Pros and Cons of Motorized Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are ones that are driven by a motor versus having to be moved manually by the user. This option is essential for those that are unable to maneuver a non-motorized chair due to amputation or loss of upper body strength. Instead of the user having to manually push the wheels, she simply needs to move a joystick or another device to get around.

One of the biggest drawbacks to motorized wheelchairs is their size and weight. A non-motorized chair is very light and relatively small in size. A manual wheelchair usually weights about thirty pounds. In contrast, a motorized wheelchair on average weights from eighty pounds to one hundred and fifty pounds. This can be a concern if you need to transport the wheelchair in a vehicle. With a non-motorized wheelchair you can easily fold it and place it in the trunk. With a motorized wheelchair you would need to have a vehicle that is especially equipped for the wheelchair to roll right inside.

A motorized wheelchair is much more expensive then a manual wheelchair. On average, motorized wheelchairs can range in price from $1000 to almost $5000. A manual wheelchair usually ranges in price from $200 to $1000. However, there are many companies that will work with your insurance company to help cover the costs of the wheelchair. Talk with your health insurance company, doctor or therapist to find put what options you have to finance your wheelchair.

The downside to a non-motorized wheelchair is that the user may need additional help in getting around. If the wheelchair user is living with a condition that results in a loss of upper body strength, he may not be able to move the wheelchair by himself. This is one of the main reasons individuals purchase a motorized wheelchair. These chairs have a small joystick on the arm rest that easily allows the user to start, stop and turn the chair. For those with a severe disability. there are motorized wheelchairs that can be controlled in a variety of ways. There are devices that can be attached to the head, and as the user changes head position, the chair moves. There are voice-controlled chairs as well. Visit the Ultramobilelife website to learn more.. There are models that can store maps and be programmed to drive themselves to preprogrammed locations. The most impressive are models that are controlled with the mind. See the VI Roadshow website for more information. Certain thoughts will result in the chair moving certain ways.

Another benefit of motorized wheelchairs is that they tend to have more comfortable seats. They usually have seats that more closely resemble an easy chair. Many have back and headrests allowing the user to fully relax in the chair. Manual wheelchairs are not usually as comfortable and may require the use of pads to help support the user. However, these pads often slide around as the person moves and can fall off when transferring in and out of the chair. They can become quite uncomfortable if you need to spend a lot of time sitting in them.

Another benefit of motorized wheelchairs is that they can support the individual in being as independent as possible. Some models come with a built-in chair lift. This allows the user to get to items that may be out of reach when the user is sitting down. The chair seat will lift up, which not only brings the user closer to higher objects, but can also assist him in getting out of the chair. Another concern is that manual wheelchairs can be very challenging to move or push over uneven train. Motorized wheelchairs like the one shown here can be designed to easily roll over even off road terrain allowing the user full freedom to travel anywhere.