Step1: Electric Wheelchair vs. Manual Wheelchair

The answer to the question if an electric or manual wheelchair is right for you is not that hard to make. First of all you can ask yourself can I operate a manual wheelchair without getting exhausted or without feeling pain in the body? If your answers are yes I get exhausted or yes I feel pain iin my body you should of course try to get an electric wheelchair.

Medicare will determine your need based on upper body pain and if you are at risk of falling. The reason why Medicare is paying an electric wheelchair is pure matters of economics. The idea is to safe money of homecare or to avoid expensive hospital costs after a patient felt.    

Doctors are scared that user are not active enough once the have a electric wheelchair and that those missing work outs effect the body negatively. Which is right but on the other hand you can do exercises regularly once you switch from manual to electric wheelchair. 

Lastly the decision is yours. Keep the different opinions and argues in mind and make a rational decision. you should not get an electric wheelchair for the wrong reasons neither you should say no to a Medicare paid electric wheelchair if you feel safer by having one. You can find more opinions of users or ask questions in our forum dedicated for electric wheelchair users. 

Step2:  Type of Electric Wheelchair

Folding Electric Wheelchairs

Folding electric wheelchairs, otherwise known as  folding power wheelchairs, can  serve as full-time mobility device, are exceptionally versatile  with adaptable seating that accepts pressure-management cushions, with full-coverage armrests, and highly supportive backrest options. They have larger rear drive wheels, and can speed up to 6 mph. The folding electric wheelchair is made for outdoors on paved and packed natural surfaces.

Folding electric wheelchairs have sling seats. Sing sleats means that the upholstery is stretched across the frame of the power wheelchair - the same upholstery that's used on traditional manual wheelchairs. Sling seating accepts pressure-management cushions, so it's adaptable for varying needs of comfort and also allows for the back upholstery to be replaced with a quick-release contoured back, if wished. Independent swing-away leg rests are offered, swinging out of the way for transfers, some models may offer elevating leg rests, as well.

With some additional effort folding power wheelchairs have the ability to stow in an auto trunk in a similar means to a conventional folding wheelchair. No special van is needed. First, you or your assistant has to disconnect batteries from the electric wheelchair, and then be lifted into the vehicle – 35lbs each. Then, the folded frame, weighing approximately 45 lbs. must be lifted into the vehicle.

Folding electric wheelchairs may be best for you if you need:

·         // Full- or part-time power wheelchair use

·         // Adaptable more comfortable seating that accepts cushions

·         // Indoor and outdoor performance on lightly rocky surfaces or grass

·         // Transportability (but requires notable effort to disassemble and fold)

·         // 6 mph speed

·         // 11- to 14 miles batter range

A folding power wheelchair may not be best for you if you need:

·         // An ultra-compact model

·         // Extreme maneuverability (they don't turn as tightly as a travel or center-wheel drive electric wheelchair)

·        ///  Ultra transportability

Use// Use on  rough and rocky terrain 

Center-Wheel Electric Wheelchairs 

Center-wheel electric wheelchairs are among the most maneuverable types, literally turning on center like a top with the drive wheels located mid-ship. They are very intuitive to operate in confined spaces like apartments. Center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs require far less maneuvering than rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs.

Especially indoors, center-wheel drive power wheelchairs allow you to maneuver all but effortlessly, turning in the smallest kitchens. Outdoors they handle terrain also very well, with traction and stability, featuring speeds up to 6.5 mph, and 11 to 14 miles of battery range they are a great fit for fulltime use. The most center-wheel drive wheelchairs feature 10" to 14" drive wheels, with "obstacle-climbing suspension," which allows them to safely, assuredly climb up to 1" to 2" curbs and thresholds.

Center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs feature captain's seating in high-back and medium-back styles which is very much like automotive bucket seating, with plush padding, vinyl upholstery, and flip-up armrests. They are also available as high-back versions which feature a headrest and allow you to adjust the angle for comfort and relaxation time. Both version forward  seats for transport, as well. Solid-pan seating is a captain's seat option specifically designed for use with a pressure-management cushion. Electric elevating seating works in conjunction with captain's seating, allowing the seat to elevate 4" to 6", depending on model. For reaching counters, sinks, cabinets, and shelves, an electric elevating seat is a great tool toward everyday living tasks. Some center-wheel drive electric wheelchair models are standard with electric elevating seating, while it's an option on others, so if an elevating seat is important to you, confirm availability on the electric wheelchair models that you're considering. For leg rests, many center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs feature a choice of a foot platform, swing-away, or elevating leg rests.

