How to Choose a Power Wheelchair

In the simplest of terms, a Power Wheelchair is a base with wheels and motors, with a seat on top, and an electronic controller that is operated using a Joystick on one of the armrests to steer. They run on rechargeable batteries. If you need mobility assistance getting around in tight spaces, and the ease of just pointing a joystick to take you where you want to go appeals to you, then a Power Wheelchair may be just perfect for you!

Let’s take a minute to break down the three main categories of Power Wheelchairs available at Spinlife, and hopefully sort out the best choice for your personal needs.  

1. Travel Power Chairs are the smallest and lightest weight of the group. They can be used well in tight spaces and can be taken apart in a few pieces so you can take them with you when you are on the go! They work best indoors, or on fairly smooth surfaces, like sidewalks or inside stores. Due to their light weight and compact size are best suited for people under 250 pounds, and less than 6 feet tall. These chairs are also the least expensive Power Wheelchairs.

2. Full-Sized Power Chairs are the next step up in design. They are available in a wide variety of prices and options to fit your needs and your budget. They run on powerful batteries that will take you where you want to go all day without a problem.  Options like High Back Captains seats, Power Elevating Seats, even Knobby, all- terrain tires are offered on full sized chairs. These chairs have at least a 300 pound weight capacity, and the performance to stand up to everyday use. Just like the range of options, there are a range of prices of full sized chairs. We are sure to have one that meets your budget.

3. Heavy-Duty Power Chairs incorporate the best features of the full-sized chairs, but with upgraded frames, motors and batteries to give optimal performance with the higher weight customer in mind. Their added width and weight provides a safe stable base, seats are available in widths up to 32 inches, and will handle weights up to 600 lbs.  Heavy duty power chairs tend to be at the higher end at retail.

Once you understand what category of chair will suit you best, let us help select the exact model that’s right for you. Call one of our Product Experts at 1-800-850-0335.