The disabled and invalids of the 21st century can enjoy mobility freedoms and the highest levels of independence than their counterparts a generation and more back. Thanks to legislated mandates that recognize the rights of disabled persons, we now have various mobility options that assist in making these rights a reality for just about every handicap persons and invalids.

While the traditional medical crutches and wheelchairs have remained the main mobility aids for invalids, there are now power chairs or electric powered wheelchairs (EPWs) that make these aids a lot more convenient to use to bring the disabled to the level of 21st century lifestyles.

Looking for the Right EPWs

Unlike early power wheelchairs, most power chairs for sale use ergonomics with anatomically correct posture chairs that can be custom-rigged to accommodate even medical cases of problematic spinal conditions. They are often equipped with motors to power push-button tilting, recline, seat and leg elevation and other adjustments that enhance rider comfort. There are various options and accessories as well that allows them to be customized to the specific medical needs of non-ambulatory patients across all ages.

Paraplegics and blind people can operate them using the standard navigational joysticks. More severe cases like quadriplegics or those with weak upper body muscles can operate EPWs using chin or mouth controls.

Needless to day, these special controls bring power chair prices to astronomic heights. Prospective buyers are advised to check with their medical or health insurances if they are covered to reduce their upfront costs. Otherwise, there are alternative sources like used or pre-owned EPWs that promise better value for the money.

Maintenance Work

But like any motorized contraptions, EPWs need regular maintenance to ensure that the safety and comfort of the handicap are not compromised in any way. All EPWs use direct-drive electric motors to move around and are powered by one or more 4-5 amp deep-cycle batteries than can be recharged from the house AC sockets.
The more sophisticated models have small motors, hydraulics or pneumatics than can adjust the seat recline, height, tile, etc and they well need regular maintenance as well.

It may be wise to get a back-up manual wheelchair stashed in the closet in case your EPWs need extend maintenance work in a repair shop specializing in them. Invalids moving into these powered wheelchairs are advised not to dispose of any previous wheelchairs they may have and use them as back-up.