A motorized wheelchair, powerchair, electric wheelchair, or electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) is a wheelchair that is propelled by means of an electric motor (usually using differential steering) rather than manual power. Motorized wheelchairs are helpful for those unable to push a manual wheelchair or who may need to use a wheelchair for distances or over terrain that would be fatiguing in a manual wheelchair. They may also be used not just by people with ‘traditional’ mobility impairments but also by people with cardiovascular and fatigue-based conditions.
The first commercially produced electric wheelchairs were merely heavy-duty manual folding-frame wheelchairs that were powered by lead-acid batteries, motors, drive belts, and pulleys. Those systems, known as conventional power wheelchairs, were very simplistic. They required the Use of a joystick to control the wheelchair’s movement, and programmability did not exist. The seating system typically consisted of a sling seat and back upholstery, which significantly limited postural support for the individual.
Uses of Electric Wheelchair:
Using an electric wheelchair typically involves familiarizing yourself with the controls and operating the device safely. Here’s a general guide on how to use an electric wheelchair:
When mobility issues advance, an electric wheelchair can be an excellent investment for your independence. However, note that driving an electric wheelchair is very different than using a manual wheelchair. It might require some practice before you get to master it.
The first and most crucial step is to take a look at the instructions presented in the user manual. Each electric wheelchair model is different and has its usage specifications. Make sure you read through the manual and understand the basics before going on the road. Check the battery and tires.
Your new electric wheelchair might need a full charge before hitting the road, as well as some air pumped into the wheels. Thorough preparation sets you up for a nice ride, keeps you balanced, and ensures proper maneuverability. Make the necessary adjustments to the seat, armrests, footrests (if the case), and joystick, just like you would do when getting into your brand-new car. This will ensure that the electric wheelchair is adapted to your body and that you can drive comfortably. Ensure a safe transfer in all circumstances.
The power drive should be turned OFF, and the wheels should be locked when preparing to sit in your electric wheelchair. Footrests must be rotated up/out to allow access. Make sure you stand with your back to the wheelchair, lean forward slightly with your pelvis back until you have a good grip on the handles, and slowly lower yourself into the seat. Adjust your position if needed, and do not rush the process. Once you are safely and comfortably seated, you can turn the power ON and unlock the wheels.
The same procedure, in reverse order, applies when getting out of the electric wheelchair. Before you stand up, make sure to lock the wheels, turn the power OFF, push the footrests up or to the side, get a good grip on your handles, go into your legs, or get assistance if needed, and don’t rush. Slow, steady movements are always safer. This is perhaps the most challenging thing to learn in order to drive an electric wheelchair properly. Take the time to practice in a secure area, on a level surface, until you are used to the balance and maneuverability of the wheelchair.
Some electric wheelchairs have more sensitive controllers than others, so it is important to practice until you have mastered them. Keep going even if your movements are smooth from the start. Learning to drive an electric wheelchair is comparatively easy to learning to drive a car.
It may not be as tricky, but it definitely requires time, attention, and repeated attempts in order to stimulate muscle memory and develop an automatism. Some electric wheelchairs have a smaller turning radius than others. Usually, this is stated in the manual, but the best thing is to experience it yourself, so practice the turning circle to see how much space you need when turning. The new Rollz Motion Electric has the same turning radius as a regular Rollz Motion, which means you can turn it around on the spot. When driving on ramps or taking obstacles such as curbs, you must first observe the limits stated in the manual. These can be different for each electric wheelchair.
We strongly recommend staying within the limits stated in the manual in order to minimize injuries, falls, and loss of balance and stability. The electrically powered motor needs some extra power when going uphill, so don’t be afraid to push the joystick forward. But beware: as soon as you reach the top of the hill, you must slow down, or you may be launched forward. The reverse applies when going back down. To avoid going downhill too quickly, do not push the joystick forward, if at all, to descend the hill until you arrive safely gradually. If you plan on using the electric wheelchair on a sidewalk, it’s essential only to use the designated curb ramp entrances and exits.
