Electric wheelchairs are very handy for seniors, and those of us who have mobility issues.
They are also helpful for those who recently underwent surgery and are currently in rehabilitation. Electric wheelchairs offer so much independence and freedom for its users, hence it is a great equipment to have.
Usually, an electric wheelchair costs anywhere between $1,000 to $15,000. The price depends on the quality of the electric wheelchair, the size, the brand, features, and the patient’s requirements.
For a regular user, you can expect the price range to be anywhere between $2,000 to $3,000.
The price may increase depending on the chair’s modification and if you need any accessories with your electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are costly because of the amount of technology each wheelchair has.
It is not the same as a regular wheelchair. A lot of research, manufacturing, production, and development goes into the design.
There’s also a wide variety of electric wheelchairs you can find in the market. This includes electric wheelchairs with center-drive, rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, and more. There are also portable electric wheelchairs, or travel electric wheelchairs.
Portable or travel electric wheelchairs are great to use in crowded spaces. They can be easily disassembled and stored neatly. On the other hand, a center-drive wheelchair needs a van for transport. They are also the most maneuverable model.
There’s also the front-wheel drive with larger wheels on the front, and the rear wheel drive with larger wheels on the back.
When it comes to choosing the best electric wheelchair suited for your needs, you need to consider the type of wheelchair, its accessories and where you’ll use it.
For batteries, there are three different types of batteries. These are the most common in the market; wet batteries, gel batteries and AGM.
The first one, wet batteries, needs to be filled with distilled water. These are more prone to leakage.
Next is the gel battery that doesn’t contain any liquid at all which means that there’s no leakage. Lastly, AGM batteries feature an absorbent glass between the plates. It prevents damage from vibration and jarring.
Electric wheelchairs usually include armrests, a chair, tires, motor, footrests, batteries and a device to steer it. It’s also common for electric wheelchairs to have a basket or storage area for your personal belongings. More premium options can include a lift device, neck rest, and backup batteries.