Wheel Chair Ramp

Motorized Wheel Chair Options

There are a number of motorized wheel chair designs and styles on the market.
Review and discover what you need to know before you buy one that is just right for you...

Motorized Wheel Chair Options

With the population aging, yet wanting to remain as independent for as long as possible, a motorized wheel chair is a viable option for people to use not only to get around while shopping, but to make it easier for them to maneuver around their home. A motorized wheel chair can also providing mobility options for anyone who have had spinal cord injuries.

Motorized wheel chairs are powered with a battery, much like your car, except that you recharge your motorized wheel chair by plugging it into a charger like you would your cell phone. Because the battery is easily accessible, you can simply remove your battery and take it inside to recharge. This is especially helpful if you primarily use your motorized wheel chair outside.

A motorized wheel chair uses either gears or belts for propulsion, but sometimes utilizes both. Whereas belt driven motorized wheel chairs are quieter to operate, they tend to be high maintenance. Gear driven chairs are lower maintenance, but wear out faster and get rather noisy in the process.

There is a wide range in options when looking to buy a motorized wheel chair. Some of these options may come with the wheel chair, such as a front end basket, while others add to the cost. Here is a sample of the kind of options you can expect to be offered for a motorized wheel chair:

• Rear basket
• Cane/crutch holder
• Lap belt
• Cup holder
• Rear view mirror
• Safety flag

Motorized wheel chairs can be maneuvered by one of two ways. Some are steered by handles like a bicycle, while others are maneuvered by a programmable joystick for those with upper body muscular limitations. With a motorized wheel chair, you broaden the range of your travels by using the chair’s power to get you around. Motorized wheel chairs come in 3 and 4 wheeled models to choose from, with the 3 wheeled models being easier to maneuver in tight situations such as your home.

Other options that you may want to look into are:

• Power tilt and/or recline for your seat.
• • Both of these features help to prevent and relieve pressure sores and pain in your joints.
• Spring suspension
• • Akin to those in your car - makes traveling over rough terrain more comfortable.
• Power stand option
• • Makes it easier for you to get into and out of your wheel chair.

Lower end motorized wheel chairs are not typically built for outdoor use, whereas the more expensive models are better able to withstand the abuse that outside travel can entail.

Whatever your mobility needs and desires, you can find the motorized wheel chair that suits you and your pocketbook.