How to Choose an Electric Wheelchair-5 Things You Should Know

                                                                                         

Electric wheelchairs open the door to freedom for millions of new users every year. They allow a person the liberty to lead a more independent lifestyle, they are now capable of doing simple things such as going for a stroll through their neighborhood without the accompaniment of another person or the sore arms and hands that they may have had to endure previously. While electric wheelchairs are a great help to a number of people, there are still considerations that need to be made when choosing the right one.

The control system that you choose will also be somewhat dependant upon your physical limitations. There are many types of systems to choose from, a joystick is very popular and works in much the same way as with a video game. However, if you do not have any arm control, you may need a chair that is equipped with a control system that is controlled by the head, the trunk of the body or through propulsion. Again, your doctor will be able to help you to decide which type of control system is right for you.


It is very important that you take an electric wheelchair for a test drive before you agree to purchase it. Many companies will let you try it out for a period of time that ranges from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Taking advantage of this option will allow you to get the right wheelchair for you.

You will need to decide upon such features as the height and support of the back that you will want. You personal physical limitations will help you determine this, for example, if you have little or no upper body muscle strength, it is recommended that the back be tilted at a 45 degree angle. Speak with a physical therapist or with your personal physician to determine the correct angle for you.

When beginning the process of selecting the correct electric wheelchair for your situation, it is important to know how much money that you have to work with. Call your medical insurance provider; they will be able to answer this question for you. You will also need to decide how much of your personal money will be available to add to the insurance companies figures. The average electric chair can run anywhere from $5,000.00 to over $30,000.00, keep this in mind when you are shopping.

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