Power Wheelchair

How do you know which type of power wheelchair is best for your needs? There are different types of power wheelchairs, options and features that vary by manufacturer. We will cover the basic options available but only your doctor or physical / occupational therapist can give you the best recommendation for the most suitable power wheelchair for you.

What to consider before buying a power wheelchair?

• Do you have any visual limitations?
• Your sensory level
• Mental health state
• What are your functional capabilities?
• Duration of time spent in wheelchair
• Accessibility of your home and work place
• Will you need to transport power wheelchair

Power wheelchairs are best suited to people with weak upper body strength and come in three basic models: front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.

A Front-Wheel Drive power wheelchair offer good maneuverability. The drive wheels are mounted on the front of the wheelchair which allows the chair to handle uneven terrain. Varying by manufacturer, the turning radius is around 25″ to 28″. Overall speed is slower in a front-wheel drive, around 5 to 5.5 mph, because this type of wheelchair tends to ‘fish-tail’ at higher speeds.

Mid-Wheel Drive or Center-Wheel Drive power wheelchairs are the most prevalent type available. They offer the smallest turning radius, which makes it easier for some to maneuver and drive. It is considered to be the best for indoor driving. It can basically turn around in its own space making it easier to use in tight spaces.  The downside is it does not handle uneven terrain as well the front-wheel drive and because the wheels are in the middle or center, the ride is not as smooth.

Rear-Wheel Drive power wheelchairs are best for people who will use their wheelchair outdoors the most. The drive wheels are in the back which makes it easier to handle and more stable when driving in gravel, tall grass and uneven terrain. The downside is the rear-wheel drive has the largest turning radius.

Deciding on the right drivetrain configuration is often determined by what you feel is more comfortable physically and in what environment you will be using the wheelchair the most.