Powered Wheelchairs The Pros And Cons

In an ideal world, wheelchair users would have a chair for every situation. Need to go to the beach? Bring on the fat tires. Want to play basketball? They make chairs specialized for that too. But the reality is that most wheelchair users can only afford one chair. Thus, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of a powered wheelchairs before shelling out the big bucks.

Power wheelchairs are the perfect choice for anyone with reduced mobility in their arms. Powered wheelchairs will also provide greater freedom for users with low muscle tone or who have conditions that cause chronic fatigue. But the chairs are expensive, heavy, and rarely fold.

5.5 million US citizens use wheelchairs. Another 5 million people in the European Union use wheelchairs. In Australia, 4.4 million people are disabled, and 4.4% (nearly 200,000) use a wheelchair. Within these populations, the popularity of powered wheelchairs is rising. But while powered wheelchairs are an incredible mobility aid; they’re not perfect.

Powered wheelchairs revolutionized mobility aids. These machines come in a wide range, enabling people to select what suits their body and lifestyle best. Even after selecting a model, they are highly customizable to meet their user’s specific needs.

The biggest advantage of powered wheelchairs is that the user doesn’t have to have any mobility in their arms to operate one. Some people can even operate their chairs by sips and puffs, negating the need to move their necks. Thus, these chairs are incredibly accessible.

But even people who have full use of their arms may find they do better in a powered wheelchair. For instance, many chronic conditions compromise muscle tone, making manual chairs difficult to operate. Also, people with back problems sometimes find manual chairs impossible to use for any substantial amount of time.

Powered wheelchairs can handle heavier users than manual chairs. Lightweight manuals typically have a weight limit between 200-250. The more robust manuals tend to have weight limits ranging from 250-350.

Consequently, it is often easier to find a good fit for tall or obese people in the heavy-duty powered wheelchair ranges. Depending on the model, they can carry a person that weighs 450-600 pounds.

Powered wheelchairs give people independence. Without them, users with limited mobility could not move their own chairs. In addition, users who fatigue easily could not participate in longer events or do everyday activities such as grocery shopping without somebody pushing their chair. But with a powered chair, people can decide which direction to set off in and when. 

Power wheelchairs are energy savers. By saving energy, people with chronic conditions can attend functions they’d normally miss out on, such as award ceremonies. They also allow people to join in on walks in a park or paved hiking trails that on a manual wheelchair would be otherwise too exhausting.

Powered wheelchairs can almost always recline or tilt. Changing position while in a chair is essential to users avoiding pressure sores, also known as bedsores and pressure ulcers. These can be incredibly painful. But even people without sensation must avoid pressure sores. If they become infected, they could lead to serious consequences and even threaten a person’s life.

Ambulatory users can typically transfer out of their chairs as needed. But those with paralysis or low muscle tone often have to wait for assistance. But not everyone has access to on-demand care. By having a chair that can tilt or recline, a wheelchair has some control in shifting positions.

Power wheelchairs can handle various terrains. Not everyone can push a manual through gravel or over bumps, requiring more strength. Thus, power chairs can expand a person’s freedom to traverse. They also make a living in an area with many hills much more manageable.

Powered wheelchairs have many positives. But there are also very valid reasons why not every wheelchair user owns one.

The weight and bulk of a powered wheelchair are one of the top reasons people choose a manual. A manual chair can be folded up and put in the trunk or boot of most cars. In addition, a manual chair can be lifted over stairs if required.

But most powered wheelchairs are not foldable or easy to take apart (there are some exceptions). Nor are they light, so if obstacles such as stairs are encountered, there is no option of being lifted. Cars can be fitted for powered wheelchairs, but it may mean being dependent on that vehicle to get around. Whereas in a manual, many wheelchair users can get a lift from a friend or relative if desired.

Airlines can be funny about transporting the battery for a powered wheelchair. Typically, there are workarounds, such as carrying the battery in the hand luggage. But it is a logistical complication one doesn’t have to deal with a manual chair.

Powered wheelchairs can be incredibly expensive, especially if they require specific modifications and customization. While insurance may pay for some of the cost, they often do not pay for it all, leaving people having to fundraise, take out loans, or save for years before having access to the mobility aid they need.

Powered wheelchairs require much more maintenance than manual, and the repairs are often costly.

Powered wheelchairs do not provide any exercise for their user. Thus, for those that are able, a manual wheelchair could be the healthier choice.

Power wheelchairs are not always ideal for taking part in some activities. A manual might be the better choice for people who enjoy hiking and playing tennis.

Power wheelchairs need recharging. The issue might not be a big deal for a person who lives with dependable electricity and can afford to pay for it. But not everyone can. Also, for those that enjoy camping away from it all, an electric wheelchair won’t last a week, let alone two.

Power wheelchairs are not fans of the rain. They can still be used, especially if you wear a large rain poncho to protect the controls and electrics. But it is a concern that manual users don’t have.

Powered wheelchairs provide independence and mobility to many people who would otherwise be without. However, as wonderful as they are, they are not perfect. Their cost and weight are the two biggest reasons not everyone who could benefit from a powered chair has one.