Electrically powered wheelchairs use battery power instead of manual power to propel the wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs offer users much more freedom of movement. A review of powered wheelchairs can show you just how many advantages there are of using these devices, and how safe they are.
Many wheelchair users wish to have more freedom of movement when wheelchair-bound. Although they might not be able to walk outside, many still wish to enjoy the outdoors and be more mobile. Fortunately, powered wheelchairs (EPW) make such things possible.
Although the idea of a powered wheelchair sounds fantastic, you must make several practical considerations before buying one. For example, one must consider if powered wheelchairs are safe. We’ll help you determine if a powered wheelchair is feasible by considering everything you should know about it by doing a review of powered wheelchairs.
Are Powered Wheelchairs Safe?
The first question many people ask about powered wheelchairs is whether they are safe to operate. This is a complex question, as the answer mainly depends on the user’s moveability and sensitivity to movement.
For the most part, however, powered wheelchairs are just as safe as manual wheelchairs. There are many powered wheelchairs, and you can customize them for the wheelchair user. This means that a powered wheelchair may be as safe as you need.
There are also several safety precautions to adhere to when operating a powered wheelchair, such as:
- Ensuring that the wheelchair is in proper working order.
- Always wearing a seatbelt when using the wheelchair.
- Only using the wheelchair on safe (smooth) surfaces.
- Always securing the wheelchair when traveling in a vehicle.
Significant research has gone into developing powered wheelchairs that give users more freedom of movement and help them lead more independent lives. With this research, utmost care was also taken to ensure that the powered wheelchairs are safe for their patients.
Powered wheelchairs undergo all of the same safety tests as manual wheelchairs and a few additional ones. Therefore, when using a powered wheelchair, it is important that you follow the same safety precautions as you would when using a manual wheelchair. This will ensure that you remain safe while operating the powered wheelchair.
Most powered wheelchairs work with a controlling joystick that is fixed to one of the armrests. However, if a wheelchair user cannot use the joystick for some reason, other methods of control are also available.
These include chin controllers, sip and blow controllers, and finger sensors to help the user control the powered wheelchair.
Again, special care is taken to ensure that the controllers are stable and safe for wheelchair users to use, regardless of how limited their movement is. For this reason, people must undergo testing before acquiring a powered wheelchair, so the technicians can understand what each user needs.
Can You Transport Powered Wheelchairs?
When powered wheelchairs were first released to the public, you couldn’t transport them. Fortunately, that, too, has changed recently. Most powered wheelchairs can now be disassembled to a point where you can transport them in your car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Of course, when traveling with a wheelchair, it is always safest for the wheelchair user to get out of the wheelchair and sit in a regular car seat for the duration of the trip. This is according to the American Wheelchair Transportation Safety guidelines.
But it isn’t always practical to remove a wheelchair user from the wheelchair while traveling, especially for short distances.
In this case, the wheelchair user can remain in the powered wheelchair for the trip if the wheelchair and vehicle adhere to the ISO 10452 requirements or the requirements for wheelchair transportation in your country.
To safely transport a wheelchair user while seated in their powered wheelchair, you must adhere to the following:
- The wheelchair must be crash tested (a WC19 wheelchair). These tests are conducted by RESNA to ensure they are safe for use while traveling in a vehicle.
- The vehicle must have a suitable Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS).
- The wheelchair must be secured to the tiedown points using WTORS restraints approved by the Wheelchair Transportation Safety Administration of your country.
- The wheelchair user must have a seatbelt securely fastened to protect them in the event of a crash. This seatbelt is in addition to the powered wheelchair seatbelt, which the user must also wear.
You may only transport a person who uses a wheelchair in their powered wheelchair if all these conditions are met. If you cannot adhere to these requirements (or the ones set forth by your country’s wheelchair safety administration), you must transport the wheelchair separately.
Many powered wheelchairs can be disassembled to some degree, which makes it possible to load them into a vehicle. When discussing the type of powered wheelchair you need, mention it to the technicians if you need to transport the wheelchair often.
What Is The Best Powered Wheelchair?
When choosing the best powered wheelchair, there are several factors to consider. The size, price, and maximum load of the wheelchair are some of the most important considerations.
Of course, you must also know if the wheelchair can go outside, if it is transportable, and how long the battery life of the wheelchair is.
Determining the best powered wheelchair for you will depend on many things, including how you wish to use the wheelchair. For example, suppose you intend to go for outside rides often. In that case, you will need a different powered wheelchair than you would if you only use the wheelchair inside.
Your level of mobility also affects what type of wheelchair is suitable for you. This is why you must see a technician before selecting a wheelchair. You can discuss exactly what you need with them, and they can help you choose the best wheelchair based on your needs and budget.
If you don’t require a special powered wheelchair for any reason and simply need a powered wheelchair to help you move around faster, you can consider one of these powered wheelchairs. They will give you a good idea of how much you may expect to pay for a powered wheelchair and what is available.
Are Powered Wheelchairs Covered By Health Insurance?
Another consideration before buying a powered wheelchair is whether medical insurance companies pay for powered wheelchairs.
Some insurance companies cover the cost of a powered wheelchair, but getting them to pay for it doesn’t come without some explaining. Most insurance companies won’t pay for a powered wheelchair unless the user must have one to function.
Even if this is the case, the insurance company will only pay for a powered wheelchair with the bare necessities the user needs. You, therefore, shouldn’t expect a high-end powered wheelchair with luxury functions when working through your insurance provider.
Even if your insurance provider covers powered wheelchairs, getting one is a long and tiresome process. It will require many visits to the doctor to get the correct documentation and approval for the wheelchair you need.
Despite some people needing powered wheelchairs, not all medical insurance companies cover the cost thereof. You must confirm this before setting out to buy yourself or your loved one a new powered wheelchair.
Conclusion
Powered wheelchairs are safe and valuable for many people. They provide wheelchair users with more freedom of movement, and you can take them on an outdoor ride too. You must secure a powered wheelchair like a manual one when traveling with them. Not all powered wheelchairs are covered by medical insurance.