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Untitled Document
Choosing an electric wheelchair
The many types of electric vehicles currently available on the market are divided into three main categories: powered wheelchairs, scooters and buggies.
Within each category there are many different models and accessories each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing a specific model, you should always try out the vehicle both in the house and outside, over the main routes that you will be travelling, to make sure that it is suited to your needs. Powered vehicles may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a visual, perceptual or intellectual difficulty, you should seek professional advice before purchasing a user-operated model.
It may be a good idea to hire a vehicle for a short time. If a self-propelled vehicle proves unsuitable, then an attendant-propelled wheelchair could be more suitable.
If you are choosing a powered wheelchair to partially, or completely, replace a standard manual wheelchair, it may be worth considering a high performance manual wheelchair instead.
High-performance wheelchairs are lightweight and have large rear wheels which can be positioned slightly further forward than those on a standard manual wheelchair. The resulting redistribution of weight lessens the effort needed to propel or push this type of chair. The reduced weight is also an advantage for lifting and transporting and a high performance chair may be an alternative if a powered vehicle is likely to be frequently transported in an unsuitable or unadapted vehicle.
If you are considering a powered wheelchair solely to cover distances to and from certain places (rather than using it all the time), are able to transfer easily on and off the seat, have strong upper body muscles and do not need to use a specialised seat unit or pressure relief cushion, you may wish to consider choosing a scooter or buggy. Before deciding on a particular type of chair, it is a good idea to visit a Disabled Living Centre (www.dlcc.co.uk). Disabled Living Centre's allow you to try out equipment and recieve advice.
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