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The Ultimate Guide to Electric Wheelchairs
Our aim is to give you (almost!) everything you need to know about electric wheelchairs – or powerchairs, as they’re also known.
What are electric wheelchairs?
Electric wheelchairs are, quite simply, wheelchairs with electric motors. The electric motor provides the propulsion needed to drive the chair, rather than the manual force needed for a standard wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs, also known as powerchairs, motorised wheelchairs, or powered wheelchairs, consist of three basic elements: a power base which contains the motor, a seat and a set of controls.
There are many reasons why a person may choose a motorised wheelchair over a manual wheelchair. Firstly, the electric motor means getting around requires no manual effort. This is ideal for a person who:
- wants to undertake longer journeys without the effort and stamina required by a manual chair
- is unable to propel themselves due to a health condition or age, and does not wish to rely on others to get around
They’re also a great option if you want to explore the outdoors. Features such as outdoor tyres, long-lasting batteries and mid-wheel drive for superior manoeuvrability can make exploring both urban and rural areas easier in a powered off-road wheelchair versus a manual wheelchair.
Electric Wheelchair Prices & Costs
The large range in prices of electric wheelchairs reflects the scope of their customisation options. You could pick up an ‘off-the-shelf’ model for indoor use for around £2000. At the other end of the scale, a larger investment of between £5,000 and £12,000 could secure you a highly customised electric wheelchair which can cope with most environments, including challenging outdoor topography such as hills and cobblestones.
Electric Wheelchair Comparisons, Reviews & Best In Class
Many potential customers will start their buying journey by searching for electric wheelchair reviews, or look for what powerchair models are best for their needs. This may be based on a specific health need or medical condition, or it may be technical specifications like transport weight is a deciding factor.
Once you’ve got a shortlist of electric wheelchair models that you think might meet your needs, you’ll probably want to look at some detailed model comparisons, for example, comparing battery ranges, dimensions and prices. This will help you narrow down your options to perhaps a couple of models you’d like to test drive.
Electric Wheelchair FAQs & How To Guides
Given the huge range of electric wheelchairs available, ranging from basic off-the-shelf up to fully bespoke models, it’s common for potential customers to have lots of ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions when looking at a powerchair purchase.
Why is it important to get professional advice when buying an electric wheelchair?
As you’ll have gathered, the beauty of electric wheelchairs is that they offer endless possibilities. However, this can make for a confusing market.
To help you in choosing the right electric wheelchair for your needs, why not give us a call to discuss your requirements? We’ve been helping people to choose the right mobility solutions for over 40 years, and our experienced team will be able to suggest models that will cater for your body shape, condition, lifestyle, and budget. We also provide ongoing support and servicing for your new chair, and our team are only ever a phone call away.
We can offer advice over the phone or welcome you into our Ipswich showroom, one of the largest care and mobility showrooms in the UK, where we have a great range of models available for you to try out. We may also be able to order non-stock models in on request. And if you can’t make the journey, we may also be able to come to you. Give us a call on 01473 741144 or visit our showroom.