Most electric wheelchairs for sale only come with the most basic of features. You can have the chair customized in numerous ways, and you may also purchase a variety of extra items and supplies for electric wheelchairs. These goods may be used to add functionality to the chair or to provide an extra level of comfort for the chair operator.

Motorized wheelchairs can accommodate the needs and interests of users in many different ways. Some of the options for these chairs include:

1. Specialty cushions built to fit perfectly on your power electric wheelchair;

2. Customized wheels;

3. Pouches to store personal belongings on power chairs;

4. Accessories such as ash trays and umbrellas.

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Check into comfortable cushions for power wheelchairs

Every electric wheel chair user will want cushions that are custom made to fit their specific model. There are several different options available. Whether you prefer air cushions, memory foam, gel-based products or back cushions, you can find everything you need to make your chair more cozy and inviting.

I recommend: Find out more about the types of cushions that are available from Edmond Wheelchair Repair and Supply or Silver NetStores.

Learn about the extras you can order for electric wheelchairs

There are many different products that can be found to provide added creature comforts for your power wheelchair. Cup holders may be attached to most models to allow users to keep beverages close at hand. Smokers might want to have an ashtray installed directly to the side of their chair. Armrest covers make for a more comfortable experience, especially for users who take their power electric wheelchairs long distances. A lap tray will allow a chair user to set out food, books, a notebook computer or any other items right in front of them. Umbrellas can be put into place to provide protection from the sun or rain. These are just some of the different supplies for electric wheelchairs that can make life a little better.

I recommend: Read more about the various items that exist from Chairdex, Orbit Medical Wheelchairs or AllTimeMedical.

Carry your things with you on a power chair

People who operate a motorized wheel chair need a place to store their personal belongings. Back packs and pouches provide an ideal solution. Some models are designed to accommodate specific items such as a phone, money or keys, while others are made with a large amount of space for shopping trips. These items usually hook directly on to the chair via an adjustable strap. They are easy to put on and take off and provide users with an increased level of independence.

I recommend: Read more about backpacks at WheelChairGear. Order bags and pouches from 1800wheelchair.

Replace your used electric wheelchair wheels

The wheels on any chair are the most important feature. Chair users can find wheels that are suited to any type of indoor or outdoor activity they prefer. Whether you are interested in sporting events or taking your chair over rough terrain, there are wheels that will allow you to accomplish all of your goals.

I recommend: Investigate wheel options at SpinLife. Get custom wheels from Cycles BiKyle.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase used electric wheelchairs that already have the features you desire installed.
• •  Order customized supplies for electric wheelchairs that meet your exact specifications.

Power wheelchairs are a great innovation on the standard wheelchair, and allow for enhanced mobility for anyone who uses a wheelchair.

Electric wheelchairs are widely available. It is typically easy to find electric wheelchairs for sale from any medical or ability supply company, but they also have a huge variety of features differing by brand and type of power chair. If you know the features you want from an electric wheelchair, shopping becomes a lot easier.

Before you buy a new electric wheelchair, consider the following:

1. Know what type of features for mobility you want from your power electric wheelchair.

2. Look at the different types of drive mechanisms of power chairs to pick the one that's best for you.

3. Browse the chairs offered by popular and trusted brands.

4. Check out mobility scooters in addition to motorized wheelchairs.

5. Don't forget to look at mobility accessories.

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Know what mobility options power wheelchairs offer

Many electric wheelchairs offer not only a motorized way to get around, but great portability and travel features to allow you to be truly mobile.

I recommend: Folding power chairs combine features of a standard folding wheelchair with the power mobility of a motorized wheelchair. Portable power wheelchairs don't fold up, but they do disassemble with ease into a few pieces for portability. Sometimes called travel power wheelchairs, these chairs offer portability without sacrificing comfort. If you don't have travel needs but do want to be sure you have extra head support, try a high back power chair.

Learn how electric wheelchairs drive

Different types of power chairs operate with different types of drive mechanisms. Chairs with rear wheel drive have different strengths and weaknesses than those with center wheel drive, so check out different types to know which one you need.

I recommend: Rear wheel drive power chairs typically offer faster top speeds and drive well in a straight line. Center wheel drive power chairs, on the other hand, place the main driving wheels directly beneath the chair for better turning. These chairs also handle curbs better than rear wheel drive chairs.

Browse popular brands of power chairs like Jazzy and Golden

While there are many electric wheelchairs for sale, only a few brands have gained widespread popularity for their high quality products.

I recommend: Jazzy Electric Wheelchairs offers both jazzy chairs and jet chairs, and has power chairs to fit any type of mobility need, including folding chairs and portable chairs. Golden also offers power electric wheelchairs of all types, made with premium quality parts, offering extended warranties and financing.

