Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs are much heavier the manual wheelchairs because the mainframe of the wheelchair has to be much stronger in order to support the motor and batteries. Wheelchair users with limited upper body strength normally opt for electric wheelchairs. There are a large range of electric wheelchairs on the market, and their prices vary considerably depending on the level of sophistication. Prices start at around $1800 and go up to $30,000 for the Rolls-Royce of electric wheelchairs, the iBOT which can climb up and down stairs climb curbs and even rise on to two wheels to elevate the user.
Cheaper electric wheelchairs have lighter frames and are normally suitable for indoor use. Be aware that if used outdoors too often the frames can sometimes crack and problems with the wheelchair front forks and motors are not uncommon. More expensive electric wheelchairs are designed for indoor and outdoor use, with stronger frames, motors and they even have suspension which allows a smoother ride on rougher ground.
Electric wheelchairs basically come in three different models, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and mid-will drive.
* Front-wheel drive wheelchairs offer excellent turning capabilities. But have a lower top speed than a rear-wheel drive wheelchair due to the fact that the front wheels can turn when traveling at high speeds.
* Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are the most common and popular style of wheelchair. They are much faster than front and mid-wheel drive wheelchairs but have poor turning capabilities.
* Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs offer the best turning capability of all the wheelchairs, but can be a little unstable when starting and stopping. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs are not really suitable for uneven surfaces.
Electric Wheelchair Deals
| Travel Electric Wheelchairs | Folding Electric Wheelchairs | Center-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs |
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| Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchairs | Rear-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs | Electric Wheelchair Accessories |
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