What are the Pros and Cons of an Electric Wheel Chair? – by The Wheelchair Review Team

Trying to decide whether or not you should get an electric wheel chair as opposed to a manual wheel chair? Before I list the pros and cons on electric wheel chairs, here are a few things you should know about electric wheel chairs.
Ideally you want to get an electric wheel chair from a company that is a licensed supplier that offers good service. This is important in case your wheel chair breaks down. You can choose between a rear wheel drive, mid wheel drive and a front wheel drive wheel chair. If you want speed, get the rear wheel drive. If you want good turning ability, then get the mid wheel drive or front wheel drive. Just be sure to take each version for a test drive.
Here are the pros of owning an electric wheel chair:
The Pros:
1. Perfect for people with limited or no body mobility including those who rely on a wheel chair as their primary method of getting around.
2. Increases the quality of one’s life.
3. Great for speed in getting to where you need to go as opposed to self-propelling yourself.
4. Excellent choice if you do not have one someone to push you – increases your self-reliance.
5. Nowadays, motors on electric chairs are very quiet.
6. You can get around without requiring a helper to push you.
The Cons:
1. Electric wheel chairs can be expensive as prices range from $1,000 to $3,000. Some electric wheel chairs even cost $10,000!
2. May require service repairs.
3. May not need it if you’re going to be in a wheel chair for a short period of time.
4. Can be hard to transport them in vehicles.
Ultimately, when choosing between an electric wheel chair or a manual wheel chair (click here for manual wheel chair pros and cons) – you will have to determine what you can afford, the primary uses of the wheel chair, how long you will be in it and your physical condition.
Written by the Wheel Chair Buyers Guide Team. Go to www.Free-Wheelchair-Buyers-Guide.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on wheelchairs.

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What are the Pros and Cons of a Manual Wheel Chair? – by The Wheelchair Review Team

Are you trying to decide between a manual wheel chair and an electric one? Before I explain the pros and cons of owning a manual wheel chair as opposed to an electric wheel chair, here are some important considerations to take into effect. A manual wheel chair requires you to use your own muscles to propel yourself forward. So if you have decent to good upper body strength, these may be ideal for you. You can get manual wheel chairs that are lightweight. You can also get sports chairs and outdoor chairs too.
Here are the pros and cons of owning a manual wheel chair:
Pros:
1. More affordable.
2. Great for temporary/short term use.
3. May maintain upper body strength and endurance, as it is a self-propelled wheel chair requiring upper body ability.
4. Most common models are lightweight and fairly easy to transport.
5. May require less maintenance.
Cons:
1. If you lack upper body strength or ability, and the ability to self-propel yourself throughout the day, on a daily basis – manually, then this may not be the wheel chair for you.
2. Harder to get around than in an electric wheel chair. You lose the luxury of “automatic” mobility the electric wheel chair offers.
3. Depending upon your condition, you may require a helper to push you around if you own a manual wheel chair.
When talking to a sales rep at a wheel chair store, it’s important to let him or her know your physical condition. What you will and will not be capable of. Let him or her know if you have a nurse or someone available who can push you and if temporary, for how long you expect to be in the wheel chair. (If it’s not to long, you may want to look into getting a used wheel chair or even wheel chair rental.) With that information, he or she can better help you pick out the model and brand perfect for you.
Written by the Wheel Chair Buyers Guide Team. Go to www.Free-Wheelchair-Buyers-Guide.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on wheelchairs.

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