Best electric wheelchairs 2020
An electric wheelchair, more frequently referred to as a powered wheelchair, gives the gift of mobility to those who are restricted to their homes due to illness, stroke or other injury. "I have one in my garage right now for zooming around the yard and doing yard work," says Bill Fertig, the Virginia Beach-based director of the United Spinal Association Resource Center. These devices usually have at least four or six wheels which help with stability, as well as powered by batteries which typically last for about 10 miles before they need to be recharged.
To determine one of the Best Electric wheelchair for sale for seniors and older adults, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed information on more than 50 products from top brands, comparing their prices as well as weight capacity. travel range, top speed for travel and portability. Find out which Electric wheelchairs are available for purchase on our list. Be aware that prices are current from the date of publication.
What Is an Electric Wheelchair?
The Portable electric wheelchair, also known as motorized or powered electric wheelchair rental near me--is an eight- or six-wheel chair equipped with a motor. It runs on one or two batteries. They are operated by an electronic joystick, and don't require upper body strength. Electric wheelchairs that are powered differ from standard, simple wheelchairs for short-term use to highly customized models for larger and more extensive needs.
Cory Lee, 31, from Georgia has been using wheelchairs since four years old. Also, he's a frequent traveler. He's hot air ballooned over Israel and floated in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and had a run-in with an hippopotamus in South African--and is an expert when it comes to traveling in wheelchair. Through the course of the years, Lee experienced many different types and sizes of wheelchairs. He also knows the importance of choosing the right wheelchair.
Prices for electric wheelchairs that are comparable to the ones that Lee uses Lee fall under a category called complex rehabilitation technology, also known as CRT. "These wheelchairs are measured and built specifically to meet each individual's unique needs," says Angie Kiger, a clinical management and strategy specialist of Sunrise Medical, a California-based manufacturer of wheelchairs. The technology is comprised of multiple positioning options, high-tech electronics and controls, as well as adjustments for orthopedic issues , and accommodations for ventilators.
What is a Power Wheelchair?
Power wheelchairs (also called power chairs) allow for exceptional maneuverability in small spaces as well as around tight corners, making them an ideal choice for mobility within and outside your home. A power wheelchair can also permit you to pull in close proximity to counters, tables and work surfaces in order to complete routine tasks and stay in your home. They are prescribed by physicians for users who require continuous mobility for everyday activities within their home. They are also available to rent or purchase by any person who can benefit from the new freedom and mobility that the power wheel chair offers.
Electric Wheelchair Basics
When looking for the best electric wheelchair prices you'll come across several terms that pop up frequently on websites of the dealers. We've explained a few of the most essential terms below to make shopping less stressful.
Front-, Mid-, & Rear-Wheel Drive
All Medicare electric wheelchairs have up to six wheels, but only two of the chair get power direct from the motor. Other wheel ("casters") stabilize the chair. Mid-wheel drive is best for turning completely around in tight spaces. On the other hand, front and rear wheel drive wheelchairs provide the most comfort and ease of use and manage outdoor terrain best. It's recommended to talk with an occupational therapist in order to decide which type of wheel drive will be best to use in your daily life.
Turning Radius
The radius of the turning is the least u-turn the electric wheelchair moves near me. The lower the turning radius is, the more suitable the chair will perform to be used indoors or in tiny spaces. A turning radius of 20" and about 35" is typical. Bulky chairs will have large turning radiuses, but other aspects such as the angle of the footrest or the wheel drive can affect the radius of turning.
Travel Range
The travel range of electric wheelchairscommonly called "range" - is the miles it can travel before its batteries need to recharged. The range of the chair varies, ranging from 4 or 5 miles in certain chairs , to as much as 20 miles for others. The range can be shorter than what is advertised, if the driver is a heavy person, the terrain isn't perfect and the battery old. Finding an electric wheelchair with an impressive range is important for those who plan to travel frequently or who regularly use their Electric wheelchair for sale outside on solo trips to the store or other locations.
Warranty Limits
Portable electric wheelchair typically have "limited" warranties and not every day wear and tear will be included in the warranty offered by the manufacture. Most warranties cover structural elements such as the frame in the frame for at least five and ten years, and typically, they cover other parts for shorter periods of time stipulated in the warranty agreement. In the overview table and company profiles below, the number that is next to the word"limited" (for instance, "5 year limited") represents the greatest amount of coverage included in the warranty, which usually applicable to the frame.
How to Choose a Power Wheelchair Store
When you're searching for a power wheelchair store near me or an online store, there are always certain things you should study prior to doing business with any company. Investing in a power wheelchair will easily cost $1,000.00plus so you'll want to ensure you take every step to ensure you are going to end up working with a business that offers top-quality customer service, rock bottom prices on new models, as well as expertise to guide you in finding the right Best electric wheelchair for you.
Below are 3 main points you should consider before buying a new power chair:
Online Reviews - Crowd sourcing data is the best way to determine the quality of customer service offered to customers who have been customers for a long time. It isn't possible for any business to function perfectly without a glitch, and when something goes wrong you'll want to be sure that the company has your back and will do whatever is essential to ensure that you end in a positive experience as a customer. Currently, MobilityScootersDirect.com has a 4.7/5.0 which is a very strong rating. Any business with less than an 4.0 rating could be thought of as average. Any company that has less than a 3.0 rating could be classified as poor.
Pricing - One of the most important factors is pricing. Why would you pay more for an identical product? Some local stores are forced to charge higher prices because they have overhead and rent to pay for. This can run into the hundreds of dollars per month for a brick-and-mortar enterprise, so this must be considered when determining their prices. At MobilityScootersDirect.com, we're an online store so able to offer you these products at the lowest price the manufacturers will allow us to sell them for. This is also known as MAP pricing.
Expert Knowledge of Products Portable electric wheelchair - All of our salespeople are well-trained in electronics, and can physically repair mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Many of our sales associates have a passion for aviation, and the flying drones with electronic components. Their passion for electronics can translate into an incredible understanding of products which is uncommon elsewhere. Part of the reason our reviewers are so raving about our products is due to the fact that our sales staff works so efficiently that our customers end up with the right product that not only will meet their needs, but may even surpass their expectations.