Center-wheel drive power wheelchairs are not easily transportable, where they require a vehicle lift or accessible van, so they should be cautiously considered if you need to transport them a lot.

You should consider a center-wheel drive electric wheelchair if you need:

// Exceptional maneuverability

// Full- or part time use

// Captain's style seating, including an elevating option

// Versatility indoors and outdoors, including semi rough terrain

// 6.5 mph  Max Speed

// 11 to 16 miles battery range

You should consider an electric wheelchair may not be best for you if you need:

// Transport in a car

// Ultra compactness and lightweight 

Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchairs

Hheavy-duty electric wheelchairs are designed for higher weight capacity users, from 300 lbs. to 650 lbs. Heavy-duty electric wheelchairs are available in a range of styles, including folding and center-wheel drive. 

You should consider a heavy duty electric wheelchair if you need:

// an electirc wheelchair which has a capacity of 300 lbs. to 650 lbs.

// 11 to 16 miles battery range

Travel Electric Wheelchairs 

Travel power wheelchairs (or travel electric wheelchairs) are designed for portability, and also for use in very compact spaces, such as apartments and shops. They speed up to 4 mph, and the U-1 batteries, offering a driving range of up to 10 miles, travel electric wheelchairs also work very well on sidewalks, in malls, on cruise ships and in airports.

Travel electric wheelchairs in general have a minimal seat by nature of the wheelchair's compact size. That means the travel seat typically has a padded base, low-cut padded back, with flip-up armrests. The seat helps to keep you in place, with a folding backrest for transportability, and the padded cover is usually removable for cleaning. A foot platform is used to rest the legs, flipping up out of the way for transfers.

The most questions are regarding the transportation. To transport a travel power wheelchair, you must be able to transfer out of the wheelchair! You disassemble the wheelchair by removing the seat, battery pack, and base. Most components are relatively light, but still the heaviest components are approximately 35 lbs., so lifting will be involved and coordination is required.

Travel power wheelchairs aren't intended for rough outdoor terrain, or traveling over very long distances. Travel electric wheelchairs aren't intended as "full-time" mobility, but as supplemental mobility within one's home or when one wishes to go out-and-about with a very compact, transportable electric wheelchair, making them an ideal alternative to a scooter.  

A travel power wheelchair may be best for you if you need:

·         // An ultra compact electric wheelchair

·         // An extremely maneuverable power wheelchair

·         // A part-time wheelchair in your home or out-and-about

·         // Transportability in standard cars

·         // Comfortable but standard seating

·         // A battery life/range up to 10 miles

A travel power wheelchair may not be best for you if you need:

·         // Full-time  electric wheelchair use

·         // Advanced  and comfortable seating and positioning

·         // Use on rough or outdoor terrain

·         // Extended driving range more than 10 miles

·         // Higher speeds over 4mph

Step3: Wheelchair Manufacturer

There are a number of leading electric wheelchair manufacturers and one of the first questions you will ask yourself is which brand to get your new power wheelchair from. Below you find a summary of electric wheelchair manufacturers, reviews and links to their websites for more information. 

Pride Mobility - Pride Mobility is one of the top electric wheelchair and mobility accessory manufacturers in the world with a long history of building quality wheelchairs since 1986. Pride Mobility has seven separate electric wheelchair product lines including Jazzy Power Chairs, Pride Scooters, Quantum Rehab, Go-Go Travel Mobility, Power Lift Chairs, Pride Silverstar Lifts, Litestream wheelchairs, and Stylus Wheelchairs. Each specific Pride Mobility product line is targeted at a different type of electric wheelchair user, so that its consumers can find a power chair that works for their unique needs. Read more or go to Pride Mobilities Website

