Electric Wheelchairs
Electric Wheelchairs
The modern electric wheelchairs come in three different types: front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive
and rear-wheel drive. Keep in mind that each type of these electric wheelchairs have their own
driving/handling characteristics, as well as turning radius.
Front Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs
According to Susan Taylor, an occupational therapist, the drive wheels are actually forward
of where you sit. It is a very stable set-up for uneven terrain, up and down hills. It climbs
forward over small obstacles well also. The overall speeds are
slower (about 5 to 5 ½ mph) because the front-wheel drive tends to "fish tail" at higher, more reactive
speeds. The overall turning radius is about 25 to 28", depending on the manufacturer.
Mid-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs
Your center of gravity is about even with the center of the drive wheel in a mid-wheel drive chair,
so the drive wheels essentially are under the user. You end up with equal parts of the chair in front
of and behind your body. This type of electric wheelchair is maneuverable in small spaces, with a
turning radius of 24 to 26", depending on the manufacturer. Overall speeds are limited to about 5 ½ mph.
Rear-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs
This rear-wheel drive is really one of the most stable electric wheelchairs in most instances.
However, going up
steep hills will cause the chair to lean back on its anti-tip tubes to assist in preventing the
chair from tipping backward. This type of chair has the highest top speeds available (about 6 mph).
It also has the largest turning radius, beginning at about 33". If you have been driving a rear-wheel
drive electric wheelchair and plan to buy another type, keep in mind that the tie-down you use in
your van will have to be re-made or replaced for the new style chair.
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