All electric electric wheelchairs have a similar set of components and fundamental design elements. They have the following five features, whether they are bariatric power chairs that have a larger, more robust frame or regular power wheelchairs that have special mobility equipment attached to them.
Table of Contents
Electronic Controller
People now have a range of interesting alternatives to enhance the quality of their power mobility experience. All of the newest controllers, from simple drive-only controls to fully expandable electronics, benefit from advances in digital technology. This offers additional functionality and smoother driving characteristics.
Additionally, the controls are much simpler to configure than previous models. Most providers regularly modify the performance settings of the chair to meet the specific requirements of their customers. They usually do so, particularly when a user shows poor driving reactions during the assessment or during the first delivery and setup. On top of all that, the vast majority of the chair manufacturers provide guidance and training on utilizing the controls properly.
Motors or Electric Motors
A power wheelchair has two motors. They are responsible for moving the driving wheels and are powered by batteries. Some of the motors have two poles, while others have four. The number of poles refers to the number of brush and magnet sets that are present.
A two-pole motor has two sets of brushes and magnets, while a four-pole motor has four sets of brushes and magnets inside the motor. This implies that energy from the battery enters the motor (through the control module) and outputs at two sites for a two-pole motor and four sites for a four-pole motor.
Power Drive Configuration
There are three major types of drive wheel configurations on power wheelchairs. These configurations include front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive. The location of the drive wheels determines whether a power chair is rear-wheel, mid-wheel, or front-wheel. Power chairs also turn on their drive wheels. As a result, the drive wheel arrangement affects the turning radius, maneuverability, and driving power. Notably, front-wheel drive is the most common in most power wheelchairs.
Batteries
A power wheelchair runs with two batteries that have a series connection. The batteries are responsible for supplying the electrical energy necessary to run the power wheelchair.
Tires and Wheels
Customers have a lot of options when it comes to choosing tires and wheels for their power wheelchair. The specific type of tire and wheel choice depends on whether the customer prefers a tube or a tubeless one.
Understanding the Operation of Electric Wheelchairs
Educating family members and caregivers about power wheelchair components may help them better grasp the physics of power mobility as a whole.
Those with mobility issues may benefit immediately from gaining this information. It is possible to dispel a lot of the mystery around this life-changing piece of technological equipment by getting a better grasp on some of the electric wheelchair’s most basic working components. This knowledge helps potential motor wheelchair users to have an easier time transitioning to utilizing an electric chair for everyday movement.
It’s critical to be up-to-date on the latest developments in electric wheelchairs. This knowledge comes in handy in getting the most out of the equipment.
