Buying or Renting and Types Of Powered Wheelchairs
Powered wheelchairs
Powered wheelchairs are designed with a motor, extra wheels and also chargeable batteries. Most electric power wheelchairs have at least four wheels or six wheels to automatically adjust the seat, the arm rest, the foot support and the wheelchair can be operated with the help of a joystick that is positioned on the arm rest along with other additional controls.
How to own or rent an electric wheelchair?
There are a number of manufacturers who manufacture electric power wheelchairs. We can go visit a dealer and buy an electric wheelchair. We do have a number of online websites who sell power wheelchairs of top manufacturers as well. Not only this, there are also dealers who rent power wheelchair and also provide services and repair those electric wheelchairs. We can do some research and get to know about these companies from their websites as well about the types of wheelchairs they manufacture and the services available on purchasing them.
Powered Wheelchair types
There are a number of inventors who develop different styles and designs of wheelchair. Every design that is manufactured serves a definite purpose and has different adjustment techniques. Powered wheelchairs are of different types depending on the way the adjustment techniques available on the wheelchair. Some common and easy changes that can be made on any standard electric power wheelchairs are as follows:
- Seat adjustments are also possible.
- Adjustment can be made to the arm support.
- The position of the joystick can be changed.
- The upholstery can also be replaced.
- Adjustments can be made on the foot support.
Let us discuss all the above points in brief.
Seat adjustments
In order to increase the height of the seat from the ground, the foot support can be increased from the ground. The seat cushion thickness can be increased by adding layers of stiff foam. If the wheelchair has an option of vertically adjusting the wheels, than it is possible to move the wheels freely and also lower or raise the height of the seat. The knee height can also be increased and decreased from the ground with the help of the thickness of the seat cushions. This height adjustment is possible in order to give comfort to the people and help them fit in any place.
Position of the Joystick and arm support adjustments
Depending on which side the joystick can be operated properly by the person on the wheelchair, the joystick has to be positioned. Also the arm support has to be adjusted on the wheelchair. The adjustment has to be made in such a manner that the arms do not pull the shoulders down while on the wheelchair and we also need to make sure that the elbows are resting properly and are slightly forward from the shoulder. The arm support should also allow the upper arm to slope in front slightly.
Foot support adjustments
This is the last adjustment that should be made on the wheelchair. The adjustments that should be done before the foot support are- the seat cushions, the back support, the arm support, the joystick and other additional controls. When on the powered wheelchair make sure that you have your shoes on your feet and also that the person to be seated in seating upright with the back resting on the chair. Two important points to be noted while making foot support adjustments- Firstly make sure that there is a clearance under the foot plates of at least two inches, Secondly there should be clearance for knees when under the tables or desks.
Check scooter and chair section on Better Life Mobility website and choose from variety of options.