What is a Power Wheelchair?
Power wheelchairs, also known as motorized or electric wheelchairs, feature a motor that propels the wheelchair in the direction you need to go. This is very convenient, because instead of applying manual force, you can essentially move your wheelchair with a touch of your finger.
Just like cars, power wheelchairs can have different types of drive train. This is one of the major differences in how various power wheelchairs operate. The driving wheel is typically larger than the rest, so you can easily spot it. Here are the three major types of electric wheelchairs based on the drive train configuration:
- Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs have larger back wheels and front casters and were the first power wheelchairs on the market.
- Front-wheel drive wheelchairs gained popularity in the early 90s but didn’t completely replace their rear-wheel counterpart.
- Mid-wheel technology is relatively new but already has earned its place in Central Maryland wheelchair stores. A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair has a total of 6 wheels, with the middle pair being the driving wheels.
The position of the driving wheels matters because it determines how a wheelchair handles, specifically in uphill and downhill situations. For example, rear-wheel drive wheelchairs have better traction going uphill, while front-wheel drive wheelchairs do better when going downhill. But you can’t feel or understand this difference unless you try a wheelchair out before you buy, which we’ll be happy to help you with in our Central Maryland wheelchair store.
What to Look For in a New Power Wheelchair
Power wheelchairs are a large category of mobility equipment that includes many different types of devices. Not all power wheelchairs look, feel and handle the same way. As you are shopping around, look at these important characteristics to compare different models:
- Type and style of seat
- Type of controls
- Type of drive train
- Indoor and outdoor capabilities
- Battery life
- Turning radius
- Speed
- Size and weight capacity
- Weight and portability
- Manufacturer’s warranty
In addition to the above, power wheelchairs can also have special features, such as seat belts, storage pouches, wheel locks, headrests, etc. Some of them may be irrelevant for you or your loved one, but others may turn out to be a huge bonus. If you are not sure about the benefit of certain features or how they work, please come talk to our wheelchair experts at our Hanover, MD showroom.
Our Most Powerful Mobility Solutions
At Freedom Mobility, we offer cutting-edge power wheelchairs with rear-wheel, front-wheel, or mid-wheel technology. With state-of-the-art design and customized builds, we can provide the best solution available.
Our selection of power wheelchairs includes:
- Standard/Full Size Power Wheelchairs
- Portable/Folding Power Wheelchairs
- Heavy Duty/Wide Power Wheelchairs
- Elevating/Positioning Power Wheelchairs