A Big Decision
Whether your need for a mobility aid is a newer occurrence in your life, or you’re a long-time user of mobility devices, finding the right solution can be intimidating. If a powerchair is your next step, then there’s plenty you need to know about how to choose the right one for you.
For large mobility devices such as powerchairs, mobility scooters, or even stairlifts, the task of finding the ‘right’ one can be all the more daunting. With so many options, different models, price points, and adaptations to weigh up, we understand it can be an overwhelming process. From the three main types of wheel-drives to the comfort and customisation options, the terrains you plan to traverse in your chair, and the storage and price, this guide will cover everything you need to know when choosing the right powerchair for you.
Powerchairs, electric wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, there are a number of different names for these but all share the same meaning. These versatile powerchairs are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and are easily operated by a joystick that can be installed on the arm of your choice. Some of our chairs have tilt and recline features to help the user find the optimum position for comfort.
Standard Powerchairs
Powerchairs, electric wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, motorised chairs – whatever name you know them by, when most people envision a powerchair, they’re imagining a standard powerchair. A standard powerchair is ideal for people who have limited strength or range of motion. They are operated via a basic joystick which can – as with all powerchairs – be installed in the arm of your choice. To keep you moving comfortably, these powerchairs can be customised to give you the best support.
Standard powerchairs have a tight turning radius making them easier to manoeuvre indoors or in tight spaces and have been programmed.
Complex Powerchairs
Complex wheelchairs are the preferred option if you are able to shift and reposition yourself unassisted, but may want a powerchair to be able to evolve with you and your changing requirements over time. Much like a standard powerchair, complex powerchairs have the ability to be modified and upgraded.
A complex powerchair boasts more programming features, allowing for a more personalised setup and many more alterations which can be made to aid the user of the chair, including:
- Specialty joystick controls
- Power tilt and recline features
- Specialised seat and back cushions
- Width, depth, height and seat angles
- Leg rests and foot platforms which raise either manually or powered
With the additional demands of a complex powerchair, they usually feature larger batteries with a longer battery life and better range, as well as a more powerful motor and greater speed options.
Many of these powerchairs are height adjustable, making it easier for you to reach items around your house.
Folding Powerchairs
Have a more adventurous side? Need a powerchair that can accompany you wherever life takes you? A folding powerchair can be easily folded, making them easier to transport or store in your house. If you often take your powerchair out with you in the car, a folding powerchair may be the best solution for you. Folding powerchairs operate and maintain the same functionality as non-folding powerchairs, meaning you can still use them both around your home or outdoors.
Paediatric Powerchairs
If your child has mobility issues and requires help getting around, then a paediatric powerchair might be the perfect solution.
These specialist powerchairs have been designed specially with children in mind. They are narrower and able to fit into smaller, more child-sized spaces, so your child doesn’t have to miss out on enjoying those pivotal childhood play experiences. Paediatric powerchairs are designed to keep up with the pace of children, and are more comfortable and easier to operate for children, providing your child with the freedom to explore wherever they want.
Rear, Mid or Front-Wheel Drive?
Just like with most motorised land vehicles, powerchairs come in all shapes, sizes, and with multiple types of wheel drive to choose from. Whether you would benefit from rear, mid, or front wheel-drive depends on what you specifically need from your powerchair.
Rear-Wheel Drive
Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are equipped with two large drive wheels on the back of the base, and two casters on the front of the wheelchair base. The placement of the drive wheels is the source of the electric wheelchair’s power, and rear-wheel drive powerchairs offer extra power, ideal for both more aggressive outdoor terrain and softer terrain.
Versatile and dependable, rear-wheel power wheelchair handles grade changes more easily to provide a smoother ride. Typically, rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are equipped with independent suspension or shock absorbers on all wheels to ensure a more comfortable ride experience.
Mid-Wheel Drive
Found on six-wheel powerchairs, mid-wheel drive chairs are mostly constructed of two sets of smaller wheels at the front and back, with a set of larger wheels in the centre that are the source of the chair’s power and momentum. With its construction allowing for a smaller base and frame, a mid-wheel drive chair could be the perfect solution for users who intend to use their powerchairs in narrow or tighter spaces, while also being able to offer stability.
