If you and your physician have recently determined that the use of an electric wheelchair is the most appropriate choice to maintain your independence, you may have already noticed that it can be an expensive, albeit necessary, investment. Since the purchase of an electric wheelchair, which may also be known as a powerchair, is often a one-time occurrence, it is a good idea to be sure that the item you ultimately select is the right one for your existing and future needs. As a result, you are likely to find the following information to be quite helpful.

#1-The Comfort And Usability Of An Electric Wheelchair Can Be Adapted To Your Needs

If you have previously made do with the use of walkers, canes, and standard wheelchairs, you will be happy to know that an electric wheelchair tends to be much more comfortable. For instance, if you have trouble sitting up, you can elect to have your new chair adapted with pillows and cushions to help you to do so. In addition, electric wheelchairs have the ability to recline if sitting up is no longer appealing after a long day.

#2-You Can Use Your Electric Wheelchair And Still Navigate Stairs

If your home is two or more stories high and you are deciding whether you should move your bedroom furniture downstairs or if adding a wheelchair lift for the stairs is the best choice. you may be surprised to learn that you have a third option. Specifically, there are now electric wheelchairs with the ability to go up and down stairs.

One newer model can be likened to a smaller version of a military tank, due to its design that features retractable tracks. Another electric wheelchair uses infrared sensors to find and move around objects in its path.

#3-You Can Choose Models That Are Designed For Use Indoor, Outdoor, And Both

It is important to note that despite what commercials may have implied over the years, there is not a one-size-fits-all option for power chairs. For instance, if you rarely spend much time outside and you do not see that changing, an indoor unit is probably the right choice. Its smaller design makes moving around your home and the compact corners found in many stores a bit easier. However, that same design could prove to be challenging if you suddenly decide to navigate uneven ground, ruts, and other awkward areas outside.

The indoor/outdoor model will be larger than the indoor style and presents with a wide variety of useful options, such as the ability to move over curbs when a smooth entrance to the sidewalk is unavailable. However, this option is best for city dwellers, as an indoor-outdoor powerchair can only travel on smooth surfaces, like concrete sidewalks and paved roads. Alternatively, if being able to keep up with your friends or family members on hikes and long walks factored into your decision to buy your powerchair, you should look into the outdoor styles of your new mobility aid. Its tires will be able to go across rocks, loose gravel, and other imperfections that are in its way, but it is a good idea to remember that the size and dimensions of the unit mean that using it inside is rarely possible and could even be unsafe.

In conclusion, the purchase of an electric wheelchair is often a challenging one, since the benefit of increased independence and mobility may need to be weighed against the cost of the unit. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the information provided above as you are doing the research on this important addition to your life. For more information on electric wheelchairs, contact a company like Pro-Med Equipment & Supply.