Power wheelchairs are medical devices and are highly customizable to fit specific user needs. Simple to use with electronic controls and a joystick, they can move around their home or, in some instances, enjoy outdoor activities with minimal assistance. For users who seek greater independence despite their lack of mobility resulting from significant injuries and illness, power wheelchairs are a viable option.
Who needs Power Wheelchairs?
If you have mobility issues and have difficulty using manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs (click here) will make most daily tasks easier for you. As a medical device, customization options can enable many users with various disabilities to use power wheelchairs whether they need to require mobility despite having spinal cord injuries. Power wheelchairs can also provide some degree of independence for quadriplegics. Certain power wheelchairs can help them. People also undergoing rehabilitation after injury or illness can rent these for their mobility needs.
Types of Power Wheelchairs
The vast range of customization options can provide a broad range of functions for power wheelchairs to be usable for many users. From simpler types that can provide straightforward mobility to highly-customized types for people with more stringent needs, there will be power wheelchairs available to provide some degree of independence. However, the types of power wheelchairs are commonly classified according to drive types. These are rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel drive types:
Rear-Wheel Drive: With the larger set of wheels connected to the motor mounted at the rear, supported by smaller unpowered caster wheels in front, these are the easiest power wheelchairs to drive. Users can more easily travel in straight lines using these. The most affordable power wheelchairs use these types.
Mid-Wheel Drive: With the larger powered wheels mounted in the middle with an unpowered set of caster wheels mounted in the front and rear, these are the power wheelchair types that are the easiest to maneuver. These are ideal for indoor use or use in limited spaces.
Front-Wheel Drive: Larger wheels mounted in front are connected to the motor with unpowered caster wheels mounted in the rear. Power wheelchairs designed for outdoor use or on uneven surfaces use this type of driving system.
The Benefits of Power Wheelchairs
Not to be confused with power scooters, power wheelchairs are medical devices optimized for use for people with mobility issues because of injury or illness. On the other hand, power scooters are consumer devices designed for convenience for people who find it difficult to walk over long distances. Because these are medical devices, their customization options allow users to have the following benefits:
Versatility: Power wheelchairs are highly customizable. With options that enable them to move over rougher terrain, users can enjoy engaging in outdoor activities with minimal assistance and supervision.
Higher Degree of Freedom: Being powered, users don't need to exert substantial effort to travel despite being impeded should they use manual wheelchairs. Users can enjoy more of their regular activities than not having a power wheelchair to help them.
Customization: Power wheelchairs are highly customizable medical devices designed to fit users' specific needs.
Postural Support: Power wheelchairs, with attachments and supporting harnesses, can help people with spinal cord problems, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy to enjoy more of their normal activities.
Takeaways: Are Power Wheelchairs Worth It?
Owning a power wheelchair requires considerable investment. The price of a power wheelchair ranges from $1,000 for simpler types to $15,000 for highly customized types. Moreover, you need to invest further to enable your vehicle to carry them. You may need to buy hoisting devices or acquire a vehicle with additional storage space to carry one around. However, the benefits to the users of power wheelchairs greatly exceed the cost of owning one. Aside from being able to live as normal a life as possible with minimal assistance or effort, they can enjoy some degree of independence despite their physical challenges.
Comments