Choosing a wheelchair is a fundamental decision for everyone facing mobility disabilities, because making the right choice will definitely improve the person’s activities, quality of life and overall long-term outcome. An electric or power wheelchair is a great way to improve mobility and independence for all those who need it. With its electric motor and navigational controls, the wheelchair can be a comfortable and practical option for a disabled person who can’t move around the house or town.

You should ask for suggestions from professionals, and consider your basic and specific needs like seating, size, motor, and other options when buying or replacing your wheelchair in order to get the best option available on market.

Indoor or outdoor wheelchair?

A wheelchair primarily for indoor use will cater for most of your needs, but first you have to determine those needs before. Maybe you can walk with assistance (like a cane) at home, and need a motorized wheelchair for outside the house. However, if you will be using your wheelchair extensively in all environments, you will need to consider what makes a chair compatible to use at home. Consider the area that you live in and you usually activities in and around the house:

• Will you be able to use a toilet, even if it is not specifically adapted for the disabled? Also, consider how high the seat is from the floor and how that compares to your bed height.
• Will you be able to move around your house from one room to another without any problems? Consider how wide the chair is compared to your doorways.
• Will you be able to get in and out of a lift easily?
• Will you be able to drive through supermarket aisles without any disturbance to yourself or others?

These are factors that you need to take into consideration in order to make an informed decision. Also, you should determine the turning radius of the chair – how much space it needs around it to complete a full 360° turn. Whether or not this is important to you will depend on your living space or your office.

Also, if you travel often, your wheelchair should be more compact and easy to take apart for transport. When you use True to Care to ride in greater Phoenix area and the valley our drivers will help you get in and out of the van.

If the wheelchair will be used outdoors, make sure to get a wheelchair that has durable, quality wheels intended for outdoor use.

Select Driving Range

The distance you need to travel during day-to-day activities is directly related to the size of the electric wheelchair chassis (wheelchair base).

• For just 10 miles per charge, then an indoor-use chassis is adequate. 
• For 12 miles per charge, then an indoor / outdoor power wheelchair is recommended
• If your need to travel up to 16 KM per charge, an outdoor / indoor electric wheelchair is the one.

Seating, positioning, and fit of the electric wheelchair

Most users spend a lot of time in their power wheelchairs, each day, so seating and positioning are very important for their health and comfort. In many cases the device will have to accommodate custom backrests and seat cushions made of contouring foams, gels, and other materials for those who require additional support. Individuals who are unable or have limited ability to shift their weight should select an electric wheelchair that can tilt-in-space or recline to relieve pressure and increase blood flow.

Decide on power base placement

Electric wheelchairs come as either front-wheel, mid-wheel, or rear-wheel drive.

• Front wheel drive is located towards the front of the power chair’s seat. The drive wheels are located in the front and the casters in the rear.
• Mid wheel drive, also known as center drive, is located at the center of the wheelchair, below the seat.
• Rear wheel drive is located towards the back of the power wheelchair with casters in the front.

This affects how the chair moves, each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and most people find that one type or another is easier and more comfortable for them to control. It’s a matter of personal preference, so try to test-drive a model of each type to see what feels the most comfortable to you.

Get a chair with alternate controls, if applicable

Some models of power wheelchairs can be controlled without a joystick, using other types of voluntary motions like chin control, foot control, and head control. You can use voice control when necessary. If this is a requirement for you, you’ll need to work with a specialized care team to pick the right equipment for you.