An electric wheelchair is an essential part of retaining a level of independence for those with disability. The ability to travel without needing to rely on an attendant gives freedom for so many who do not find a manual wheelchair.
However, if you’re looking for a powerchair and don’t quite know what one is right for you it can be a little overwhelming. Here are some questions to consider.
Does Your New Powerchair Need to Be Portable?
Probably the first question you should ask when looking for a new powerchair is whether or not you need a portable powerchair. If you plan on going out with the powerchair beyond the immediate area near your home – perhaps a shopping centre – then the ability to easily fold it up into a car boot is invaluable.
However, if you are going to restrict the powerchair’s use to your home – or you have a specialised ramped vehicle – then a non-folding powerchair may be a better choice. The iCONNECT Zora is our lightest and most portable powerchair, and can be seen to the right being put into a car boot. The proLite Alluvium, pictured in the image above, is another great compact and lightweight powerchair.
Does Your New Powerchair Need Off-road Capabilities?
If you live enjoy visiting the park, or have a large garden to explore, then you may want to consider getting a new powerchair that can handle the rough stuff. It’s important that you can tackle uneven or poor terrain without being concerned about getting stuck or damaging the chair.
If you know that the chair you choose can do just that you can increase your independence even further.
One powerchair that has been equipped to handle the country lanes and fields is the Abilize Pursuit. You’ll notice the chunky pneumatic tyres that give extra grip and ground clearance, ideal for getting over crests and bumps.
Do You Want Specialised Features on Your New Powerchair?
Certain powerchairs have features unique to them, making them well suited to very specific situations.
If you have a particular element in your lifestyle that you want your new powerchair to cater to then take time to look for chair that has the ability to do just that. Be sure to take full look at the CareCo powerchair range for more.