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  • A Guide to The Electric Wheelchair – by Rory H....
    By 5 Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    A wheelchair is a device that helps movement of a person who is disabled or ill. In simple terms it is a chair put upon wheels, which can be pushed either electrically or manually. Those wheelchairs that are pushed electrically are called electric wheelchairs. The electric wheelchairs are powered by motors.

    There are many types of wheelchairs that you can get from the market determined by the kind and frequency of use. The wheelchairs can be used inside or outside and can be fetched at a minimum price of $1,500. when you purchase a wheelchair you must think about certain elements like source of power, warranty and cost, the size and weight of the person who would be using it, the weight capacity of the chair and efficiency of use wherever required. There are three types of wheelchairs mid-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

    The most common and traditional type is the rear-wheel drive wheelchair. They run faster that front-wheel types but are not so flexible in turning as the mid-wheel drive and front-wheel drive wheelchairs.

    Slowly gaining more popularity is the front-wheel drive wheelchair because they are very flexible and can be turned around better. But because of this feature they are little bit slower than the rear-wheel drive wheelchair.

    The mid-wheel drive wheelchair tends to be little bit unsteady while starting and stopping. However it is the tightest turning wheelchair.

    There are many other types of wheelchairs. Some are based on weight, ranging from ultra lightweight to heavy-duty wheelchairs. Then there are transport wheelchairs, tilt-in-space wheelchairs, rough terrain wheelchairs, specialty wheelchairs, wheelchairs with an elevating seat, pediatric wheelchairs, and so on and so forth.

    Basically wheelchairs are used by those persons who have been struck by many different ailments and have been left with restricted or zero mobility. The problems can include old age, weight, paralysis, broken or weak bones, failing muscles, and a variety of other causes. Electric wheelchairs are easy to manage because they work on batteries and can be manipulated by a joystick. They are also very much moveable since they can turn 360 degrees in a single spot. They also do not cause much sound. Its just that they need more maintenance than hand-driven wheelchairs.

    These days electric wheelchairs are being custom made according to the needs of the patient. To improve the strength and durability of the wheelchairs, advanced technologies like pneumatic wheels, hydraulic systems and spring suspension are also used.

    You will be spoilt for choices for almost every other component of an electric wheelchair. The frame of the wheelchair can be rigid or foldable while the wheels can be free wheel or front wheel. Many foot and armrests are also available like, detachable, elevating or swing away. The armrests and footplates can be designed for the individual user to adjust for both height and angle.

    When you are buying an electric wheelchair the above points are only the beginning of selecting the correct design. Other crucial points to remember are the measurement of the chairs backrest and if it is foldable and/or capable of reclining, the fabric and dimension of the chair’s seat, the kind of controls, hand or automatic brakes, kerb climbers and if the wheelchair will be fitted with lights. You can also attach other items on a wheelchair, including crutch holders, seat belts, a tray, anti-tap bars, drink holders, and bags.

    Rory Hawkins writes about “A Guide to The Electric Wheelchair” to visit it: electric- wheelchair,power wheel chair and wheelchair accessories.

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  • A Guide to Electric Wheelchairs – by Kent Pinke...
    By 5 Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    A wheelchair is a mobility device that enables a sick or a disabled person to move. It’s basically a chair mounted on wheels, which can be propelled either manually or electrically. Wheelchairs propelled electronically are known as electric wheelchairs.

    Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors. They can be used indoors and outdoors and cost at least $1,500. Depending on the kind and extent of use, there are several kinds of wheelchairs available on the market. Some features to consider when buying a wheelchair are the weight and size of the person using it, convenience of both indoor and outdoor use, the chair’s weight capacity, power source, warranty and cost.

    Electric wheelchairs are generally used by people who have limited or no mobility due to many different ailments. Some people can be required to use a wheelchair because of old age, paralysis, weight, degenerating muscle diseases, broken or weak bones or other illnesses. Electric wheelchairs are easy to use because they are powered by batteries and can be controlled by a joystick. They are also highly maneuverable as they can turn 360 degrees in one spot. They are also very quiet but they require more maintenance than manual wheelchairs.

