Electric Wheelchairs vs. Manual Wheelchairs: Which is Right for You?

The decision between electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs is one that will affect mobility, independence and life in general. However, there are diverse factors that must be taken into account in order to make a right decision and those include mobility requirements, physical limitations, daily activities, cost factors, etc. Below are some of these paradigms to assist in choosing the right type of your wheelchair.

Mobility Needs Assessment

First and foremost, it would require you to determine how mobile your home is going to be. If one is to use it for covering long distances or frequently taking it outdoors then an electric type is more convenient to use because of its motorized functionality. 

On the other hand if you require a wheelchair for short distances or just occasionally then normal wheelchair or a manual wheelchair could suffice. Indeed, the frequency of utilizing the wheelchair and the specific environments it will be used in can help establish the individual requirements of each.

Physical Abilities and Strength

Thus, it now becomes important to consider your strength and physical body when making this decision. Self-propelled wheelchairs mean that these chairs need strength as well as energy in the upper part of the body to move around. Self-propelled wheels are for personalities with good upper body strength and are able to propel themselves with their hands. 

However, if one does not possess the strength to push one of these manual wheelchairs, gets easily fatigued or suffers from conditions that affect the arms or shoulders, an electric wheelchair would come in handy as one can obtain the necessary assistance without a lot of effort.

Lifestyle and Daily Activities

Consider your diet, work or studying, and other day-to-day tasks you might be engaging in from time to time. Finally, for those who frequently go out or who are social and active then definitely an electric wheelchair allows for easier and quicker mobility. 

It makes it easy for you to maneuver through different terrains and slope gradients. However, if you do not have mobility outdoors or most of your time is spent indoors, you may not need an electric wheelchair; a manual wheelchair may do sufficiently well.

Cost Considerations

Cost represents one of the most major concerns when deciding between an electric or a manual wheelchair. In general, electric wheelchairs are rather costly when compared to the manual ones because they possess advanced functions and are equipped with sufficiently progressive technologies. 

It also needs to be serviced and needs to have its battery replaced from time to time. They provide less cushioning, but they are more pocket-friendly, especially when it comes to purchasing and maintenance. Consider your budget to look not only at the variation in price that could be paid for each type of wheel chair, but also at the variations in the cost of maintenance.

Accessibility Requirements

This means that you need to look at the kind of home you have and other places that you often use to check on the level of accessibility. Stations equipped with electric wheelchairs are likely to be less maneuverable as they are relatively larger in size. Make sure that in the area where you live there are wide doors and ramps; sufficient space for an electric wheelchair.

 There is a tendency to think that manual wheelchair users have stricter control over their wheelchairs and therefore can maneuver through narrow spaces. Pay attention to the sturdiness of the surroundings of the area you commonly navigate in, to identify which of the types of chairs suits the other better.

Comfort and Ergonomics

When it comes to wheelchairs it's all about easing a person's pain as much as it is about mobility. Accessibility: Some electric wheelchairs come with a better designed ergonomic control. 

The chairs are highly adjustable featuring comfortable seats, and backrests for better posture hence more suitable for the long run. Power wheelchairs offer greater manual dexterity and can be more ergonomic, but other than the height of the seat, some of the settings in a manual wheelchair may not be as customizable. Think about the duration of time the wheelchair will be utilized and the sorts of comforts that will be necessary for utilization.

Portability and Storage

If you commute and do not have the luxury of a dedicated space for your gear, then portability and storage will be useful features to you. Designed for self-propulsion, manual wheelchairs are usually lighter in weight and more portable than power wheelchairs or those with powered operation; most of them, if not all, fold easily and are more convenient for use in cars and small households. 

Electric wheelchairs are relatively heavier and larger than the conventional wheelchairs and this poses challenges when it comes to maneuvering the chair or storing it especially when traveling. This is especially true if the portability is something that you value most since a manual wheelchair is slightly more portable than a power one.

Insurance Coverage

You can look through your insurance options to see which one or ones will cover the cost of the wheelchair. While there are insurance plans that embrace the total or partial cost of wheelchairs, it may dawn on one that this cover may only include wheelchairs that are either half or fully electrical. Before paying for class, talk to your insurance company to determine what is and isn’t included in your insurance policy. Being insured can greatly help in eliminating or at least have a very effective cushion on the amount one has to spend on procuring a wheelchair.

Conclusion

An electric and manual wheelchair both have their benefits that may make them suitable for you depending on capacity and duration of use, usability of hands as well as the cost among others. It allows you to make a correct decision with regard to one or another aspect that will suit you best. However, it is better to consult a physician or, at least, think about insurance to also get some help in choosing. Thus, you can aim at improving your mobility, independence or quality of life with the needed wheelchair.

FAQs

Can someone clarify some of the basic distinctions to be made concerning electric and manual wheelchairs?

They are motorized wheelchairs hence signifying that they offer powered mobility and therefore are suitable for people with low strength. Self-propelled wheelchairs have smaller wheels which make the chairs lighter and more transportable The type of wheelchairs consists of manual wheelchairs.

Which insurance types can help with electric wheelchair purchase?

Reimbursement and coverage also depend on the specific insurance plan. There are certain plans where the cost of the electric wheelchairs or parts of it will be paid by the provider, details of which should be talked to the actual provider.

That leads to the next question: What is involved in maintaining an electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs are maintained with some importance where the battery, motor, and even the software are checked and serviced occasionally. They may also need sparing maintenance or repair occasionally because of their melting mechanisms.

References:

Company: Gillani Mobility New Zealand 

Website: 

https://gilanimobility.co.nz/