There are many different types of wheelchair categories currently available on our website. Each category has different models suited for different users. Some of the chairs have fixed components, which makes them more suitable for people who are used to non-removable parts.
The most common type of Power Wheelchair would be the manual wheelchair. This type of chair is self-propelled, and it is not assisted by the use of a battery or an auto propelling system. This type of chair is suited for someone who has control over his or her upper limbs. This is because the conventional type of manual chair has large rear wheels to allow the user to propel on their own.
Wheelchair Types-
As with the automobile, inventors have developed many different styles and models of wheelchairs. Each is designed for a different purpose, and permits different types of adjustments to be made.
Changes easily made on standard powered wheelchairs include:
• foot support positioning (typically only length adjustment)
• arm support adjustment
• joystick positioning
• upholstery replacement
Types of Power Wheelchair Products-
A powered wheelchair, rather than a scooter, may be a more suitable product for you if you need to stay in your wheelchair throughout the day, have restricted mobility in one or both hands, require mobility assistance around the home or are unable to transfer on and off a seat easily.
- Karma KP 10-2 Power Wheelchair
- Karma KP 10-3 Power Wheelchair
- Karma KP 80 Power Wheelchair
- GM Lite Power Wheelchair
- Bronco Wheelchair
- Angel Wheelchair
There are many types of Electric Wheelchair currently on the market. They generally fall into two main categories: scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Powered wheelchairs with power bases When talking about powered wheelchairs, people usually picture a powered wheelchair with a power base. They differ from scooters in their design and operation. Power base wheelchairs have a base that houses the motors, batteries and wheels, along with a seating system that is mounted on top of the base. Most powered wheelchair bases have at least four wheels. While scooters are steered using a tiller that is mechanically linked to the front wheel(s), power base wheelchairs can be controlled using a variety of input switches. The most common control input device is a joystick that is operated by the hand. Powered wheelchairs can also be controlled using joysticks operated by other parts of the body, or by a variety of single or multiple switches, including sip and puff breath-activated ones. Many people who are unable to operate scooters due to limited arm function, are able to use traditional Folding Power Wheelchair.
Powered wheelchairs come in a variety of drive wheel types:
Front-wheel drive,
Mid-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive.
There are also a variety of specialty powered wheelchairs. These fall into several categories, including stair climbing powered chair bases that are intended for independent or attendant operation, those that are able to move laterally, and those designed for off-road use.
Powered chairs for traveling Due to the weight of most power base chairs, transportation is a major consideration. Users of power base chairs often prefer using a modified van or mini van for their personal vehicle. There are a limited number of powered chairs available that are ideal for travel. These chairs differ from the typical power base chairs that do not fold. They are easier to remove the batteries, have smaller drive wheels and can be quickly folded to put in the back of a vehicle. Traveling powered chairs more closely resemble a folding manual wheelchair equipped with motors and batteries. The folding frame allows for easier transport. The batteries are often housed in separate boxes with easy to separate electrical connectors, which facilitate dismantling the chair. After removing the batteries and the battery tray, the chair can fold. The motors and controller are usually still mounted to the frame, which results in at least one heavy component to be lifted into and out of a vehicle.
While dismatling and folding the chair would not likely be a daily activity, knowing a chair can be folded and transported in a car, may be very useful for some users. In terms of durability, generally traveling powered chairs are not designed to be as durable as power base chairs. You will need to consider the trade-off of car transportation and your power mobility driving needs – light-duty versus heavy-duty use.
Drive Configurations-
Front-, rear- and mid-wheel drive powered chairs. Front-wheel drive chairs have large drive wheels in the front of the chair with casters (usually smaller wheels) in the rear. Front-wheel drive chairs were first introduced in Europe and are now becoming more popular in the U.S., where rear-wheel drive chairs have traditionally been most predominant. Rear-wheel drive chairs have the larger wheels in the rear with the casters in front. In the mid 1990’s, several manufacturers introduced mid-wheel drive Power Chair. These wheelchairs have the main drive wheel centered under the user’s center of mass. Mid-wheel drive powered chairs have six wheels: two drive wheels, a pair of casters and a pair of anti-tipping wheels. The casters and anti-tippers may be mounted either in the front or the rear of the chair.
