Motorized Wheel Chair

A few important questions about motorized wheel chairs

As a first time buyer,  how do I know which motorized wheel chair is the right one for me?

In the last few years, many styles and models of motorized wheel chairs have become available on the market. Finding the right type can sometimes be difficult. If this is your first motorized wheelchair, it is best to go and check one out at a dealer. It is vital that you test drive a mobility wheelchair before you buy one. This will allow you to assess comfort, ease of use and flexibility of the device. In many cases, the dealer will also help you select the wheel chair which is ideal for you.

What are benefits of a motorized wheel chair?

Motorized wheel chairs allow you more freedom. You can go outside but the handling is not always great depending on the surface and the durability of the power chair. The majority of motorized wheel chairs are designed for indoor use on flat surfaces, so be sure to assess your needs and get the right wheelchair.

What is the weight capacity of a motorized wheel chair?

On average, most motorized wheel chairs will carry a weight of 200-300 lbs.

Can I use my motorized wheel chair on all surfaces?

It depends.  The majority of motorized wheel chairs are meant for use indoors on flat surfaces. Since these wheel chairs have small tires, they generally do not drive well on grass and consume a lot of power. Plus, you surely do not want to mess up your wheel chair by driving on mud and dirt.  However, there are motorized wheelchairs that are built for outdoor use so they can help you get to work and follow a regular routine.  Your motorized wheel chair dealer will help you decide what you need.  The outdoor use power chairs have a higher speed and can handle steeper inclines.

Do batteries come with the motorized wheel chairs?

Yes, all motorized wheel chairs come with a battery. The battery shelf life is 12-24 months depending on how you drive and where.  Driving on rough surfaces like grass and gravel always consumes more power. Many wheel chairs now come with self rechargers.

How do I know if the battery is running low?

The motorized wheel chair battery has indicators located on the control panel. When the indicator arrow is at yellow light, it is time to recharge the battery. Whenever the battery power is low, the indicator light will start to blink.
What additional supplies do I need with my motorized wheel chair?

While most motorized wheelchairs are sturdy and will last a long time, it is always precautionary to get a warranty. For the retiree, spending extra money on warranty may be worth it because it allows for more security.

What is the difference between a motorized wheel chair and a power chair?

The power chair is more compact and excellent for use along narrow alleys and tight spaces. It can even be used outdoors. Most power chairs can be operated with a single joy stick. On the other hand, motorized wheel chairs for community use are generally a little bit wider and used mostly indoors.

Do insurance plans for motorized wheel chairs?

Yes, Medicare and some medical health plans do pay for motorized wheel chairs. Some companies only pay for some of the costs. So always call up your insurance carrier ahead of time and find out what is covered and more importantly what is not.  If you live in Canada, there is a government plan which will pay for 75% of the cost of the motorized/power wheel chair.

In most cases you will needs a doctor’s certificate to prove the need for a wheelchair. For those individuals who can ambulate even a short distance, the benefits are usually declined.

If you have any more questions, please email us at contact (@) bestmotorizedwheelchair (.) com
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If you’re disabled and you’re looking to own a wheelchair, there are two options on the field for you: using a manual on (i.e.: one that you turn the wheels for yourself) or a motorized one. Keep in mind that if you’re in the market for a motorized wheel chair, the cost can become quite steep (it can range anywhere in between $1,500 and $8,000).

There are some pros and cons in owning each so if you’re trying to make a decision, I’ve created a list of them for you.

Comfort

Motorized wheelchairs are often more comfy than their manual counterparts. Many manual wheelchairs are simply like fold-up chairs with wheels attached to them: simple, uncomfortable at times, but it gets the job done. Motorized wheelchairs on the other hand usually offer padded cushions and adjustable seating. Some even have reclining backs.

Cost

Motorized wheelchairs are typically much more expensive. A manual wheelchair can cost as low as $99 (however there are some that approach thousands of dollars).

Durability

Because of a motorized wheelchairs more bulky design, they are often more stable. They tend to be more suitable for outdoor activities. Some of them are even capable of making it over rough terrain and there is even one motorized wheelchair in particular (the Tank Chair) that I think you would agree looks as though it could take on a hummer.

Size

With durability comes size. A lot of manual wheelchairs are capable of folding up, making them much more compact. That combined with the fact that they do not need to support a motor makes them lighter and much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Some motorized wheelchairs are considerably larger than others, which can make it a chore to pass through tiny doors.

Energy

While a motorized wheelchair might save you on having to exert much physical effort, they run on batteries so that should always be an important factor for your consideration. If you are out and about, always be sure to have some form of backup plan if your battery suddenly dies.

If you are disabled to the point where a manual wheelchair is not an option for you, you may be stuck with purchasing a motorized one. However, if you are capable of using both but are simply undecided about which one to get, keep in mind that there are pros and cons of both. Keep in mind where you plan to spend most of your time, factoring in things like how active your lifestyle is and how often it’s required that you get around on wheels and you will be able to reach a good decision.