Power Wheelchairs, Electric Wheelchair, Motorized Wheelchair

What is a Power Wheelchair?

With models that are specifically designed for indoor use, outdoor use and a combination of both, power wheelchairs enable mobility for every environment. When a wheelchair user cannot propel manually due to various disabilities, or the distance or terrain to travel is too far or too rough, an electric wheelchair provides the ideal mobility solution. Aside from being helpful for individuals with common mobility impairments, these powered chairs are also a boon for individuals who suffer with cardiovascular, pulmonary and fatigue-based health conditions.

Power wheelchairs utilize an electric motor powered by 12 to 80 ampere-hour rechargeable deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are often used in pairs to provide the chair enough power to last long enough between charges.

Motorized wheelchairs are available in a wide selection of varied sizes, styles and configurations to more specifically accommodate the specialized needs of each user. Chairs that are intended solely for indoor use will typically highlight a narrow and short design for easier maneuvers in tight and close environments. Indoor power chairs have smaller, smoother tires that work better on carpets or indoor flooring, without leaving marks. Electric wheelchairs that are meant for outdoor use feature larger, coarse tires that are better for gripping and handling on uneven and rough terrains. Outdoor powerchairs bring a larger wheelbase to enhance stability as well. Power wheelchairs designated for outdoor use often incorporate much of the same design technology as ATVs and other cross-country vehicles.

There are a multitude of varied power wheelchair options available including size, style, special features, working weight capacity, indoor and/or outdoor use, portability/transport and much more to find exactly the right choice for your own personal needs.

How to Select a Power Wheelchair:

Whether you need to replace your old power wheelchair or you are choosing a power wheelchair for the very first time, the process of sorting through all of the choices available can be an overwhelming proposition for even the most seasoned power wheelchair user. We will help you better understand some of the various features and model choices that are available to assist you in making the best choice for your particular requirements.

Let’s get started with some basic power wheelchair components. The base of the electric wheelchair refers to the lowest part of the chair that contains the batteries, motor, electronics, drive wheels and casters. The classification of the base is dependent on the drive wheel’s location in direct relation to the system’s center of gravity:

Rear-Wheel Drive:

Located behind the user’s center of gravity, the drive wheels are in the back, with the casters in the front. This style offers predictable driving characteristics and great stability, but the larger turning radius may make it difficult to navigate in tighter spaces. Some users find rear-wheel drive easier to maneuver, however, as they can see more of the chair as they are mobile, making it simpler to avoid hitting anything.

Front-Wheel Drive:

Located in front of the user’s center of gravity, the drive wheels are in the front, with the casters in the back. This style offers good stability along with a tighter turning radius, making it highly maneuverable in smaller spaces. Because the wheels in front of the user are powering the movement, this style may have a tendency to fishtail while making turns, something users of front-wheel drive must learn to compensate for.

Mid-wheel Drive:

Also referred to as a center-drive for power wheelchairs, the drive wheels are located directly below the user’s center of gravity. Its smaller turning radius makes it well suited for indoor use, but midwheel-drive may not bring the standard of stability required for secure outdoor usage on some models.

Seating and Positioning Systems for Power Wheelchairs:

As one of the most critical aspects of your power wheelchair experience, seating and positioning play crucial roles in function, comfort, security and health. Your wheelchair’s seating system should be able to adjust and conform to YOUR needs, and not the other way around. Medical, functional and personal requirements should be carefully considered before deciding on the positioning system right for you.

Seating options include tilt-in-space and recline adjustability to more effectively manage posture, relieve pressure, provide comfort and ensure support. Changing the recline angle also improves access for caregivers to attend to transfers, toileting and catheters. Individuals who are not able to shift their own weight should always have recline and tilt-in-space capabilities on their powered wheelchair.

Another helpful highlight on some power wheelchairs is the powered-elevating seat, also known as a standing wheelchair. This innovative mechanism safely raises the user to a standing position, making it easier to perform transfers, and for users to engage in activities that would be above shoulder height if they remained in a seated position within the chair.

Various Power Wheelchair Design Types

There are several different design types of power wheelchairs available for various applications. Here is some more information about these types to help you narrow your search.

Portable Power Mobility:

Also known as combination travel/portable power wheelchairs, these motorized wheelchairs are specifically designed for easy portability in a vehicle. Most portable models offer the capability to be disassembled into relatively light components that wheelchair users or their helpers can place in a car, bus or van for simple transport. Portable powerchairs also generally work well in crowded or tight public places such as shops, restaurants, cruise ships and malls.

Travel/Portable power wheelchairs generally offer speeds up to 4 mph, with a battery capacity that allows for a driving range of up to 10 miles. Because of the compact size of travel wheelchairs, the seat is minimal but contoured to keep the user firmly in place, and padded for comfort. These powerchairs typically highlight a low-cut or folding padded seat back, swing-away foot and leg rests, and flip-up armrests for further portability and maneuverability.

Mid-Wheel Drive Chairs:

Also known as center-wheel drive powerchairs, mid-wheel drive power wheelchairs are not easily transportable, unless the user has an accessible van or vehicle lift. They are some of the most popular and maneuverable power wheelchairs available, however, as they are extremely easy to operate. Literally turning on center like a top, the center-wheel power located in the middle of the chair lends itself to intuitive operation and easier navigation in confined spaces.

With speeds up to 6.5 mph and up to 14 miles of battery range, mid-wheel drive powerchairs work great indoors and outdoors. Most models also feature larger wheels along with obstacle-climbing suspensions that enable users to negotiate curbs, thresholds and other uneven surfaces with safety and ease. Seating is usually much roomier than portable/transport power wheelchairs, with high-backed captain’s seats and adjustable/removable leg or foot rests. Mid-wheel power wheelchairs are a great full-time mobility option, with the ability to be used indoors and outdoors, even on rougher terrains.

Heavy-Duty Power Chairs:

Especially constructed to safely accommodate higher working weights, heavy-duty power wheelchairs are perfect for larger individuals. Bariatric power wheelchairs are available in a wide range of styles that include mid-wheel drive and folding/portable options. Weight capacities range from 300 pounds to 650 pounds, depending on the model, and distance ranges for the battery up to 16 miles.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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