Different Types Of Power Chairs
- By Jesse k
- Oct 27, 2020
Power Chairs are electric wheelchairs that are run by battery powered engines. They are generally reserved for customers who will spend most of their awake-time in the chair. The chairs use joysticks and remotes to control movement and get you where you need to go. They are sometimes referred to as “Hoverounds”. These days, there are tons of different options to choose from to fit your needs the best. Lets take a look at some of the different types of motorized or powered electric wheelchairs.
Portable Power Wheelchairs
Portable power chairs are great for everyday home use or for shorter riding distances. These are incredibly simple options for riders wanting a travel-sized power chair to get them from point A to point B. It’s also great for helping people remain active and independent for all of their daily needs. In contrast to manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs work on an electric engine and battery, and move with joined joysticks or directing shafts to help its rider wherever they go.
Pride Jazzy Passport Folding Power Chair
Pride Jazzy Elite ES Portable Power Chair
Elevating-Seat Capable Power Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs are great for helping you achieve more seat versatility and offer many other valuable advantages as well. Chairs with an elevating seat allow the user the ability to bring themselves to eye-level with most people. They allow the user the ability to raise up to counters and other times that they need to be elevated.
Pride Jazzy Select 6 2.0 Power Chair
Full-Size Power Wheelchairs
The full-size power chairs will be bigger than any standard size and are a great all-around for anyone. For people suffering from restricted movement, full-size electric wheelchairs are a great alternative for mobility. These types of wheelchairs will typically last longer than their travel sized counterparts. The large seats of full-size power chairs is also an added benefit of comfort for its user. They support a high weight of the user.
Pride Jazzy Elite ES Power Chair
Pride Jazzy Elite 14 Power Chair
Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs
With weight limits up to 700 pounds, heavy-duty power wheelchairs are great for long days and larger capacities. What they sacrifice in portability they make up for durability and stability. We have several outstanding choices available for Heavy Duty Power wheelchairs.
Pride Jazzy Elite HD Power Chair
Pride Jazzy 614 HD Power Chair
How To choose the Right Drive System
Front Wheel Drive Power Wheelchair
The front-wheel-drive can be very beneficial for several reasons. The biggest reason is that each of the four tires give more power than other drive wheel configurations. More coordination increases traction and front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs work better when driving on rough terrain, grass, or uneven gravel. Its large tires are able to easily move up curb or obstacles to pull the rest of the chair. Additionally, a 90-degree footrest will be there for better comfort.
Mid Wheel Drive Power Wheelchair
With the mid-wheel drive power chairs, the user’s center of gravity lies in the drive wheels center. This helps with maintaining a tighter turn radius. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs also give a total 360-degree slant. This feature is especially helpful when using electric wheelchairs at home. Mid-wheel drive chairs also make it simple to explore entryways and other places with limited space. They are also extremely stable, having six wheels, which include four caster wheels and two drive wheels.
Rear Wheel Drive Power Chairs
Rear-wheel drive power chairs have two huge drive wheels at the base and two casters before the wheelchair base. The position of the drive wheel is the real driving force for this type of electric wheelchair. Rear-wheel-drive power chairs are easier to handle to give a smoother ride and usually have free suspension or safeguards on all wheels, offering better control to their users.
Conclusion
When choosing a power chair, you have to be clear about what you need the most. Researching brands as well as the type of chair is crucial to figuring out what’s going to work the best for you!