Get The Best Advice On a Power Wheel Chair

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Power Wheel Chair

Hello, I'm Brett. I would love to have the opportunity to share with you my knowledge on the power wheel chair market and it's products.

Having recently purchased a new power wheel chair, I have undertaken significant research into the power wheel chair market and evaluated a broad range of the latest models.

Below I have taken the time to share with you even more information about a power wheel chair, and what you can expect after purchasing a power wheel chair.
 
     

Practical Checks on Maintenance of the Electric Wheel Chair
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So, you have finally chosen your electric wheel chair. 

You spent hundreds of dollars on the purchase cost plus the accessories necessary to make your wheelchair as comfortable as possible.

In fact, you consider it as an investment for a better quality of life.  
And as with most investments, you want to protect it from damages that will considerably shorten its serviceable life.  Well, then, you can apply these practical checks to maintain your electric mobility device. 

Clean the Parts
The very first rule in maintenance is to always keep the wheelchair as clean as possible.  You should read the instructions manual for the appropriate ways to clean both the mechanical and electronic parts of the electric wheel chair.

This is a very important rule simply because dirt and dust will affect the smooth operations of the wheelchair.  Thus, dust will not enter the battery and engine of the device, not to mention that it does feel good to sit on a clean wheelchair.

Check Frequently Used Parts
Aside from cleaning the parts of the wheelchair, you also need to perform spot checks on its most frequently used components.  This way, you can resolve issues about corrosion, metal fatigue and even plastic degradation as soon as it happens.

Said parts will include the adjustable back rests, the arm rests, the foot rests and the tilt mechanisms.  This should only take a few minutes to do every other day so there is simply no excuse for non-performance. 

Check the Battery
Again, refer to the instructions manual for the proper maintenance of the battery.  You should be able to find details on charging, using and maintaining the battery in ways that will extend its serviceable life and, in consequence, the life of your electric wheel chair. 

Check the Nuts and Bolts
The nuts and bolts of your wheelchair hold together the wheelchair in more ways than one.  Making sure that each one is securely tightened will significantly contribute to your safety as well as in ensuring that the wheelchair will endure for many years to come.  You might have to ask a serviceman to teach you or a family member how to check for the integrity of the nuts and bolts.

You should also check on the axle and axle plate.  Keep in mind that a misplaced axle or axle plate is more prone to damage when the wheelchair is moving. 

Check the Tires
The next parts to check in your electric wheel chair are the tires.  You must ensure that the tires are inflated to the right pressure and/or none have blow-outs.  Keep in mind that it is not just the premature wear and tear of the battery that is at stake here but your safety as well. 

Check Electrical Connections
Most important, you must check the wheelchair's electrical connections, which are often the most delicate components.  You need not do this on a daily basis as once every month is sufficient frequency for the activity.  You need to check for dust, dirt and salt build-up.

Indeed, your electric wheel chair deserves all the care that you pour into it.  After all, it is your ally in providing you with greater mobility, not to mention that you want value for your money through its longer life.  

 
 

Repair Choices Concerning the Electric Wheel Chair 
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Like it or not, no matter how well you apply good maintenance practices to your electric wheel chair, you have to perform repairs on it.  After all, just like any other mobility devices, wheelchairs are subject to natural wear and tear. 
There are two choices when it comes to wheelchair repair - do-it-yourself and professional repair.  Each one has its pros and cons although we recommend trying to repair the wheelchair on your own, if you believe you can, before calling in the big guns.

Do-It-Yourself Repair
The best advice when seeking to make do-it-yourself wheelchair repair is to read and understand the instructions manual.  You ought to find instructions on how to troubleshoot problems, how to solve issues and how to make DIY repair on your electric wheel chair.

Of course, you may need the help of a family member or friend with the DIY repair especially when you have limited upper body movement. In fact, you are advised never to undertake major DIY repair on your own for the sake of safety, not to mention that it makes the job so much faster and easier with some assistance from an able-bodied accomplice.

Furthermore, it pays to have a wheelchair repair kit with you at all times especially when you have plans to be away from home for extended periods of time. This way, you will not encounter too much difficulty in repairing your wheelchair even in the most unlikely of times and places. Your electric wheel chair kit must include the following basic tools:  screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers and a tire-changing kit.
 
One of the most common wheelchair repair activities you will encounter is the abnormal movement of the caster wheels, which is due to the accumulation of hair and thread in them.  Other issues lending themselves well to DIY repair are sagging seat, non-folding of the chair and loose straps. 

Professional Repair
And then there are wheelchair repairs that must be performed by professionals simply because these activities are beyond your expertise and experience.   These repairs include those involving the battery and engine as well as the other electronic components. In fact, these are the most sensitive parts of the electric wheel chair that must never be fiddled with by amateurs for their own safety. 

However, you just don't call in anybody professing to be a wheelchair repairman. You have to ask for certain qualifications and credentials depending on the state where you live in. Thus, you should ask for their education and certification for the repair of electric wheelchairs particularly where the model of your wheelchair is concerned. 

