A power, or electric, wheelchair is a great way to improve mobility and independence for those who need it. With an electric motor and navigational controls, a power wheelchair can be a comfortable and practical option for you or the user you are buying one for. As there are a variety of power wheelchairs available on the market, you will want to choose the one that is best for you or your loved one. Ask for suggestions from professionals, and consider your basic and specific needs like seating, size, motor, and other options.
Consider your mobility needs around the house.
Maybe you can walk with assistance (like a cane) at home, and need an electric wheelchair for outside the house. However, if you’ll be using your wheelchair extensively in all environments, you’ll need to consider what makes a chair compatible to use at home.
- If you’ll be using the chair in your home, consider how easily you’ll be able to get in and out of it. Think about things like seat height — how high the seat is from the floor and how that compares to your bed height. Consider how wide the chair is compared to your doorways. Check for armrests and foot rests that can move out of the way, for easier exiting.
- Determine the turning radius of the chair — how much space it needs around it to complete a full 360° turn. Whether or not this is important to you will depend on your living space.
Decide what your chair needs to do in the community.
Where will you be taking your wheelchair? If the user of the power chair travels often, the wheelchair should be more compact and easy to take apart for transport. If the wheelchair will be used outdoors, make sure to get a wheelchair that has durable, quality wheels intended for outdoor use.
Decide on power base placement.
Power wheelchairs come as either rear-wheel, mid-wheel, or front-wheel drive. This affects how the chair moves, and most people find that one type or another is easier and more comfortable for them to control. It’s a matter of personal preference, as each type has advantages and disadvantages.Try to test-drive a model of each type to see what feels the most comfortable to you.
- If you want maximum speed, consider a rear-wheel drive model. Some of these models can travel up to 8.5 miles per hour, which may be helpful if traveling longer distances.
- Mid-wheel drive chairs generally seem to be the most maneuverable and have the smallest turn radius, which is ideal for tight spaces.
- Front-wheel drive chairs are usually the slowest option, but are best for uneven terrain and handling areas like snow, grass, and curbs.
Look into cushion and backrest material.
The materials for these vary — they can be air filled, contoured foam, gel, or air-foam combinations. Discuss your needs with your care provider or transportation specialist — each type of material has advantages and disadvantages regarding stability, pressure distribution, airflow, and insulation.
- You are least likely to get pressure sores with well-fitted pressure-reducing cushions.
Choose the right seat for you.
Many chairs have the standard "captain’s seat," whereas others can recline, tilt, raise your leg rests, or go into standing position. Some children’s models have power-seating that can lower the whole seat to the floor, so your child can more easily play on the ground. You can work with your doctor to decide on the best seating option for you, but also consider the following:
- What is your sitting balance? Can you use both of your hands without support? If not, a tilt, recline, and lift feature may be beneficial.
- Is there a risk you’ll get pressure sores? If so, you’ll want a way to take weight and pressure off of your buttocks, such as with a tilting or standing seat.
- If you do get a power wheelchair with power seating, be sure you know how to use the functions properly to avoid injury.
