Although many people depend on a wheelchair for their daily mobility those who have a greater degree of physical disability may realise that using a wheelchair is a little bit too taxing. For these people, a powerchair is the answer. Also known as an electric-powered wheelchair or electric wheelchair, an all-terrain powerchair is the type of wheelchair that’s propelled by either battery system or an electric motor. The only effort that the user needs is to push a joystick button and they are on their way.

Since there are several electric powerchairs in the market sometimes choosing the best one can be a bit challenging. However, the good thing is that once you get one you’ll not only enhance your manoeuvrability but also improve your independence and be able to move around doing some of the most important activities at home. Since buying a powerchair can be a very important upgrade the decision to purchase one cannot be taken casually. This is because you must ensure that you are getting the best value for money. If you are searching for the best cheap powerchairs, click here to read our in-depth. Also, if you are looking for more information on the best one in the market you may check out www.nationalwheelchiarservices.co.uk.

Benefits of powerchairs

One of the best things about folding powerchairs is that they’ve significantly improved independence for many people who are disabled. Due to this they currently have a lot of popularity in the market. The innovative technology used in these wheelchairs is also enhanced daily to provide the users with comfort and the ability to travel long distances without getting tired. These unique features have, therefore, made them very important tools in people’s lives. Here are some of the benefits that one can enjoy with the best powerchairs.

• Independence. One of the major benefits of powerchairs is that they will provide you with a lot of benefits. For those who normally depend on someone to take them out to the shops or in errands, for instance, powerchairs can significantly give them independence. Remember, if you are suffering from limited mobility one of the worst things that you can do is to give up on your independence. Powerchairs will help you keep up with the demands of everyday use and gives you the best chance to move outdoors without any assistance.

• Comfort. As compared to manual wheelchairs, powerchairs will give you all the comfort that you need. Since they provide you with the ability to change your sitting position you can significantly improve your sitting levels. Unlike other wheelchairs the provide you with the ability to change between different sitting postures this will not only ease your pain but also keep you active while moving around. This is according to National Wheelchair Services. Also the good thing about them is that they can always be adjusted to suit individual needs.

• Improved posture. Those who suffer from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and any type of spinal cord injury can also that the positioning provided by powerchairs is very important. This means those who have various disabilities can significantly boost their independence and daily tasks. Since powerchairs users do not have to depend on others for their day to day activies they are very important for thee people.

• Features. Another reason why you need to go for powerchairs instead of manual ones are the features and add-ons that they normally come with. When discussing the feature that you require with your dealer they can always provide you with things such as elevated leg rests and much these elevated leg rests can help you elevate your legs above the hearty level and eve tilt the chair so you can manage your condition is the best way possible.

• You can use them to cover great distances. Those who want to cover great distances may always avoid doing so because of the lack of comfort and stability that they have. One of the best reasons why you need to choose powerchairs is the ability to cover long distances with a lot of ease. Since they are powered with battery you do not have to use any strength while moving around. This means whether you require assistance to move around or you have limited mobility you can always travel alone.

• Great outdoor travel. Users of powerchairs can really enjoy great outdoor travel using different types of tires and powerchairs. From rear-wheel powerchairs that offer stability to mid-wheel powerchairs that will provide you with better central position, these powerchairs will provide you with the best indoor accessibility. This means you’ll enjoy much better stability when turning with the powerchair.

• Space-saving. When it comes to scooters, powerchairs and manual wheelchairs, there is always a very huge difference. Since mobility scooter takes larger amount of room when being used, it’s not so practical to use it inside the house. Folding powerchairs are not only compact but also occupy a much smaller room that allows you to use them in the house. This is according to the best powerchair reviews.

Types of powerchairs

As compared to other wheelchairs, powerchairs usually provide a number of arm, leg and seating positions that can be used to accommodate a wide range of needs that users may have. Here are the main types of powerchairs.

Transportable powerchairs

Although most wheelchairs are heavy, transportable powerchairs refer to the ones that typically weigh less than 100 lbs thus making it easy to move them from one to another. Since it comes with different parts that can always be assembled easily they are easy to move in and out of the trunk with a lot of ease. These types of powerchairs also come with a compact size that allows them to fit easily in places such as narrow paths and doorways. Also, their lightweight frames can be folded into manageable pieces to ensure that they become the easiest and lightest wheelchairs in the market.

Powerbase powerchairs

This type of best power wheelchair for outdoor use usually identified by their wheel placement and motor. These wheelchairs also provide a very comfortable ride with a wide battery range. Powerbase powerchairs also offer driving, suspension, handling and seating effectively and easily. Generally, their centre of gravity is very low thus allowing one to have a very smooth ride while using them. The suspension packages of some of these powerchairs also make them quite suitable for outdoor use. However, since they generally cannot fold into smaller pieces they require transportation using ramps and lifts.

Heavy-duty powerchair

This type of wheelchair built mainly for use outdoors. The good thing about them is that you can comfortably use them in any outdoor terrain. They usually come in a rear, mid and front-wheel drives. They come with larger wheels hence are designed t provide one with a smooth ride on very rough terrain.

