For most medical prescriptions to aid non-ambulatory patients, crutches and walking canes may suffice, but there are severe cases when wheelchairs are more appropriate. The disabled generally can exercise their choice to use wheelchairs which are more convenient and less taxing when moving about.

And for many who prefer independence from personal nurses or caregivers moving their wheelchairs, the more apt option is to get one of those self-powered motorized wheelchairs or more commonly known in the industry as EPWs, short for Electric-Powered Wheelchairs.

Things to Consider

An EPW has electro-mechanical parts consisting of the rechargeable battery that powers the motors to drive the wheels directly or indirectly using belts. They are easily maneuvered allowing you to drive forwards, backwards, even sideways as well as diagonally.

They can also be turned around on the spot while in motion. A simple joystick on the armrest allows you to navigate one. Older motorized wheelchairs for sale use belts to drive the wheels but modern ones are direct and require less maintenance as there’d be no need to replace these belts.

Prices vary according to the level of sophistication from the cheapest basic EPW using standard joystick to the more expensive versions that are custom made to support special needs of patients where joysticks cannot be used. Quadriplegics and those with severe spinal injuries from the neck down as well as those with neuromuscular dystrophy that render the upper limbs or wrists to have coordinated wrist control are better served with alternate means to control an EPW.
Financing your Wheelchair

One of the first things to consider when getting one is to check with your Medicare benefits if you can be entitled to charging a purchase against it. Bear in mind that Medicare will shoulder 80% of the approved amount once certain criteria are met before purchasing a disability aid.

It is not uncommon that EPWs are considered frivolous for some non-ambulatory conditions which may disapprove your application. When this happens, it’s good to know there are used motorized wheelchairs in the market. They are often well maintained as the families that own them for their disabled household member are very meticulous to ensure they are in top operating condition.

But just like any used electro-mechanical device, care and due diligence should be exercised in purchasing pre-owned EPWs. For the most part, be prepared to replace the rechargeable batteries as they are often the first to go with regular use over the years.

Pre-owned EPWs may not have the controls suited for the user and you may have to wait until the right one comes along. Patience is critical.