    Electric wheelchairs are now being designed according to the users’ requirements. Advanced technologies like spring suspension, pneumatic wheels and hydraulic systems are being applied to increase the wheelchair’s strength and durability. There are basically three types of electric wheelchairs, including rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive.

    Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are the traditional and most common type. They are faster then front-wheel models but are not as flexible while turning as the front-wheel drive and mid-wheel drive wheelchairs.

    Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are becoming more popular because they are more flexible and maneuverable. They are slightly slower than the rear-wheel drive wheelchairs because of this.

    Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs are the tightest-turning wheelchairs. However, they tend to be slightly unsteady while stopping and starting.

    Other types of electric wheelchairs are based on weight, ranging from ultra lightweight to heavy-duty wheelchairs; transport wheelchairs; tilt-in-space wheelchairs; wheelchairs with an elevating seat; rough terrain wheelchairs; pediatric wheelchairs and specialty wheelchairs, among others.

    Various options are available for almost every part of an electric wheelchair. The wheelchair frame can be foldable or rigid while the wheels can be front-wheel or free wheel. Various foot and armrests are also available including, detachable, swing-away or elevating. The footplates and armrests can be customized to adjust for both angle and height.

    When purchasing a wheelchair the above considerations are only the start of choosing the right design. Other important considerations are the dimensions of the chair’s backrest and whether it will be foldable and/or able to recline; the dimensions and upholstery of the chair’s seat; automatic or hand brakes; the type of controls; kerb climbers and whether or not the wheelchair will be outfitted with lights. Other options that can be attached to electric wheelchairs include a tray, crutch holders, seat belts, bags, drink holders and anti-tip bars.

    Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

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  • The Advantages of Electric Wheelchair Scooters –...
    By 5 Wheel Scooters on July 16th, 2009 | No Comments Comments

    Electric wheelchair scooters, or mobility scooters, are specially designed for providing mobility to disabled people. Electric scooters are high performance in terms of speed as well as safety. They are adaptable, affordable, durable and come with reliable warranties. Power mobility scooters are a great economic alternative to electric wheelchairs. They are available as portable/travel, three-wheel and four-wheel, front-end drive and rear-end drive scooters. The cost of motorized scooters ranges between $900 and $3,200.

    Electric wheelchair scooters are steered with a tiller, which is something like a bicycle’s handlebar. They have speed control knobs to control speed between 1 and 5 mph. They can be disassembled for easy transportation. Since mobility scooters operate on gel cell batteries, they are safe for transport.

    Electric wheelchair scooters are comprised of two kinds: Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive mobility scooters. Front-wheel drive mobility scooters are basically for indoor use and for moving on leveled ground. They are powered by a 12-volt battery and have a range of 5-10 miles for each recharge.

    Rear-wheel drive mobility scooters, on the other hand, can carry up to 250 to 350 pounds. Some heavy-duty models can even carry up to 500 lbs. Rear-wheel drive scooters are powered by two 12-volt batteries and can travel 15 to 20 miles per recharge.

    A wide range of electric wheelchair scooters are available in the marketplace. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are being designed to suit individualized requirements. The latest models are more maneuverable, highly durable and lightweight. Most online as well as brick-and-mortar stores have experienced and expert staff to assist the customer when buying an electric wheelchair scooter. They also offer specialized services like maintenance and repair, provision of spares like cushions, tires and batteries, routine servicing as well as emergency services. There is also the option of buying used electric wheelchair scooters. All suppliers usually offer shipping services to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and many other countries.

    Some of the most popular electric scooter brands include, Sunrise Medical; Merits; Pride Medical Products; Tuffcare; Shoprider; Golden Technologies; Ranger; Palmer Industries; Quickie; Wheelchairs of Kansas; Roho; Winco; Gendron; Harmar Bruno; and Silver Star.

    Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

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