Is it time you upgraded your wheelchair? CareCo has a large range of options for you in the manual range whether you require self-propelling, attendant-propelled or a hybrid that allows you the option. We also offer a number of electric wheelchair options, which are also known as powerchairs. Why would you choose an electric wheelchair over a manual chair? There are usually medical reasons for this, but sometimes customer who get on just fine with a manual chair choose an electric model. Here are five reasons why you too might opt for a power rather than a manual model.
Easier to Manoeuvre
Self-propelled wheelchairs give wheelchair users more control over their lives – where they go and when and how they get there. These are great to use outside on flat paths or roads, allowing the user to cover great distances much quicker. However, they are not quite so easy to manoeuvre around the obstacles in a home or difficult paths outside. CareCo electric wheelchairs permit greater control over how you get around both inside and outside. They have a much tighter turning radius, requiring less effort when turning in tight spaces (perfect for indoor uses) or getting around tight corners on pathways.
Easier on Gradients
Have you ever worried about going up or down hill in your wheelchair? Do you worry about rolling backwards or struggling to get up a long, steep hill? Even if you have good upper body strength, gradients can be problematic, especially if the ground is not as flat as it could be. An electric wheelchair’s motor takes the hard work out of getting up and down hills without needing to worry about the chair running out of control or taking too long getting up a hill and missing an appointment. Powerchairs are designed with a number of issues in mind, natural gradients being one of them.
No Upper Body Strength
As previously mentioned, most people use a CareCo electric wheelchair, such as the Abilize Pursuit (pictured right), for medical reasons – their condition means they have little to no upper body strength and only minimal control over their hands and arms. With some conditions, users simply cannot use a manual chair. Patients with progressive wasting diseases mean they will gradually lose control. Such people may initially have had no problem using a manual wheelchair, but to maintain independence now require a powerchair instead. As strength disappears, the need for greater support increases; this is a major motivation for buying an electric wheelchair.
Great For Younger People
Some people who buy our electric wheelchairs are not buying for themselves, but for a child. Children do not have the same upper body strength that an adult has and can struggle to manoeuvre a manual type wheelchair. They may also feel they need to develop independence in getting used to a chair, especially if they are going to spend the rest of their lives using one. A power chair fulfils many uses for children but saves them from the strains of moving a wheelchair under their own strength until they are old enough to do so manually. Our CareCo Easi Go Electric Wheelchair is a good option for younger customers.
Easy to Transport
Power wheelchairs are easier to fold away or take apart to put into a car. The electric wheelchair is the best option for flexibility when you need multiple uses and like to get out and about because they are small, easy to manoeuvre and very strong and stable. We recommend Auto Chair hoists for CareCo powerchairs and scooters.