When you’re in a wheelchair, the last thing you want to do is spend your time being stuck at home or in a hospital. The world offers so many possibilities and it’s important that people with disabilities are able to experience all of them. One way for people with mobility issues to get around more easily is by using an electric wheelchair as their main mode of transportation. A lot of people don’t know how exactly an electric wheelchair works and what makes it different from other wheelchairs – especially manual ones. In this blog, we’ll answer the question ‘how does an electric wheelchair work?’
How does an electric wheelchair work?
Electric wheelchairs have batteries that power the motor and move the wheels. The battery is charged by plugging in a charging cord to an outlet or extension cord. The battery can last for up to 12 hours on one charge, but this will depend on how much you use it and where you go while using it. Battery life depends on what type of terrain you’re going over, how fast you’re going, and whether or not your chair has speed control.
The first thing you should do when shopping for an electric wheelchair is to make sure it’s compatible with your needs. You can also buy a used electric wheelchair from a previous owner if you want something more affordable. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use model, consider one that has automatic features like push buttons and joystick controls.
How to use an electric wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are designed to be easy to use. They’re lightweight and compact and can be folded for easy transport. You’ll need a power outlet nearby in order to charge your chair’s battery. Once the battery is charged, you can drive up to 20 miles on a single charge before needing another recharge. It’s important that you wear both the safety belt and wrist straps while driving your electric wheelchair. Once it’s charged, you can use your chair by plugging in the charger and pushing a button on the joystick. To turn left or right, push one of two buttons on either side of the joystick (the left button is for turning left and vice versa). Some wheelchairs may have buttons or a remote rather than a joystick.
Using an electric wheelchair safely
There are various saftey tips and precautions you should take when using one of these:
- Use a wheelchair that is the right size for your body
- Make sure you have enough power to get where you need to go and back home again
- Check your battery’s charge before leaving home or going out on an outing
- Know how to stop safely if the chair starts moving too fast or uncontrollably
- Make sure your chair is in good working order
- Be aware of the terrain you are travelling on and adjust accordingly
- Keep a hand on the joystick or controls at all times to control speed and direction
- Check for any loose clothing or hair that could get caught in wheels or gears
How far can an electric wheelchair go?
The average range of an electric wheelchair is about 8-10 miles. They have a battery and a motor which can be recharged with a power cable or even solar panel depending on the brand and make. You may need to get your chair serviced every few months to make sure it’s in good working order. Walkers, which are the most common type of electric wheelchair, can usually go up to 20 miles before needing a recharge. Power chairs have more power and battery life than walkers, but they’re heavier and less manoeuvrable. In general, wheelchairs with larger batteries will last longer on one charge.
For how long does an electric wheelchair battery last?
There are different types of batteries for electric wheelchairs, including lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (LiPo). The type of battery you choose depends on how often you use your chair. Lead-acid is a good choice if you need to charge your wheelchair every day or two. NiCd is best for people who need to charge their chairs once a week or less often than that. LiPo is better if you want to go farther distances without having to recharge. Most batteries last from 8-12 hours.
How to get an electric wheelchair into a car
Unless you have a very large boot or folding back chairs, it’s unlikely that you’ll fit a whole wheelchair into a car. However, if your electric wheelchair can fold, then you should have no problem transporting it. For this reason, most people prefer to buy foldable electric wheelchairs. It makes them so much easier to take along in cars and other vehicles. If your chair folds, it will likely fit in the back of the car if there aren’t over 2 passengers or in the boot of the car.
Where was the electric wheelchair invented?
The electric wheelchair was invented by George Klein in the 1930s and was used to help people who were unable to walk or move without assistance. The first patent for an electric wheelchair was filed by James Fenton in 1891, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that they became popular.
How much does an electric wheelchair weigh?
An electric wheelchair typically weighs between 100-300 pounds. The weight of an electric wheelchair varies depending on the type and size of the chair, as well as the person using it. Weight is a key factor to consider when choosing an electric wheelchair because people with limited mobility may not be able to lift or manoeuvre heavy chairs. A lighter chair will make it easier for someone who has difficulty walking or standing to use their new mobility device.
Electric wheelchairs are pricey. However, it is possible to turn your perfectly working manual wheelchair into an electric one. Read our article on how to convert a manual wheelchair into an electric to find out!