Facts About the Electric Wheelchair

Electric wheelchairs make it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy activities with family and friends that might otherwise be hard to accomplish. Going for long walks or hikes on accessible trails, playing in the park with kids and even everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, are easier with an electric wheelchair.

History

• George Klein invented the first electric wheelchair during World War II to aid injured veterans.

Function

• Newer types of electric wheelchairs have different capabilities. Some have seating that tilts to assist with getting up, plus reclining ability and seat and leg elevation.

Seating

• Electric wheelchairs have two different seating styles: a sling seat, which resembles traditional wheelchairs, and captain's chairs, which look more like automobile seats.

Size

• There is an electric wheelchair for every occasion. You can find small, folding compact sizes, which make traveling easier, and larger chairs that offer more comfort, but are harder to transport.

Controls

• Most electric wheelchairs are controlled with a joystick, but there are other options, if the person can't use manual controls. Such options include puff/sip scanners, which is a tube positioned next to the mouth that the person blows into, and chin controls.

Power Supply

• Rechargeable batteries that come in wet or dry varieties power electric wheelchairs. Some are recharged by plugging into wall sockets directly, but others have their own recharging stations. Dry cell batteries are more popular, because there is less chance of leakage.