Anyone can be faced with mobility issues at any time. It can be a physical disability from birth, an accident, a health condition, or age-related issues that put you in a wheelchair. If you or someone you are responsible for suddenly needs a wheelchair, you need to understand that choosing the right one is a big deal.
While manual wheelchairs allow you to move around, how far you can go depends on how much energy you’ve got. And if you are not pushing, someone needs to be there to propel it. Unfortunately, not everyone has the power to push it the whole day or have access to assistance. Thankfully, electric wheelchairs are here to help, making moving stress-free.
But even once you’ve settled on buying an electric wheelchair, you still need to know what features to check for the best experience. This guide will help you with that exactly.
Here are 5 essential tips for choosing an eclectic wheelchair:
1. Assess Individual Needs
There’s an array of eclectic chairs, from folding, heavy-duty, full-size to travel wheelchairs. The reason is simple: to suit the varied user needs and preferences. So, when shopping for one, you must understand what kind of problems you want it to solve. List down requirements and then pick one that checks the boxes.
To make an informed decision when going through electric wheelchairs for sale, here are some of the factors to consider:
- Lifestyle: Will you be using it mostly outdoors or indoors? A wheelchair for indoor use is more straightforward than an outdoor one, which needs to be more robust to withstand various terrains and elements.
- Battery life capacity: Your daily activities determine how long you’ll use the wheelchair. For long commutes, heavy, ride on rough terrain, and frequent use, pick one with a reasonable battery capacity, usually around 8 hours, to serve you longer before recharging it. Also, consider one with a good battery life of at least two years to minimize the need for replacement.
- Mobility needs: Depending on the extent of the disability, do you need a wheelchair to use it throughout or sometimes? If your upper body is not in good form, you need a powerful wheelchair. It also means you should get an electric wheelchair with easy control like a touchpad or joystick.
- Physical size: Factors like weight and body size affect the weight capacity of the electric wheelchair. Choose one that can support you comfortably and safely. Lack of adequate support can lead to injuries and more suffering.
2. Consider the Maneuverability and Portability of the Wheelchair
Think about the places you’ll be using the wheelchair most of the time, and choose one thats makes moving in those settings easy. Consider its size in relation to the corridors, corners, or elevators you’ll need to navigate.
Additionally, consider if you’ll need to transport or store the wheelchair occasionally. If yes, opt for portable eclectic wheelchairs, usually foldable or designed for quick disassembly, making moving with them and storage stress-free.
3. Focus on Comfort
Since you’ll be spending a reasonable amount of time in the wheelchair, be kind to yourself by choosing one that’s as comfortable as possible. However, there’s no standard way to define comfort, so it’s all about picking the best support you need. Discomfort or strain on your body could lead to physical pain.
These are some of the features to look for that enhance the comfort of an electric wheelchair:
- Well-padded seat: As the most important comfort element, ensure the seat is adequately padded to minimize discomfort and neutralize pressure during use. An adjustable seat allows better control, which means more comfort.
- Supportive backrest: Adequate backrest support allows you to sit in the correct posture and adjust it to prevent back pain.
- Sufficient legroom: Having enough legroom space means moving your legs freely to avoid muscle cramps and stiffness from extended sitting periods.
- Minimal noise production: Too much noise from the motor and moving components can be disruptive. Go for a quieter, more comfortable electric wheelchair that produces the least noise.
Like buying a car, the best way to check out the wheelchair’s comfort is to test it. But if buying online, get it from a reputable seller who accepts returns for peace of mind.
4. Look for Advanced Safety Features
Your electric wheelchair should be well-designed with the user’s safety in mind. That means looking for crucial safety features like a sturdy frame, seat belt, stability, efficient braking system, and ideal turning radius.
5. Consider Ease of Use and Room for Customization
The control should be strategically placed and well-labelled for easy reach and better user experience.
Also, consider one with room for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your needs and preferences. For instance, it should be programmable, the seat should be adjustable, and it should be able to accommodate essential accessories like an oxygen tank.
Conclusion
Buying an electric wheelchair can be a game-changer for people with mobility issues. By carefully considering these factors: specific user needs, comfort, user-friendliness, maneuverability, portability, and safety, you’ll be making a valuable investment that transforms the quality of your life. So take your time to understand your unique needs and research which electric wheelchair best suits you.
And it goes without saying, always buy from a reputable brand as it means access to durable wheelchairs for reliability, guarantees on returns, and easy parts replacement.