Better yet, you should call the manufacturer for their authorized service centers just to be on the safe side.  After all, you do not want just about anybody fiddling with your wheelchair and then pronouncing it beyond repair when all it did was run out of battery in the first place.

In conclusion, it is always best to repair the defects of the electric wheel chair as soon as these start.  You want to ensure that your repair bills will not run sky-high, no thanks to your negligence in letting problems related to the wheelchair get worse. So, DIY or professional, it is your call just as long as you have it repaired. 

 
 
     
 
 
     

How to Choose a Power Wheel Chair That is Right For You
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Whether you need a wheel chair on an ongoing basis or part time when walking long distances, choosing a power wheel chair can give you independence and mobility that you otherwise might not have.

However, power wheel chairs are expensive so it is essential that you take the time to choose the one best suited to your needs. 
Types of Power Wheel Chairs
There are several types of power wheel chairs to choose from. Center drive, folding and travel wheel chairs are all great options depending on what your lifestyle may be. Choosing the right power wheel chair is a matter of matching your individual needs with the wheel chair best suited to those needs. 

What Should I consider When Choosing a Power Wheel Chair
There are many things to be considered when deciding which kind of power wheel chair is right for you. Where you live will make a difference in what kind of chair you need. If you live in an apartment you may need a chair that is easy maneuver in small spaces. In which case a Center drive wheel chair or a travel power wheel chair may be your best option. 

If you travel a lot and have a van with a wheel chair lift then all three types of chairs will work for you. However, if you need the chair to fit in a more confined space when traveling, then a center chair will simply not meet your needs. Either a folding or a travel power chair will be better suited to your lifestyle. 

Keep in mind that some chairs are made to work well on paved walks, floors, and more uneven surfaces like a yard. If being able to go off the beaten track is important to you then choosing a power wheel chair that can handle different kinds of terrains will be a better choice than one that does not. 

You might also want to decide how far you will need to go on a battery charge and if a chair can switch to manual use should your battery die. 
The first thing you should do when shopping for a power wheel chair is to make a list of those features that are best suited to your individual needs. Take the time and seriously consider what you want this chair to enable you do, prioritize those features that are the most important to your day to day well being and mobility. 

Once you know what features you are looking for in a power wheel chair then it is a simple matter of choosing the best type of chair for your individual needs and then looking for the specific model that will give you the most for your money. 

There are many online sites that offer reviews of specific power wheel chair models and these reviews can help you to make an informed decision on which model is best. 

Taking the time to know what your individual needs are and then finding the power wheel chair that best meets those needs will give you the freedom you want to enjoy at a price you can afford.

 
 

The Power Wheel Chair: An Overview
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A power wheel chair is a wheel chair that runs off a battery, making it possible for the user to have more maneuverability then with a hand pushed chair.

Many of these chairs are made for both indoor and outdoor use and there are even models that are designed to be taken apart for people who like to travel. 

Here is a look at some of the power wheel chairs on the market today. 
Advantages
Travel Power Wheel Chair
A Travel power wheel chair is designed for portability and also to be used in confined spaces such as small apartments, eating out in restaurants, and even traveling on cruise ships. They work wells on paved surfaces such as sidewalks and in malls, stores and other solid surfaces. 

When storing these chairs for travel you must dissemble the base and battery pack and remove the seat. Which means that you must be able to transfer out of it. You must also be able to lift approximately 35 pounds and have enough maneuverability to take the chair apart and resemble it or have a travel companion that can. 

Folding Power Wheel Chair
The folding power wheel chair is designed for full time mobility. It has a higher back support than the travel power wheel chair and has padded arm cushions and larger rear wheel. It is good for both indoor and outdoor use and can travel at about 6 miles an hour. 

Folding power wheel chairs can be used for travel and they store in the trunk like manual wheel chairs. They do need to have their batteries disconnected and taken off when storing and the batteries weigh approximately 35 pounds each and the chair weighs 45 pounds so heavy lifting is required to store this wheel chair. 

Center Drive Power Wheel Chairs
Center drive power wheel chairs are great in very confined spaces as they turn right at the center making maneuverability simple and easy. They are also very easy to operate and can run both indoor and outdoor on different kinds of terrain. 

These wheel chairs are specially designed for a pressure management cushion and many models of these chairs have high backs and head rests. You can also get a model with electric elevating seating which allows the seat of the chair to move up 4-6 inches making it easier to reach counters and shelves.
 
These wheel chairs are not easy to transport and to do so requires a van with a wheel chair lift. 

Heavy Weight Power Wheel Chair
Heavy weight power wheel chairs come in a variety of styles including center and folding. These wheel chairs are designed specifically for people who weigh 350-650 pounds, giving them the comfort and convenience that most wheel chairs do not have. 

Power wheel chairs are designed to allow for the most independent living possible. Many models are made for both indoor and outdoor use allowing people to continue to do the things they enjoy like shop, sight see and other activities. While some models are designed almost specifically for travel, others have features geared more to day to day life, making it possible for you to find a power chair to meet your individual needs whatever they may be.