Front-Wheel Drive
One of the biggest advantages of front-wheel drive is that there is more force distributed to each of the four tyres. This is because there are two fewer tyres in contact with the ground, unlike with overdrive wheel configurations.
The greater force increases traction, enabling the front-wheel drive electric wheelchair to perform well when driving over soft terrain, grass or uneven gravel. In addition, the drive wheels are the first to encounter an obstacle. The large tyres “grab” an obstacle like a curb or a step and go over it, pulling the rest of the chair with them.
Customising Your Experience
Powerchairs are one of the most customisable, adaptable mobility solutions available. From accessories such as cup holders to physical, mechanical alterations that can be made, there are many ways you can customise your powerchair to enhance your experience and better measure up to your needs.
Cushions and Back Supports
For somebody who may be sitting in their powerchair for a long period of time, cushions and back supports can make a huge difference to their level of comfort. Specialist cushions can be found to remedy any number of comfort issues. For example, some cushions that have been designed to protect your skin, whereas others have been designed to help with supporting optimal posture. You can opt for a cushion that aids with both skin protection and positioning if that suits you best.
Cushions can be bought in various sizes and can come with an easy removable protective cover to make washing them easier.
Back supports provide the reinforcement needed to ensure the user has a more comfortable experience. Whether the user needs additional support for the sake of posture, comfort, to compensate for weakness in their back or neck, or other medical or preference-based reasons, there are an array of back supports to choose from that can help.
Accessories and Customisations
While the term ‘powerchair accessories’ may conjure images of cup and smartphone holders or ornamental embellishments, the range of powerchair accessories available encompasses much more than this narrow idea. For those wanting to explore more practical powerchair accessories, things such as weather-protective wearable covers, safety-focused hi-visibility bags and storage additions, and even transportable ramps can all be found here on the Modern Mobility website.
Tyres and Terrains
While the type of wheel drive your powerchair has massively contributes to the terrains it can most easily handle, tyres are also a big part of the environments your chair is best suited for. When comparing powerchairs, make sure the tyres have have the appropriate size, tread, and construction for wherever you intend to use it most.
For example, large, off-road tyres are perfect for users who love hikes in the great outdoors and expect to face gravel terrains or even sandy, grassy surfaces, but might not be a good choice for users who want to use their chairs indoors, where narrow door frames or carpeted surfaces make these tyres a less suitable option. Your mobility specialist should be able to advise on the type of tyres that will best suit the requirements you have for your future powerchair.
Storage and Use
Similarly, it’s as important to think about where you might store your powerchair when not in use, as it is to think about where you plan to use your chair:
- Will you be using your chair full-time at home and outdoors, or just for outings or on days where you need the additional support of a powerchair around the home?
- Are your needs likely to change, or is your demand for your powerchair liable to stay consistent?
- Do you live somewhere narrow, somewhere that a ramp can be fitted to get in/out of the home if needed, somewhere with space to store a powerchair – especially a folding one – if it is not always needed, or somewhere that has space for an outdoor storage solution such as a weatherproof shed to be constructed for the powerchair if required?
Again, your mobility specialist should have plenty of options to suit your needs and the type of home you have. With FREE home or in-store assessments, a friendly Modern Mobility expert can help you figure out exactly what type of powerchair will benefit you, and even measure you and key areas around your home to advise you further.
Cost and Payment Options
Any large-scale mobility solution is an investment, but that doesn’t mean getting the powerchair you deserve has to be an expensive endeavour. Find out about your options on getting a Powerchair via the Motability Scheme, through finance options, or how Disability Vat exemption works, with our simple guide on Making Mobility Aids Affordable.
Helping You Find Your Mobility Match
Don’t let your perfect powerchair pass you by. With expert help from our friendly, knowledgeable mobility specialists, we can help you meet your mobility match. Ensure you’re investing in the right powerchair for you and allow one of our specialists to perform an assessment, entirely FREE and with no obligation.
For those who can happily make it out and about, you can book an in-store assessment at one of our four stores, or we can arrange to come to you at your home. Get in touch with your local Modern Mobility today and book your assessment.
