Motorized Wheel Chair

It used to be really easy – that is, buying a wheelchair. All you needed to do was drop by a store selling them and select one suited your budget. But today, though have changed quite a lot.  The choice of motorized wheelchairs available is so vast today, it is sure to leave you confused, not knowing which will suit your needs and wallet.  From regular wheelchairs of the non-powered kind to motorized wheelchair models that come with a host of sophisticated features. This is what makes it tough to choose the right motorized wheel chair for you. You will be spoiled for choice, if you are seeking just the right wheelchair today. You can simplify the shopping process if you consider a few facts and ask yourself a few questions. Once you take into consideration these fact and answered those questions, the choice is not so difficult when it comes to buying a motorized or non-motorized wheelchair.

Which Wheelchair brand to choose?

Once you have made the decision as to whether or not you want a power chair, the next thing to consider is your weight. It has to be clear, the type of chair you need for what you weigh. Talk to your doctor or occupational therapist, who may be able to offer you valuable advice on buying the best wheelchair for your needs and weight requirements.
Next, once you have determined what type of chair you need – whether powered or not, are the features that you want to have with your wheelchair. Today, there are a lot of sophisticated electronics which come as part of a wheelchair. You should ensure that you get a wheelchair where you can adjust the height of the seat easily. Ask yourself if you need a cane holder. Do you need a wheelchair with a cup holder or a basket/backpack to carry your things. How active are you in the community? Do you need variable speed for traveling on the streets and within your community? Is the terrain that you have to cover smooth or rough with various elevations? Once you carefully consider all these facts and ask yourself some important questions, you are in the right position to buy the best powered wheelchair from the many various brands available.

Leading Motorized Wheelchair Brands

There are a few top brand motorized power wheelchairs to consider when shopping for a motorized wheelchair. There are, as said, so many choices available on the market today, it can get overwhelming. There are scores of manufacturers who offer sleek, highly functional models that aid in easy maneuverability and operation. With the choice being so extensive, sometimes choosing the right motorized wheelchair might seem a daunting task indeed. It need not be so, if you were to choose from the major brands. Take a look at these brands because they are well praised and reviewed. Once you have chosen a known tried and true brand name, you can be sure that you are buying both the name and the wheel chair that will be backed up with a guarantee and after sales service.

The Major Motorized Wheelchair Brands

Teftec Mobility is a leading brand that offers a range of motorized wheelchairs. These models come with many advanced features including adjustable seat height and a transmission steering system.

Drive Medical is another major brand that offers a variety of motorized wheelchair models. These models are known for their ease of use and maintenance.

Another leading name in the industry is Sunrise Medical, which is one of the largest manufacturers of home care products in the world. The company offers a range of models, suited to different needs and requirements.

I have written about other major manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs by the names of Invacare and Pride Mobility with their Jazzy wheelchair line.  These companies offer a wide range of wheelchairs in different sizes with various options and features available. These power wheelchairs can be steered with ease with the flick of a switch. Similarly, the seat height and recline can be easily adjusted using the controls that can be found on the side of the wheelchair.

Check out my motorized wheelchair review articles on this site.

If you want the best of the best motorized wheelchairs, have a look into the Jazzy 600 or the Jazzy 600 with the XL package.  These wheelchairs are manufactured by the Pride Mobility products company.  These two wheelchairs are high performance and provide maximum stability for you. Let’s look first at the Jazzy 600.

The Jazzy 600 features enhanced stability due to the Pride Mobility company’s patented mid-wheel drive, called the Mid-Wheel 6. The Mid-Wheel 6 uses ATX Suspension combined with OMNI Casters made from nylon which operate independently.  They are able to compensate for varying terrains, raising and lowering themselves when required.  This allows smooth shifts giving you more comfort as you travel.

Maximum weight allowed for the Jazzy 600 is 300 pounds.  Traveling speed is up to five miles per hour.  Its weight is 127 pounds and the two batteries (12 volt, deep cycle) weigh 38 pounds each.  The length of the Jazzy 600 is 36.5 inches and the width of the wheelchair is 23.5 inches in all.  Its seat dimensions measure 18 by 18 inches.  The intelligent braking system is comprised of regenerative, electronic disc brakes.  The on-board battery charger is the standard 4 amp and the total range you can travel on one battery charge is a total of 25 miles.  There are four colors to choose from, including onyx black, champagne, viper blue and candy apple red.

What’s the warranty on the Jazzy 600?  For the frame, there is a life time warranty and on the electronics, a two year limited warranty.  On the drive motors, for both the Jazzy 600 and the Jazzy 600 with the XL package, there’s an 18 month limited warranty.  In fact, the warranty is the same for both motorized wheelchairs.

Now for the Jazzy 600 with the XL package, you’ll find enhanced seating and the fact that it can bear more weight than the original Jazzy 600.  The Jazzy 600 with the XL package can carry persons up to 400 pounds.  This wheelchair delivers great performance and maximum stability, using the patented Mid-Wheel 6 design.  Options include a contouried high back seat, a solid seat pan, solid tires, cup holders, swing away joystick, swing away foot rests, leg rests that rise and lower, an oxygen tank holder, a cane or crutch holder and a walker holder if you want.

The Jazzy 600 Motorized Wheelchair

The Jazzy 600 with the XL package measures 37.5 inches in length, and 23.25 inches in width.  It also comes with the same braking system as the Jazzy 600.  The battery charger is also the same as the original wheel chair.  However, the distance you can travel in the Jazzy 600 with the XL package is only 15 miles as compared to the Jazzy 600 wheelchair which can travel up to 25 miles and the maximum speed is up to 4 miles per hour.  We’re looking at a lower battery weight for this chair and a slightly increased base weight of 133.5 pounds.  Both wheelchairs have a ground clearance of three inches.

The Jazzy 600 with the XL package motorized wheel chair comes in the same colors as the Jazzy 600 model.  So, analyze what your wheel chair requirements are, what your budget is and what color you like best.  Both of these motorized wheel chairs are excellent for anyone who likes to get away to the countryside for perhaps a little camping or any such uneven terrain.  And don’t forget to investigate your insurance coverage for wheel chairs and whether your government runs an assistive devices program which helps you pay for your motorized wheel chair.