Electric wheelchair

A Electric wheelchair helps people with multiple walking difficulties to participate in life on the move despite their disability and to travel independently. Seniors with age-related weakness also like to use an electric wheelchair to get around. There are different types of drive and different application possibilities due to the design.

What is a power wheelchair?

An electric wheelchair is an aid for people who have difficulties moving as a result of their disability or impairment. It is a means of transportation, not a therapy device.

The electrically powered wheelchair is particularly suitable for people whose arm strength is insufficient for a manually powered wheelchair. An electrically powered wheelchair is also particularly suitable for people with a general weakness or people living alone who cannot help pushing a wheelchair.

There are models with a direct drive by an electric motor and, alternatively, electric wheelchairs with an indirect drive. These are folding wheelchairs, each equipped with a wheel hub motor on both sides.

There is a difference between electric wheelchairs and electric vehicles, which cannot be precisely adapted to a disability. In contrast to an electric wheelchair, electric vehicles can usually be controlled centrally and are only used for outdoor use.

The energy for driving an electric wheelchair comes from an accumulator. It is controlled from the side via a joystick. If the hand mobility is disturbed accordingly, other types of control can be installed.

Shapes, types & types

Power wheelchairs come in many shapes, types, and types.They are often made very specifically for an individual disability or adapted according to personal needs.

Basically, a distinction can be made between electric wheelchairs for indoor use and electric wheelchairs for outdoor use. However, there are also combination models and mixed forms.

If they are intended for indoor use, they usually have a very simple tube construction. Two electric motors are attached to the rear wheels. These enable indirect drive. Lead-gel batteries enable the electrical supply. In contrast to the liquid gas batteries, they can also be charged indoors because they do not gas. Electric wheelchairs of this type are relatively heavy. They are not suitable for manual pushing. Simple wheelchairs with an additionally installed wheel hub drive are often better suited for use indoors, since they can also be moved manually and are much lighter. The speed of these electric wheelchairs for indoor use is around 6 km / h.

Combined electric wheelchairs for indoor and outdoor use are among the most popular models. These combination models are agile enough for indoor use and still have enough robustness to be driven outdoors.

Wheelchairs directly for outside use have a greater range than combination models, have direct steering and can reach speeds of up to 15 km / h.

Structure & functionality

If only a manual wheelchair is to be converted to an e-fix, the accessories required are drive wheels, a mains charger, a junction box and a control unit, a charging cable and battery pack, a swiveling bracket for the control unit and anti-tippers. Folding wheelchairs need a quick-release axle so that everything can be assembled in a few minutes. Equipped in this way, a folding wheelchair can be driven electrically or manually.

A distinction is made between indoor, outdoor and combination wheelchairs for the finished electric wheelchairs. They mostly have a modular structure so that they can be quickly and individually adapted to the driver. In the basic structure, electric wheelchairs consist of a large, ergonomically shaped chair. Matching armrests and footrests are attached. The electric wheelchair also consists of two larger wheels, which are also connected to the electric drive. Furthermore, two smaller wheels that function as training wheels.

Depending on the type and structure of the electric wheelchair, the larger wheels are either in the front or in the rear, depending on whether the drive is from the front or the rear. There are also outdoor electric wheelchairs with four wheels of the same size and a corresponding four-wheel drive.

Electric wheelchairs have a control in the hand area or in the head area, so navigation can take place, for example, using a button that is integrated in the headrest. The electric motor and batteries are located under the seat. The batteries supply the electric motor with electricity for locomotion. The batteries can usually be recharged at night. They are then connected to an electrical outlet by a cable. It is controlled with an interface that is similar to a small computer.

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Medical & health benefits

Electric wheelchairs have great medical and health benefits, as they enable locomotion and thus mobility for people with multiple disabilities. With an electric wheelchair it is possible for the user to retain a large part of his independence. This also supports the mental health of a disabled person. The power wheelchair is an essential aid for many people with walking difficulties.

Electric wheelchairs offer significantly more freedom than manual wheelchairs, as the user can move independently inside and outside. He can do without pushing aids. An electric wheelchair protects against dangerous isolation, as disabled people can actively participate in life with it.

In most cases, an electric wheelchair becomes a loyal companion for people who are permanently disabled. Vacation away from home is also possible. It should be noted that airlines will only transport an electric wheelchair if the batteries are disconnected or removed. An electric wheelchair is financed by the health insurance company if the area close to home is no longer accessible to a person with a disability.