Electric Wheelchairs: Pride Mobility Equipment, Used Wheelchairs And Powered Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs used to be just that: a chair on wheels. But with technological and medical advancement and the rise of electric wheelchairs, the primary vehicles for the disabled have become so much more. Today, powered wheelchairs allow disabled users to experience highly mobile and active lifestyles, becoming more of an extension of the individual rather than a hindrance to them.

While choosing a wheelchair can be a consuming process, the primary decision comes down to the benefits of manual or electric wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs, also known as powered wheelchairs, have rechargeable wet cell batteries attached that allow the rider to essentially drive the chair with an easily accessible control. With the almost endless variety of disabilities in existence today, there are as many designs and models of electric wheelchairs on the market. Leading companies like Pride Mobility, Golden, Drive, and Access Point produce some of the foremost technologies at competitive prices. Powered mobility equipment allows even the severely physically disabled to function as normally and ably as possible.

The individuals who benefit most from electric wheelchairs are those with impaired arm and upper body mobility. A powered chair allows not only for covering distances, but also for everyday functioning. Most electric wheelchairs are adaptable to a person's individual needs with the installment of various mobility functions. Power chairs can rise and move, enabling users to sit upright, stand, adjust to table levels, recline, and many other requisite movements. In the past, people confined to wheelchairs had been relatively immobile. Today, electric wheelchairs make it possible for users to move all over the place

Because of the technology that goes into the design of electric wheelchairs, they can be quite expensive. Often the decision between manual and electric is a financial one. Power chairs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending upon the capabilities, features, and adaptability of the chair. But with most users utilizing the chair at all times, it can be a sound investment. Used electric wheelchairs are available, but should be inspected and maintained.

One of the leading powered mobility equipment manufacturers is Pride Mobility. Pride Mobility products span from electric wheelchairs to motorized scooters to recliners that actually lift and tilt to allow a person seated to stand. Their Quantum Rehab division is an industry leader in advanced needs individuals, designing power chairs that provide incredible ranges of movement and physical capabilities. Pride's Jazzy model is considered one of the most maneuverable, comfortable, and adaptable chairs on the market.

Though power chair prices can go through the roof, the capabilities and possibilities they provide are incredible. They make everyday life more accessible and enjoyable for disabled individuals as well as for family and friends. For any disabled individual equipped with an electric wheelchair, the sky can be the limit.


Sources:
Electric Wheelchairs – Power Chairs. The Med Supply Guide.com. 2004. 14 June 2007. http://www.themedsupplyguide.com/electric_wheelcha irs/.
Company History. Pride Mobility Products Corp. 1995-2007. 14 June 2007. http://www.pridemobility.com/insidepride/Company_H istory/company_history.html.
"Power Base." 2007. 1800Wheelchair.com. 19 June 2007. http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-category-pr oducts.asp?category_id=336.