Electric Wheelchair or Manual Wheelchair

                                                                                         

Wheelchairs mean so much to those with limited mobility. Thanks to wheelchairs those with restricted movement can become more portable and regain their independence. There are two main types of wheelchairs and these are the manual wheelchair and the electric wheelchair.

Manual Wheelchair
The manual wheelchair has been in use for decades and has gone through many revisions. The constant feature has been that the chair is self propelled by pushing on the hand rims that encircle the wheels. The owner in effect pushes the wheels around and around to get from one location to the other. Further more, the footrests to a manual wheelchair can be removed and the owner can walk the chair forward with his feet.

Electric Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are of course powered by batteries. These wheelchairs are bigger, heavier and stronger because they must be able to support the added weight of the motor and the battery. Electric wheelchairs also differ in their complexity. Some are straightforward and use typical batteries and joy stick controllers. Others use microprocessors and robotic circuitry which make possible the wheelchair to elevate itself on to wheels so it can go up stairs. The amount of sophistication is reflected in the price of an electric wheelchair. The prices can range from $2000 all the way up to $30,000.

The most highly developed electric wheelchair today is the iBOT. The iBOT is so technically advanced that it can go up up stairs, slide across gravel and even lift so the user can reach high shelves. The iBOT can even self adjust its stabilization to balance for use on four wheels and two wheels.
A unique computer program called iBALANCE receives data via different sensors and gyroscopes, allowing the iBOT to maintain stability during certain maneuvers. For example during curb climbing the seat stays level while sections of the frame tilt to climb the curb.
Most people will not be able to purchase such a expensive wheelchair as the iBOT. The normal cost for an electric wheelchair today is around $7000. This is for a wheelchair from a known brand and certified dealer. It is not advisable to purchase a used electric wheelchair because you can never tell if they have been damaged or have worn out motors and batteries. As a substitute, buy your chair from a certified seller so it comes with full coverage for servicing.

Electric wheelchairs use diverse types of propelling systems. One method is the rear wheel drive wheelchair. This is the most common. This type of wheelchair has good speed but turns can be tricky. Another type is the mid wheel drive wheelchair. These are easier to turn and they are rather efficient , but they can be unstable with unexpected stops and starts. They are not as fast as the rear wheel drive wheelchairs.

When choosing an electric wheelchair, take time off and compare capabilities and prices. Ask for additional information from wheelchair sellers so you can make a correct decision.

About the author:
The author is the owner of The WheelChairs web site .
For more information on WheelChairs types go to http://www.the-wheelchair.com/

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