Manual Or Motorized - Finding The Right Wheelchair

Jul 12
09:39

2007

Christopher Smith

Christopher Smith

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If you find yourself in need of a wheelchair, you may wonder what kind to get. There are many different kinds of wheelchairs on the market. They can vary in size, shape, and operation. Some wheelchairs can only be operated manually, while others come with motors. In particular, motorized wheelchairs can be a convenient option if you have difficulty using a manual wheelchair.

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Many kinds of wheelchairs are available for those who require them. They are designed to aid people with different combinations of medical conditions,Manual Or Motorized - Finding The Right Wheelchair Articles so examine them closely to ensure that the wheelchair you purchase suits your needs. Motorized wheelchairs provide the advantage of electric motors, and thus can be used by many people who may not be able to operate a manual wheelchair due to their diminished physical capacities.

In most cases, manual wheelchairs require strength and the use of both arms to manipulate the chair. This can be difficult, or even impossible, for some people. Also, sometimes, the effort needed to propel a wheelchair can aggravate a person's condition. For these, and other reasons, a doctor may recommend a motorized wheelchair to a patient.

Motorized wheelchairs are also known as \"powerchairs\". They are powered by electric motors which propel the chair. In order to control the direction, the user operates a joystick or other control device. Most powerchairs can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they can boast several other features including power tilt and recline functions and adjustable elevation.

Motorized wheelchairs, due to their greater complexity, will generally cost more than the manual variety. However, if you have a condition that limits your ability to use a manual wheelchair, check with your insurance agency. You may find that powerchairs are covered under your policy. Even if it is not covered, a wheelchair is usually a one-time purchase, so the cost is not as daunting as it may appear at first glance.

One should buy wheelchair parts or accessories at the same time as purchasing the device.   A portable wheelchair ramp is among the most valuable of accessories.   When one is stuck in a location difficult to maneuver, or completely without access portable wheelchair ramps make things much simpler.  Other replacement wheelchair parts such as batteries or motors should be available from the retailer and are quite useful.

You will probably want to try out several kinds of wheelchairs before you find the right one for you. This is fine - a wheelchair is something you may need to use for a long time. Whether you choose a manual wheelchair or one of the motorized wheelchairs, be absolutely certain that you can live with it on a long-term basis. Finding a good one now can save you a lot of discomfort in the future.