One of the best things that ever happened to handicapped wheelchair-bound persons is the invention of the motorized wheelchair. For many, it relieved the tedium and tiring exertion of manual labor just to get around on conventional wheelchairs.

For many others with medical and physical conditions where coordinated muscle control from the shoulders to the hands can’t be done to safely navigate your way around, these self-powered electric wheelchairs can be a big help.

More commonly referred to as Electric Powered Wheelchairs or EPWs, this makes it possible for patients to move around while enjoying independence from being wheeled by private curses or caregivers.

Features to Suite Special Needs

There are generic EPWs with basically 3-4 front-wheel, center or rear-wheel driven chairs using direct-driving motors powered by rechargeable batteries that you can charge overnight from your home wall socket. They come in various ergonomic designs and handling features from the large and powerful to the foldable portable types that you can store in the trunk.

Controlling their navigational features also varies depending on the special medical and physical needs of the handicapped rider. A joystick is the most common, generally employed in so-called generic EPWs that the blind can use.

Keypads can also be used for those who can only use their fingers and there are chin and mouth controls for quadriplegics and paralytics from the neck down like the one used by deceased Superman actor Christopher Reeves.

Needless to say, the more sophisticated or customized an EPW gets, the more expensive it becomes.

Who gets to enjoy one?

A handicapped person with full functioning upper torso and limbs strong enough to control a manual wheelchair may not get insurance or Medicare coverage of an EPW. Unless it can be medically shown that you don’t have the strength to do so, Medicare will shoulder any part of a motorized wheelchair cost.

But the modern conveniences of the 21st century often won’t escape lifestyles and that includes disabled people who can afford. Admittedly, these EPWs can be prohibitively expensive and Medicare is only allowed to shoulder the necessities in support of legislated mobility freedoms.

For those who can’t be covered by their health insurance, then have the option of getting used EPWs or take advantage of the many motorized wheelchair rentals available online.

Renting one is often advised on certain occasions when an otherwise healthy invalid needs to look his or her best without showing the stress of navigating a manual. Birthdays, weddings, gala premiere nights, etc. can occasion a good reason to rent an EPW.