Attempting to drive over a high curb could result in a dangerous fall. Entering elevators with an electric wheelchair is very similar to parking a car. Backward is best to allow more freedom of movement when exiting the lift and to anticipate any obstacles. It can be a bit challenging at first – don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, and if you’re alone, take your time.
Most electric wheelchairs are equipped with a storage bag under the seat and possibly some accessories to attach to the handles, on which you can hang handbags. However, we recommend that you be careful about the maximum weight capacity of your wheelchair, as this can interfere with balance, maneuverability, speed, and battery usage. The heavier the load, the more power the wheelchair needs. For safety reasons, keep the load only for the intended storage bag and avoid overloading.
Most people need an electric wheelchair to move more easily outdoors. In this case, climate and weather conditions are essential aspects to consider when making your purchase. The electrical parts are incompatible with moisture and water and must, therefore, be well protected. If you are outside when it starts to rain, you should primarily protect the joystick, as it is the first electronic component that can come into contact with water and cause the product to malfunction. A rain cape or rain poncho can provide adequate protection if driving in rain is unavoidable. Make sure that the electric wheelchair is not parked in the sun. This can damage the battery and electrical components. A decisive factor for the lifespan of your wheelchair is maintenance. The better you take care of your electric wheelchair, the longer you can enjoy it. The task is relatively straightforward: there are only a few aspects to consider. Storage conditions are essential for electric wheelchairs, as they need to be kept away from water, freezing temperatures, or chemicals. Unless you want to unplug the battery every time you get home, it’s best to store your chair somewhere in the house.
The battery is not the only part of the chair that can get damaged by water and low temperatures, but it is the most sensitive. The fabric of the seat, straps, armrests, footrests, and the frame in general can become damaged over time if stored in poor conditions. Different materials have different degrees of resistance, but it is better – if possible – to store your wheelchair in a clean, dry, and safe place. Most electric wheelchairs require the battery to be fully charged before first Use. Check whether this also applies to your model. The life of the battery is extended if it is recharged in time and does not run empty to the cut-off limit. It is best to fully (or almost entirely) charge the battery before driving your wheelchair, especially when preparing for long journeys. Whenever you are not charging it, it’s best to keep it turned off to avoid energy loss. A regular check-up is recommended. Please don’t wait until you encounter a problem before taking it in for a technical check. It is an electric wheelchair, so your safety and comfort depend on its proper functioning.
Maintenance of the Electric Wheelchair:
All wheelchairs require periodic maintenance to operate correctly. Some wheelchair parts require periodic repair and replacement. Wheelchair maintenance involves periodic inspection and action. Wheelchair service providers must provide training and education for users to detect problems, provide periodic care, and supply them with contact details of repair professionals. Periodic maintenance can be classified into inspection and action steps. Inspection means looking for a problem, and an action is trying to fix the problem. Plastic covers or shrouds protect the electronics and battery of the wheelchair. Always keep protective plastic covers (“shrouds”) in place. If the shrouds are damaged, dirt and moisture can impact the proper function of the wheelchair. Inspect that the shrouds are present and intact. Jiggle the shrouds to ensure they are not loose. If shrouds become damaged, they should be replaced. If you find problems, contact a wheelchair maintenance expert immediately. Inspecting the shrouds should be performed every day. Brake failure is a serious problem that can result in severe injury. If you feel that your brakes are not working correctly, you can try the following strategies to inspect them. Push the joystick forward until you hear the brakes click, then immediately (choose one). Turn the wheelchair off (recommended). This is the only way to check if it breaks immediately. If problems are identified, contact a wheelchair maintenance expert immediately. The motors are the heart of any power wheelchair. They convert the electrical energy of the batteries to mechanical work. In many cases, one motor is used to drive each wheel.