Invacare - Invacare is by far one of the oldest electric wheelchair companies in the world tracing its beginnings to 1885 when it produced a line of vehicles for people with disabilities. Today, Invacare is a leader in the mobility industry with a full line of electric wheelchair products and a global presence. Invacare’s long history of providing electric wheelchairs has allowed them to focus on creating comfortable, practical and durable electric wheelchairs for their customers. Read more or go to Invacare's Website

Sun Medical - Sunrise Medical’s motto is “to improve people’s lives by creating innovative, high quality products.” When Sunrise Medical created their latest line of electric wheelchairs they clearly had this in mind due to their amazing performance and comfort. Sunrise has been making electric wheelchairs for over 20 years. Sunrise Medical is also one of the few companies that utilize American based manufacturing facilities to make parts for some of their product lines. Beside manufacturing electric wheelchairs Sunrise Medical also has the distinction of being both a supporter of and a top product contributor to the Paralympic Games. Read more or go to Sun Medical's Website

Hoveround - Hoveround is now the only company which manufactures and provides electric wheelchairs to its customers. While other wheelchair manufacturers use a network of providers Hoveround manufacturers, delivers and helps you through the wheelchair acquisition process as an all-in-one company. It all started in the 1980s when Kruse's mother couldn’t maneuver her manual wheelchair through her hallway. It was then that Kruse came up with a concept for a smaller, rounded, super-maneuverable electric wheelchair that could “turn on itself.” Read more or go to Hoveround's Website

Drive Medical - Drive Medical produces electric wheelchairs since it was established in early 2000 and has become one of the “driving” forces of medical and mobility equipment. With offices across the US and internationally, Drive Medical has made a clear focus on distribution. With their SAP supported distribution and warehousing system they are able to get their high quality wheelchairs to their customers quickly and efficiently. Drive Medical does not just focus on electric wheelchairs, but also has over 2500 medical products within their catalog. Drive Medical is a trusted provider of medical equipment. Read more or go to Drive Medical's Website

Step4:  Electric Wheelchair Providers & Payments

To purchase an electric wheelchair you need to find the right provider. Almost all manufacturers are working with providers to their products and are not delivering wheelchairs directly. The reason for that is the required service and the paperwork for the payment. An electric wheelchair always requires a certain amount of customization. A manufacturer doesn’t has service facilities in every city and so they provide electric wheelchairs over certificate medical product supplier. Those can offer the needed service at your home and are answering your questions. They also handle the paperwork for you. The paperwork is not that complicated but depending on your insurance important to be done right so that Medicare is not declining your claim and you have to return the electric chair once you just got used to it. Especially if you go for a no cost electric wheelchair it is really important that you chose the provider carefully.

That is the reason why we founded this website WheelchairForMe.com – use our service and benefit from reviews, professional research and market experience to get the right wheelchair with the right provider. Our mission is to get you a quality electric wheelchair with great service to the lowest cost as fast as possible within your local area. Try our service now.It is free and as used by thousands before guaranteed the safest way to get a no cost electric wheelchair.

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Top 3 Electric Wheelchairs

The following three electric wheelchairs are the top 3 based on customer reviews, external research and our authors personal opinion (which is based on deep experience in the medical industry)

Jazzy Select        Invacare pronto-m51-with-surestep         Quickie Rhapsody 

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Common Questions about Electric Wheelchairs

Here are some of the questions about electric wheelchairs we have received over and over again. However please don’t hesitate to email us more questions – we are working hard to get this section full.

Electric Wheelchair Resource Article

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How to Select a Wheelchair Vehicle

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Should I have a Manual or Powered Wheelchair?

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Exercising While in a Wheelchair

One of the biggest benefits of having a manual wheelchair over a power wheelchair is the automatic exercise you get from moving yourself around your home and your everyday life. However, most wheelchair users are prohibited from having a manual wheelchair by their age, medical condition or other reason. For those wheelchair users in power wheelchairs it is necessary for them to remain active despite not getting exercise from moving around. ... Read more

 More Questions about Electric Wheelchairs?

In case you have questions we couldn’t answer email us or check out the forum we have installed on which you can ask further questions about electric wheelchairs. Our mobility service team most likely will answer your question within 48hrs and other users will provide additional answers and opinions.