Travel powerchairs

These are perhaps the lightest and smallest powerchairs out there. Coming with the best turning radius, these types of wheelchairs can always be used well in very tight places. The good thing is that they are designed in such a way that they are transport friendly and can also be disassembled into smaller pieces within a very short time. These powerchairs always work best in places such as indoors, sidewalks or inside the stores because of their small sizes. Due to their compact sizes and reduced weight, they are the best chairs for those who are 250 pounds. The good thing is that they are the least expensive among all these powerchairs.

Full-sized powerchairs

As compared to the travel powerchairs, full-sized powerchairs are much larger and more complex powerchairs. They are usually available in a wide variety of options and prices to fit all your needs. The good thing about them is that they use very powerful batteries that can take you wherever you want to go all day long. They have a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds and can often go even up to 400 pounds. Perfect for everyday use and come in a wide range of prices most people prefer them to other powerchairs in the market.

FAQ about powerchairs

Are powerchairs comfortable?

Since the user will be spending a lot of time in the powerchair, comfortability is one of the most important things to consider before choosing the best one. Since most of them are fitted with adjustable seats they are believed to be some of the most comfortable wheelchairs out there. They are also fitted with other accessories such as lumbar support, seat cushions and even headrests that also add to their comforts.

Do they come with several controls?

Just like other electric wheelchairs, powerchairs are usually controlled using a simple joys stick. These sticks can be fitted on both the left and the right armrests to accommodate both the arms and make it easy to control them. However, there are some sophisticated ones that come with additional features that can allow you to add or reduce speed and even built-in battery indicators to show one the level that the battery has already reached. For more details about this check out www.nationalwheelchairservices.co.uk

Do they have accessories?

Just like all the wheelchairs, there are several accessories that must be there for one to enjoy using a powerchair to the maximum. From waterproof covers to pressure reliving cushions there are so many accessories that these wheelchairs come with. This is according to powerchair reviews and National Wheelchair Services.

The best features of powerchairs

There are several benefits that usually come with owning powerchairs over a wheelchair or mobility wheelchairs. Powerchairs are not only easier to drive but also easier to manoeuvre from one place to another. The good thing is that they are also the best choice for those who have limited mobility since they will require only less effort to move from one to another. Although they are always available in a set of styles, they generally have a set of features to ensure that your journey is as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.

Here are some of the main features that they have.

Large centre wheel

This is a wheel that’s fitted beneath the seat in the centre of the frame. This huge chunky wheel and tire can always power the chair either forward or backward with a lot of ease thus offering a very stable and safe ride every time one uses one.

Suspension

Whether it be rear, front or all-round, a powerchair’s suspension is usually similar to the one found in any other vehicle out there. This is the thing that absorbs the vibrations created by the wheel while the powerchair is moving.

Joystick controller

This simple to use powerchair control is perhaps one of the most important features that a powerchair must have for it to move from one to place to another. Without it, controlling the wheelchair can be a bit challenging. While user-controlled joystick provides the feeling of independence an attendant controlled one is the best to use for those who need some assistance on a regular basis.

Padded chair

The padded chair normally comes in three different styles. Mobility scooter, wheelchairs and captains seat. Made such that it can improve your comfort, the type of padded chair that you choose depends on what you are looking for.

Footrests and armrests

These features of powerchairs are always fitted to boost your comfort while using the wheelchair. Since they will provide you with somewhere to relax your foot while using the wheelchair they are the best features for users who suffer from different kinds of conditions.

Castor wheels

Found at the front of powerchairs, castor wheels always swivel such that they can adapt to the direction of the powerchair thus providing the user with a smoother ride while using the wheelchair.

Portability

There are certain models of electric powerchairs that can always be taken apart or even folded to ensure that transporting them from one place to another becomes easy.

Powerchair user tips

• If you want to enjoy a full day use of your wheelchair you need to charge the battery at night.

• Powerchair batteries that are used a lot normally last longer than other batteries out there.

• Powerchair batterers that are not used as often as they are supposed to be should always be charged at least once a month to ensure that they remain active.

• If you want your powerchairs tires to roll smoothly you need to keep them inflated at all times.

• When you are using your powerchairs on a slippery surface you need to be extra careful. If the powerchair doesn’t have enough traction the wheelchair brakes may not stop or even slow down the wheelchair. This is why being extra careful is always very important.

• If you cannot get close enough to the tale or desk because your powerchair stick is protruding too close you can always change your powerchair joystick to the one that swings around.

• If your powerchair stops working for any reason the breaks should engage automatically to ensure that you remain safe while using the wheelchair.

• When using your powerchair on either snow or sand you should be extra careful or else you might skip and fall down. Also, the powerchair can easily get stuck inside the snow

• While using your powerchair along the highway you should use a bright orange flag so other road users can easily see you. This will significantly help you prevent any accident that might occur.