Listen to your motor. It is a good idea to become familiar with the healthy sound of your wheelchair when it is new. Over time, just like a car, it will become a little noisier, but if your ear is tuned to how it sounds when it is healthy, you will be able to notice when there is excessive noise. Increased noise might indicate worn bearings, out-of-line belts or gears, or frame problems. If the wheelchair has two motors, each should sound the same. Motor failure can leave the wheelchair user stranded. If any unfamiliar or unrecognized noises are heard, contact a wheelchair maintenance expert. Inspect that the wheelchair cannot manually move when the lever is engaged; it can be moved when it is disengaged. There are different types of motor disengage levers. Motor lever failure can leave the wheelchair user stranded as well as injured. If problems are identified, contact a wheelchair maintenance expert. This task should be performed daily. For pneumatic (inflatable) tires, if the tire lacks sufficient pressure, the wheelchair will be difficult to maneuver and less stable. The tire and wheel will also wear much more quickly. Check the tire pressure by pressing down firmly on the tire with your thumb. If the tire is able to be pressed down more than 5mm (roughly the thickness of three pennies stacked together), add air with an air pump. A bicycle pump or pneumatic air pump can be used to inflate wheelchair tires. This task should be performed weekly. Power wheelchair nuts and bolts.png.Nuts and bolts that are too loose will loosen further or not hold the part correctly. Visually identify loose bolts.
Move parts and check that they do not rattle. Tighten all loose nuts and bolts until snug. Depending on the bolt, you can use a screwdriver, wrench, or Allen wrench. Tighten to the point where the parts that the nuts and bolts are holding do not move at all. Do not over-tighten! Some bolts are to be tightened only some of the way, such as lock nuts. Over-tightening a loose nut or bolt could damage the part and/or bolt. Bolts are graded for strength and hardness. The manufacturer selects the specific grade for the part where the bolt is to be used. Bolts used on wheelchairs must be replaced with the proper size and type of bolt. If nuts or bolts are missing, stripped, or broken, contact a wheelchair maintenance expert to get the bolts/nuts replaced. This task should be performed monthly.
When to change accessories:
Due to wear and tear, certain parts of an Electric wheelchair may need to be replaced over time. These can include the tires, which can wear down or puncture; the hand rims, which can become damaged; and the upholstery, which can tear or sag. Other parts like brakes, armrests, and footrests may also require replacement due to frequent Use. Electric wheelchairs, while more complex, also require part replacements. The batteries typically need to be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on usage. Motors can wear out, and control systems like joysticks can become less responsive or break. Tires, armrests, and seating systems are also common replacement parts.
Best practices for comfortable Use:
As we’ve highlighted many times before, not every wheelchair will suit everyone. Different wheelchairs have different properties and materials that affect the feel of driving but also the type of user they’re best suited to. For example, someone with Parkinson’s disease or another disability that affects their fine motor control will want a wheelchair that has been programmed to be slower to avoid the sudden jerk that can happen on acceleration. Electric power is an instant delivery of power, so if you are not used to the feeling and control of a joystick or have shakier hands, then you will need to have a lower-speed wheelchair that can ensure the safety of the user. This is because lower speeds mean less acceleration potential. For someone who may have a struggle with agility, it’s imperative that they can’t be able to go to speeds as fast as someone who has complete motor control.
Similarly, a user who is over a specific body weight may feel uncomfortable in a wheelchair that has a very lightweight frame, as a chair that is too light for them can be dangerous to use. Pavements and roads are not often conducive to electric wheelchair usage. Curbs, camber, and drains cover all the problems posed by wheelchair users, so you must learn the proper technique. Different disabilities require different approaches to wheelchair setup. For example, some people might require a headrest to support their neck more. We also wholly personalize your joystick, programming it to suit your needs, from speed limitations to slower acceleration. This all depends on the person and their disability, as it’s essential that for your safety and that of others’ safety, your wheelchair is personalized to your needs.
Another key thing we do to ensure that your wheelchair is comfortable is to organize your cushioning. Someone with longer legs will need to be sat further back in the wheelchair seat in order to feel entirely comfortable. To accommodate this, we can move cushions around to allow the user to be as far back in the chair as possible. In bad weather, such as rain, snow, or windy conditions, the safest thing to do is to stay indoors. MG Medicare’s wheelchairs work best in good weather. In light rain, you will need to cover the joystick to protect it, as the workings can get damaged.