the user’s and the attendant’s lives.
? While getting off an electric wheelchair, a user must first ensure there’s a curb or driveway before getting off. If he or she doesn’t do this, the user could fall backwards and injure the back of his or her spine, head or neck.
? Electric wheelchairs are usually heavy, due to which it is possible that users may lose their balance and fall backwards. Care should be taken to see that the user stays within the wheelchair until it’s time to get out of it.
? At some point, electric wheelchairs can stop working for some reason. So, it’s best to choose quiet lanes to maneuver the wheelchair instead of a busy street.
? Lastly, the user should use an electric wheelchair sensibly, rather than as a means of adventure racing.
Article Source: http://www.everyonesarticles.com
Ian Millen is the author of this article on Mobility Scooters.
Find more information about Electric Wheelchairs here.
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