In years past, being confined to a Motorized Wheel Chair gave a person two options; keep sufficient upper body strength to move yourself, or hire an assistant to wheel you around all day. Obviously, not every wheelchair bound person enjoys a fit and functioning upper body. Hardly any of us have the resources to employ a professional attendant, and it is even more unlikely to have a spouse or other relative with the time and commitment which are essential to be a personal power source. Happily, these days we can acquire motorized wheelchairs which allow us to keep our independence without compromising another person.

Motorized wheelchairs are manipulated by specialized joysticks, so you just need the use of your hand to steer a motorized chair. These wheelchairs are routinely more maneuverable than manual wheelchairs, seeing as the rider doesn’t need to place their hands and elbows further than the arms of that chair. The motor allows the chairs to give you electrically-powered postural supports, like power tilt and recline. These features allow the rider to change their position often enough to prevent pressure sores. Some types of motorized chairs are designed to raise the rider to a standing position enabling them to do some tasks upright instead of seated. Motorized wheelchairs have more tire and power base options, and often come with spring suspensions, which enable them to move over uneven surfaces effectively. While transporting a motorized wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible bus, a motorized chair can be belted to the vehicle and used as a attached car seat; an option which is not offered by many standard wheelchairs.

Motorized wheelchairs have some drawbacks, however. First, they are extremely heavy and may need a Wheel Chair Lift. These chairs are energized by powerful batteries which weigh quite a bit all by themselves, and when that weight is thrown in with the well-built suspension and the rest of the support system, you could own nearly 300 lbs of machine before the user is sitting in it. As a result of the required poundage and dimensions, even travel power chairs are not too user friendly for flying with, and when you need to take apart and pack these kinds of chairs, you will probably want the help of an extra person. Naturally, could also be particularly high priced. They will are priced between $1800 and $8000, although in some cases, Medicare could pay for as much as 80% of that cost. Most retailers are more than willing to aid you with the Medicare paperwork, fortunately, and often they will send in the paperwork for you.

Motorized wheelchairs are great options for people with very limited mobility who would rather not limit their lives. These chairs could provide any user the mobility and independence required to keep up an active lifestyle.