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Starting point
Choosing your first powerchair can be a daunting task and there are several things you need to put into consideration when purchasing the right product the first time. Manufactures put together a list of specifications that detail the most important facts about the unit that you should take into consideration. Don’t just guess or say, “ah it will be fine”, always have a tape measure handy, it helps when checking the specifications as returning a product can be expensive and time consuming.
We say make a list of most important things you need from your powerchair with the most important at the top of the list. We always ask our store customers what they need their mobility device to do (apart for the obvious) before even showing them any products. Always have a list of most important things you want and need. Less important things like color and brand should be way down on your list.
Example of a list of needs
Where will I use the product the most? (in the home limitations regarding size of the product e.g. doorways and corridors)
How much do I weight? (Product weight capacity limitations)
Size of the product – Will I fit? (foot and leg room, seat size, storage space for the product)
Do I want or need to travel with the product (car, cruise or air travel)
How much can I or my partner/caregiver lift? (transportable, mid and large size to Heavy Duty units)
How far can I go on a full charge?
How fast does it go?
What extra features does it have, or I want?
SLA (seal Lead Acid) or Lithium-Ion Batteries
What Color do I want
Of course, price is always a factor when it comes to a final purchase, but your mobility should be first on your list.
With this above list be ready to make some sacrifices as it maybe your own capabilities or your caregiver ability to lift parts of the powerchair and comfort might be compromised due to weight reducing of the unit.
Powerchairs Good and Bad
Good
Easier to step in and out of
Great turning radius and maneuverability
Various seating options
Left or right-handed operating controls
Lightweight material use (Jazzy Carbon Foldable)
Lithium-Ion battery options
Bad
Front drive powerchairs can be prone to forward tipping
Center drive can get stuck on larger thresholds and obstacles
Transportable/foldable have limited foot room due to their compact size
Heavier by design
Can be difficult to control (caster direction flutter)
Legs are exposed at the front no protection when driving into objects
May require a Vehicle lift to transport
Transportable over Mid, Large, Heavy Duty and Recreational Powerchairs
Transportable good and bad
Good
Lighter weight to lift
Disassembles or folds for transport
Can fit into most car trunks
Bad
Disassembly and reassembly can get tiring
Parts can be heavy
Limited drive range
Smaller tires (not made for grass, sand or other lose ground)
Lithium Batteries can be expensive to replace
Fixed seating (foldable scooters)
Mid, Large, Heavy Duty and recreational good and bad
Good
Great for use as transport from A to B
Longer drive ranges
Higher top speeds
Higher weight capacity’s
Larger more adjustable comfortable seating
More stable due to size
Better terrain handling (depending on model)
Bad
Unit weights are heavier
Some do not disassemble
Battery replacements can be more expensive 55ah 75ah etc.
Require larger storage space
Wider turning radius
If you are still unsure what unit is right for you the call us on (702) 265-2441 Mon – Fri 9am -4pm and Sat 9aam -2 pm for our best advice.