Help Yourself with a Motorized Wheelchair

Motorized wheelchairs have been assisting people with mobility issues for years to carry on a normal life and to allow themselves as much mobility possible while being disabled. Another name for these products is electric-powered wheelchairs. They are named as such because the units usually contain an electric motor and navigational controls instead of traditional wheelchairs which require individuals to roll themselves around. Because technology is constantly moving forward, scientists and researchers have continued to improve these products in recent years. These devices have proved to be very useful for the disabled, elderly, and in general for those unable to get themselves around without assistance. In addition there are people with cardiovascular conditions for whom these products often prove very handy and valuable.

Typically one of these devices is controlled by a joystick which the individual using the product uses to guide himself around. The wheels move on power supplied by the electric motor and the power source is recharged by a 4 to 5 amp battery that can be recharged. There are different categories of Electrical Powered Wheelchairs (EPWs), often defined by seat type; while many models are similar to manual chairs having a sling-type frame and seating area, there are others which utilize a “captain’s chair” resembling the seat of a car. EPW’s come in many shapes in sizes, from larger cumbersome models requiring lift and rack to mount them onto a car, to smaller more portable versions which can be folded and transported by hand.

There are, of course, limitations to who can use these products, as persons having problems moving their upper torso and arms would not often times not be capable of operating the joystick. Conversely, if an individual is quite able-bodied, physicians might not tend to prescribe such wheelchairs, as they are meant for individuals somewhere in between the two ranges. At times, these devices are difficult to maneuver, depending on the terrain ahead, as certain obstacles or low ground clearance can restrict movement in areas where curbs are not designed properly. Transferring ones body from wheelchair to chair or bed is not often easy and usually requires the assistance of another person if the individual is not strong enough.

Motorized wheelchairs, unfortunately, do not come cheap. They typically start around $1,600 and can cost as much as $7,500. That said, there are a variety of different sizes and models on the market. Some power wheelchairs are designed for outdoor use, others for indoor use. More expensive models are designed for both. Doctors prescribe models to patients in need, and depending on their conditions, choose the type of model accordingly. Depending on a patient’s condition, doctors will prescribe a power wheelchair for individuals who have both mobility problems and upper body deficiencies that prevent them from being able to operate a traditional wheelchair. Because of the high costs of these devices, individuals should talk to their insurance providers to find out if any or all of the cost can be absorbed the by the insurance carrier.

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