Lightweight Electric Wheelchair

Lightweight electric wheelchairs are becoming the buzzword of power mobility. Power mobility continues to offer new and exciting products tailored for your unique goals. We see more and more mobility solutions to meet both extremes of the consumer wants spectrum from compact, lightweight, travel-friendly power chairs to the heavy duty, full size, outdoor capable power scooters. Each power mobility option has a need it fills, but today, lets explore the lightweight electric wheelchair.

What is a power wheelchair?

Power wheelchairs are just one power mobility option when looking for a power chair. Although the term power wheelchair and power chair are often used interchangeably, we'll discuss a few differences between the two products later. Electric wheelchairs resemble their manually powered relatives, but are often featured with a more modern design in mind.

Electric wheelchairs offer an upright seat often consisting of a hard pan bottom with cushion and a straight back. The materials used, especially for the backs, tend to vary by model and manufacturer. The steering operates through use of a joystick mounted on one of the arms. The joystick is repositionable to accommodate steering with either the left or right hand. Some power wheelchairs offer attendant mount accessories allowing the joystick to be positioned behind the occupant for use by a caregiver or attendant.

Is an electric wheelchair better than a scooter?

It's hard to hold a "which is best" contest between power wheelchairs, power chairs, and power scooters. Each option in power mobility has it's strengths and weaknesses. Instead of trying to direct compare each device to the other, it's best to compare your needs to each mobility aid's features. In the interest of providing the best information, I'll stick to describing the two models we frequently have available in store at My Mobility; PRIDE Mobility Jazzy Carbon and Golden Technologies Cricket.

Electric wheelchairs such as the PRIDE Mobility Jazzy Carbon and Golden Technologies Cricket are great travel companions. For someone that travels often, power wheelchairs are likely a If you're someone that travels or enjoys cruises, they may be a good fit for you.

These products each feature lithium ion batteries, a key word for travel and power mobility. Carbon fiber frames reduce overall product weight, contributing to their lightweight designation. Combined with the relatively small weight of the battery, the power wheelchairs clock in at 43.6 lbs and 39.3 lbs respectively. Solid state tires eliminate the risk of a flat. While they perform well on solid surfaces like sidewalks and streets, you will want to minimize or avoid grassy or rough terrain. Their quick fold design is reminiscent of a lawn chair and operated by a quick lever on the rear of the wheelchair, just underneath the seat. One of the star features of lightweight electric wheelchairs is their ability to use as a transport chair with a quick motion on the rear wheel levers. The transport mode in these power wheelchairs is another great feature for easier navigation in crowded areas.

What is the distance range for lightweight electric wheelchair?

When talking about travel mobility, distance is an important factor to consider. No one wants to cut their day trip short due to battery. Distance range for lightweight electric wheelchair around 9.3 miles per full charge. Remember that factors such as the terrain you're traversing and the weight of the occupant will cause this number to vary a bit.

What is the best electric wheelchair?

Just like it's hard to compare power mobility devices among each other, it's hard to find a best lightweight electric wheelchair. Why? Because what's best is the one that fits your needs the most. While we are proud and stand behind the power mobility products we sell from PRIDE Mobility and Golden Technologies, we know these aren't the only items available. Rather than "what's best", lets look at some important questions to ask yourself or your salesperson. We will discuss these items in further detail in a future post.

1. 1. What are the goals I want to achieve with an electric wheelchair?

1. 1. Can the person that will be lifting the device handle its weight?

1. 1. What is my price range?

1. 1. Can I take a test drive?

1. 1. Who do I go to when/if I have questions?

1. 1. Where can I go if need service?

Often, item #6 is overlooked, but knowing where to go is an important item to consider when investing in power mobility. Stores that sell and service power mobility devices may not service power mobility from ALL manufacturers. Ask the representative you're speaking with if they provide service on the item and if not, where you can go for repairs. Purchasing a product from a reputable manufacturer makes it more likely parts will be available for a long time. Remember, you want to know how and where to find parts if you need them in future years, not just right away.