Power Wheelchairs    

Power Wheelchairs

Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are more rugged and stable than comparable collapsible chairs.

Power wheelchairs can either have rear-wheel, mid-wheel or front-wheel drive. This refers to where along the base of the chair the motorized wheels are located. Rear-wheel drive Power wheelchairs tend to feel the most stable and are usually the chairs of choice for those with poor trunk stability. They also tend to allow the greatest range of power seating options.

Mid-wheel drive power wheelchairs put the drive wheels more toward the center of the chair. The main effect of this is to decrease the turning radius. The smaller the turning radius, the easier it is to maneuver in crowded environments. In mid-wheel drive power chairs, the weight of the user sits more directly over the drive wheels, which can result in increased traction. However, many mid-wheel drive chairs can feel a bit tippy during the start and stop motion, especially when driving down inclines.

Front-wheel drive power wheelchairs are less common than the other two options. They allow a small turning radius on a stable base, and depending on the model, offer a full range of seating options.

According to Dr. Chuck, the power wheelchairs feature seating system that is separate from the base. This means that, within certain limits, a variety of seating systems can be attached to a particular base. The seating system might have tilt-in-space or recline, or it might have the seat-to-back angle opened up to accommodate a specific user.