When choosing a power wheelchair (electric wheelchair), the three key factors to consider can be broken down into;<\/p>\n
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Driving range\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
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Adjustability of chair<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
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Position change function\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Determining\u00a0how far the user needs to travel, how adjustable the user needs the wheelchair to be, and what kind of positioning changing functions the user needs<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0are all important things to consider to choose the right power wheelchair. This series of blogs will break down each component of the power wheelchair to achieve a better understanding of which option to choose.<\/p>\n
Step 1. Select Driving Range<\/h2>\n
The reason we want to ask \u201cHow far does the user need to travel during day-to-day activities?<\/i><\/strong>\u201d is directly related to the size of the\u00a0wheelchair chassis<\/b>\u00a0(wheelchair base).<\/p>\n
If a user needs to travel up to\u00a025 KM<\/b>\u00a0per charge, an outdoor\/indoor power wheelchair is the one. Outdoor\/indoor wheelchairs have;<\/p>\n
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- larger wheels (up to 14 inches) to climb over obstacles of up to 7.5 KM.<\/li>\n
- larger base area to make sure driving safety under faster driving speeds.<\/li>\n
- larger battery compartment offers a larger driving range, but also can make the chassis a bit bulky for indoor driving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Saber<\/a>\u00a0is a prime example of an outdoor\/indoor power wheelchair as it has been road-tested for over 1000 KM.<\/p>\n
For\u00a020 KM<\/b>\u00a0per charge, then an indoor\/outdoor wheelchair is recommended.\u00a0Blazer<\/a>\u00a0is a great example of an indoor\/outdoor wheelchair because the chassis balances the driving range and small turning radius. Indoor\/outdoor wheelchairs typically have;<\/p>\n
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- larger wheels (12-14 inches),<\/li>\n
- faster driving speeds of up to 8 KM\/H,<\/li>\n
- and can overcome obstacles up to 7.5 CM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
For just\u00a010-15 KM\u00a0<\/b>per charge, then an indoor-use chassis is adequate. Indoor wheelchairs typically have;<\/p>\n
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- smaller wheels (10-12 inches),<\/li>\n
- slower driving speeds,<\/li>\n
- and can overcome obstacles up to 5 CM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAsking the user how far they need to travel on a daily basis is a good start to understanding what type of power wheelchair they need. Source:\u00a0Karma Medical<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\nStep 2. Choose the seating system<\/h2>\n
After choosing a chassis, the user now needs to choose a seat. Depending on the type of support the user needs will determine the type of seat they can choose. To answer this, we can ask the user \u201cWhat kind of support does the user need from the wheelchair<\/i><\/strong>?<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe adjustability of the seat depends on what type of support the user needs.\u00a0Source:\u00a0Karma Medical<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\nThe basic seat support available for Karma power wheelchairs is the\u00a0Captain Seat.<\/i>\u00a0The Captain Seat is comfortable and absorbs shock. The Captain Seat is also available with a manual recline so the user can reposition themselves however they need enough trunk control to return themselves to the upright position.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\nIf a user needs a seat with minimal adjustments then the\u00a0Sling Seat<\/i>\u00a0is a good option. The Sling Seat has the option to add off-the-self cushions and backrests. The Sling Seat also has the option to recline or Tilt-in-Space.\u00a0 These features can help reduce pressure ulcers and reposition the user without the help of a caregiver.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
The\u00a0Rehab Seat<\/i>\u00a0is highly configurable and therefore ideal for users who need all the positioning features as well as maximum support. The Rehab Seat can be fit for pediatric users with special needs or progressive diseases.<\/p>\n
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Step 3. Select power function<\/h2>\n
The next question to ask about the user is \u201cDoes the user need any power seat functions for position change?<\/i><\/strong>\u201d Each power function has its advantages which will be further explored in the\u00a0next blog<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe different types of power functions that can be equipped to Power Wheelchairs. Source:\u00a0Karma Medical<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Something to keep in mind when choosing a wheelchair seat is that they can be expensive in Thailand. Every country has its own reimbursement system, which may limit the user to which kind of power wheelchair a user can choose. However, knowledge about the user and each power wheelchair, the user will hopefully be able to choose a wheelchair that fits their needs and budget.<\/p>\n
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