Powerwheels, Electric & Power wheel chair… the difference?!
WHICH ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Electric wheelchairs are generally prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions and illneses. A person with full function of the upper torso and arms will generally be prescribed a manual wheelchair.
But what are the differences between electric wheelchair, powerchair, electrical scooter or powered wheelchair?
Decision which device to choose rests with each individual. Naming of devices is different due to different models, operating and construction modes and purposes. Powered wheelchair devices are is composed of these categories. models are found under various names. But all do have similarities:
- may be designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, or classified as both.
- they use electric motors to move the wheels. Wheels are usually powered by 4 or 5 amp deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, similar to those used to power outboard boat engines. Batteries are available in 'wet' or 'dry options; most these days prefer 'dry' cell batteries. More information about the difference can be found in the accessories page. Many powerchairs carry an on-board charger which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet; older or more portable models may have a separate charger unit.
- three general styles of powered wheelchairs are: rear, center, and front wheel driven. Each style has particular handling characteristics.
- they are divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile.
- Powerchairs run the gamut from small and portable/foldable/disassemblable models to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs).
- The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and puff/suck scanners for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries. This controller is the most delicate and usually the most expensive part of the chair. Powerchairs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function.
