This article is incomplete.
¶ Introduction
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¶ Brands
¶ Permobil
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¶ Quickie
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¶ Invacare
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¶ Ergonomic Features
¶ Reclining backrest
The back rest on some models can recline relative to the seat pan. This helps reduce the angle at the hips.
¶ Seat tilt
The seat pan along with all other parts of the seat can tilt forward and backward on some models. Typically, the tilt will go very far rearward to support a lying position. Some models allow tilting forward somewhat beyond a level position to support helping to stand up from the chair.
¶ Seat elevation
Seat elevation is a feature that raises and lowers the seat. The range of motion varies from model to model.
Benefits:
- at its highest extent, it can put the head at nearly the same height as if the individual were to be standing
- the seat can be raised and lowered to be higher or lower than other surfaces, such as beds or toilets, to allow use of a transfer board in a downhill inclination
- the seat height can be adjusted to accommodate tables of different heights
Drawbacks:
- high cost
- many insurance companies and government accessible device programs consider seat elevation to be a non-essential feature
- the lowest extent may still be too high for head clearance when entering a wheelchair van
ALSWiki.org strongly recommends the seat elevation feature.
¶ Leg and foot rest elevation and angle
The leg rests and foot rests can be raised and lowered on some models. This adjustment allows for changing the amount of pressure placed on the legs by the seat pan, especially under the knee.
The leg and foot rest angle can be changed to support different angles in the knees. Leg rest elevation often needs to be changed when changing the angle of the leg rests. The foot rests need to become ever further away as they raise up to match the individual's body geometry.
The foot rest angle relative to the leg rests is typically not adjustable using power controls; there are small set screws that change the angle between the foot rest and the leg rest.
¶ Arm rest adjustment
Arm rests can be repositioned vertically, horizontally, and their angle of inclination from front to rear. In some cases, the arm rests may need to be moved inward to allow the wheelchair to fit through narrow doorways.
¶ Performance
Power wheelchairs vary in terms of performance. Faster models are associated with increased costs. Insurance and government coverage plans may have a limit on which models are available, as a high-performing wheelchair would not be considered essential.
¶ Transportation
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¶ Loading into a pickup truck bed
The elevation of the tailgate on a full-size pickup truck such as a Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado can be as high as 36 inches (91 cm). This causes the angle of a loading ramp to be extremely high; higher than what a power wheelchair is rated to climb when occupied.
An 8 foot (244 cm) ramp going up a 36 inch (91 cm) bed elevation would be at an angle of inclination of 22°.
See also: Ramp Angles
It is possible to drive an unloaded power wheelchair up a very steep ramp into the bed of a full-size pickup truck. However, extreme caution must be taken to ensure that the ramps stay in position and do not slip off the edge of the tailgate or slide laterally away from one another. The longest possible ramp should be used. Using a smaller ramp to ascend a small amount to the base of the next ramp can help reduce the overall angle of inclination.
Never attempt to manually push a power wheelchair up a ramp into the bed of a pickup truck.
¶ Best Practises
Power off the wheelchair whenever it is not actively being driven. The user or other people and objects may bump into the controls, causing undesired operation.
Wear the seatbelt restraint at all times. This is especially true in outdoor settings; hitting a small bump at a low speed may still be enough to cause the user to fall out of the wheelchair.
Do not apply significant pressure to the arms of the wheelchair during transfers. They are not designed to bear the weight of a human being.
Avoid steep edges of sidewalks. When driving down a sidewalk with a companion walking alongside, the companion should be closer to the road, and the wheelchair on the opposite side. This reduces the risk of the wheelchair dropping a wheel off of the sidewalk and falling onto the road.
Drive slowly indoors and in confined spaces. The wheelchair should be placed in the lowest speed setting when indoors, and when pulling up to a destination such as a table.
Charge the chair in a well-ventilated area. The batteries in a power wheelchair may emit toxic gases while they are being charged. It is not recommended to charge them in a small room or in a room with poor ventilation.
¶ Common Problems
¶ Broken Joystick
Joystick controls are prone to breaking due their vulnerable position on the wheelchair, and their tendency to be abused by the user or assistants.
The joystick should be operated gently; only a very small amount of force is required to operate it.
The joystick should never be used as a hold by an assistant when they are near the wheelchair.
No object should be placed on top of the joystick, including blankets.
¶ Caster Flutter
Caster flutter is a phenomenon where the caster wheels shake back-and-forth while underway. It is caused by forces from the road acting on the caster in a manner which causes them to resonate and shake on their own, much like a flag flapping in a stiff breeze. Large bumps or even small grooves in pavement can cause caster flutter, especially when travelling at high speed.
Caster flutter can be stopped by decreasing the speed of the wheelchair. It may be necessary to bring the wheelchair to a complete stop before it fully recovers.
Power wheelchairs are fitted with anti-flutter clutches in the kingpin of each caster. These clutches may wear out and fail over time, especially in extreme conditions. In some cases, they may be in good service, but not installed correctly; a simple tightening of the kingpin bolt may be enough to mitigate caster flutter. Care should be taken to avoid over tightening the kingpin bolts as it may cause them to break.
Caster flutter which continues to occur in the long-term will eventually cause extreme tire wear and eventual failure of the tire.
¶ Worn or Punctured Tires
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¶ Other Considerations
Power wheelchairs are heavy. Power wheelchairs can weigh up to 600 pounds (270 kg) when the occupant is in it. This may be higher than the weight rating of some aluminum folding ramps.
Power wheelchair parts can be difficult to acquire for private individuals. Dealers must be contacted in most cases.
Power wheelchairs are strictly regulated. Many features are kept behind lock and key, such as the ability to set programmed position settings. Licensed dealers are the only people permitted to change most advanced settings on a power wheelchair.