Motorized Wheel Chair Can Aid Independence

By A. M. Kelly

Give someone the gift of freedom and mobility with a motorized wheel chair, allowing him or her the movement they require while confined to a wheel chair. With a motorized wheel chair their personal feeling of independence can be enhanced and their attitude given an optimistic boost.

Whether it is just one for helping to get around the house or one strictly for use outside the home, a motorized wheel chair can provide the help needed for a person to gain movement similar to the previous freedom they enjoyed. Not having to depend on others to get from one point to another can make a huge difference for someone with a handicap requiring a motorized wheel chair.

Numerous sizes are available with various options for mobility, but a tight turning radius is required on any motorized wheel chair you plan to use indoors. To be able to get around corners and through doorways, maneuverability is extremely important. It should also have enough power to climb ramps for entry into the house as well as those on street corners when crossing at intersections.

Joystick Controls Make It Easier

There are different methods of steering a motorized wheel chair but the ones using a single joystick control are the easiest, as they will go in the direction dictated by the single stick controller. Some of them have power controls to move forward and in reverse and steering depends on handlebars. While this type of motorized wheel chair is generally less expensive, they are also more difficult to maneuver in tight spots.

There are a few of the older models that resemble a traditional wheel chair with an electric motor attached to them, similar to the first models of a motorized wheel chair to be introduced, that can be difficult for a person to handle. Whatever type being used, they should also be able to be powered by hand in the event of battery failure so as not to leave the person stranded.

They should also be designed to prevent what is called rollback in the even the battery quits while going up or down a small ramp. The motorized wheel chair should be designed so that it will not become freewheeling and roll down the ramp on its own. A separate braking system should also be available in the event of power loss. Most will have some sort of safety system to prevent this from happening, but you will want to insure it is in working condition.

Author Details:
A. M. Kelly writes for various web sites including The A-Z of Wheelchairs and other information portals such as information junkie and the A-Z of.com

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