Manual or Power Wheelchairs: Answers to FAQs
When our mobility is compromised, the best thing we can do is find ways of moving around despite our situation. An excellent way to proceed is to buy manual wheelchairs or power wheelchairs online.
One marketplace you can find high-quality manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs for sale is Sehaaonline, based in UAE and Dubai. That said and done, this piece answers some frequently asked questions about wheelchairs to help you choose better.
#1. Should you buy manual wheelchairs or power wheelchairs?
The answer to this question depends on the situation you are in and the budget. For instance, if your mobility is extremely limited, then then you need to buy power wheelchairs. It is also ideal if your health condition affects your abilities hence requires extra assistance. On the other hand, manual wheelchairs for sale should be a sure bet if your injury is temporary. Power wheelchairs are a bit more expensive than their manual counterparts.
#2. What is the difference between manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs?
Their names say it all. Power wheelchairs need battery-powered motors to move. Consequently, you don't need a caregiver or any other person's assistance to move around. On the other hand, manual wheelchairs have neither batteries nor motors. They have to be pushed manually and done by a caregiver or the user using the hands.
#3. Why should you choose the right size?
When buying manual wheelchairs or power wheelchairs online, you will find myriad options to choose from, no doubt. Regardless of the choice that you make, don't overlook the size because it is vital. There are high chances that the user will be using it for a long time. If it is too small, you can rest assured that they will be uncomfortable, which is unfair and frustrating. On the other hand, too big wheelchairs could lead to the user slipping off. That can be a bad thing since they have mobility issues hindering them from getting back to position.
#4. When should I consider buying a wheelchair?
The purpose of the chair is to help users with mobility. If you ever find yourself needing assistance to walk, a manual or powered wheelchairs can be helpful. It can also help when you get tired fast or need to walk for long but can't do it on your own.
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Amputations
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Parkinson's Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Scoliosis
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
#5. Is a prescription necessary when buying a wheelchair?
The answer to that question is a resounding no. You don't even have to visit a store physically since you can also buy manual or power wheelchairs online.
#6. How long with a wheelchair last after a purchase?
Several factors determine how long the wheelchair will last. One of them is how often it is used due to the normal wear and tear. However, the average lifespan is between 2 and 3 years. It is also important to note that manual wheelchairs can last as long as five years.
#7. What do all-terrain wheelchairs mean?
As you buy powered and manual wheelchairs online, you will most likely come across the phrase all-terrain. Its name says it all since it shows that the wheelchair can traverse any terrain comfortably.
#8 What are your options if you choose manual wheelchairs?
There are various types of manual wheelchairs, including the following:
a) Standing manual wheelchairs: Adjustable up to an almost standing position for support.
b) Heavy-duty manual wheelchairs: They are sturdy and robust due to their material. Equally important, they have a relatively high weight capacity of up to 350 lbs.
c) Foldable manual wheelchairs: As the name suggests, you easily fold them after use and unfold them before using them. It makes the wheelchairs easy to store and transport.
#9. Which types of Powered Wheelchairs can you buy online?
When it comes to these models, there are three options.
a) Front-wheel drive: its caster is at the back, whereas the drive system is at the front. It is perfect for maneuvering steep slopes and taking sharp corners.
b) Mid-wheel drive: its drive system is at the center. Consequently, its turning radius is tight, making it easy to maneuver swiftly regardless of small space.
c) Rear-wheel drive: The drive system is at the back, whereas the caster is in front. You can maneuver it at high speeds easily. They are most suitable for rough outdoors and will see to it that it retains its stability is almost every terrain.
#10. What are the factors to consider when buying wheelchairs?
When buying manual or power wheelchairs on sale, think about these crucial factors
a) Weight capacity
b) Maneuverability
c) Durability
d) Stability
#11 Can power wheelchairs handle non-paved surfaces?
As long as it is not an all-terrain wheelchair, the answer to that is a resounding no. Under such circumstances, you should stick to the leveled ground, paved areas, and floors. Otherwise, you might land into trouble if going through uneven ground, including getting stuck.
#12 What's the highest speed of a wheelchair?
It is a figure that depends on the model that you choose. However, power wheelchairs can have maximum speeds of between 4.5 mph and 8 mph. The manual ones have a speed lower than that since they need to be pushed manually.
#13 How long do batteries of power wheelchairs last?
In the beginning, the battery life will be quite impressive. Upon charging it fully, it will last for up to 8 hours. One full charge will go for a distance between 10 miles, and 20 miles as far as mileage is concerned. Unfortunately, that will change as times go by since it is the nature of batteries, and these are no exceptions.
#14 Why often will I replace the power wheelchair battery?
It is advisable to replace the battery after two years or even one and a half. If you use the wheelchair too much, the battery repacment is required earlier.
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