Check out power scooters as well as power chairs

Mobility scooters are a good alternative to power chairs if you have relatively minor mobility needs and want something to help you get around outside the house.

I recommend: Mobility scooters, like electric wheelchairs, also come in travel options that disassemble easily for better portability.

Don't forget accessories for your electric wheelchair

Once you have your scooter or electric wheelchair, check out some mobility accessories like storage bags and cushions.

I recommend: Accessories are widely available for power chairs, and can enhance the utility of your electric wheelchair with options like underseat storage and seatback storage bags, or just make your chair more comfortable to use with extra cushions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to find out where to purchase an extra battery for your power electric wheelchair. When you purchase the chair, verify with the manufacturer that it comes with instructions for how to order a replacement battery or that they have an easy to navigate website where you can order a replacement.
• •  Electric wheelchairs can be very expensive, but if you have a medical mobility need you should be able to use insurance or Medicare to cover some or all of the cost. Check with your doctor and insurance provider before buying.

Electric wheelchairs benefit individuals with restricted mobility due to age, illness or injury. An electric wheelchair can usually be used indoors or outside and most can be fully operated with a simple hand control. Nurses and physical therapists can provide power chairs to their clients as tools of independence.

Health care providers and wheelchair dealers should learn the basics about power electric wheelchairs in order to be able to instruct clients and customers properly. To safely use, operate and sell power wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs education and training is necessary. Be sure to do the following:

1. Learn how to properly operate an electric wheelchair.

2. Discover safety guidelines for using an electric wheelchair.

3. Become knowledgeable about new power chairs technology.

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Learn about basic operations of an electric wheelchair

Learn how to use and operate an electric wheelchair. Knowing the basics of power wheelchairs and how they work will help health care providers teach patients how to use them properly and effectively. It's important to learn how to operate an electric motorized wheelchair correctly to make sure clients and customers are safe.

I recommend: Attend Wheelchair University, a symposium providing training guides on the basics of using an electric wheelchair to teach rehab specialists and nurses how to use an electric wheelchair correctly. The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center offers wheelchair mobility skills training and can help you learn how to use motorized wheelchairs.

Educate yourself about electric wheelchair safety guidelines

There are several safety guidelines regarding electric wheelchairs that are meant to protect the user and those around the power electric wheelchair. Learn about these safety guidelines as a health care provider so that you can then educate your clients and patients.

I recommend: Use this slide show video from Knowledge Translation to educate yourself about patient wheelchair safety. Mobility Advisor offers these basic safety guidelines for operating an electric wheelchair safely. You can learn them and share them with your patients.

Stay on top of new innovations and technologies in power chair development

Motorized wheelchair technology is constantly evolving and improving the speed and quality of use of electric wheelchairs for sale and for health care facility use. Learn about these new innovations so you can educate your clients and share with them.

I recommend: Attend the Abilities Expo, an annual medical equipment trade show that features the latest in power wheelchair models and technology. Learn what new steps are being taken to make wheelchairs fun and safe. Attend a telephone seminar provided by the National Registration of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers which will teach you about new technologies available to electric wheelchair providers and specialists.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always review the owner or user's manual for new power chair models or manufacturers so you can learn any differences and educate your patients on proper use.

Electric wheelchairs, or power wheelchairs, are wheelchairs that are powered by battery to help maximize a person's mobility. They can be customized for special seating and positioning for the user and can come with a variety of features to make the operation of power wheelchairs more efficient. Finding the right electric wheelchair requires a blend of knowing the features available as well as knowing an individual's needs when it comes to mobility. Different types of drives are available.

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Rear-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive on an electric wheelchair refers to the placement of the largest wheels on a power wheelchair. Placement of the largest wheels on the rear of the wheelchair allows for speed and stability, but often a poor turning radius. Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are the most popular of the types of electric wheelchairs.

I recommend: 4 Medical Supplies provides a description of rear-wheel drive power wheelchairs as well as examples.

Center-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive

Center-wheel drive wheelchairs have the largest wheels positioned in the center for the wheelchair, with two sets of smaller casters in the front and back for safety and stability. Center-wheel drive wheelchairs allow for a tight turning radius and better navigation over curbs and other obstacles.

I recommend: Spinlife describes center-wheel drive electric wheelchairs in more depth. Scroll down the page to read.

Front-wheel drive

A front-wheel drive power wheelchair has good maneuverability and turning radius, as the large wheels sit forward of the seat. A disadvantage of front-wheel drive can be less stability at higher speeds.

I recommend: The Med Supply Guide describes front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs as well as providing an example of one.

Deep cycle batteries

Electric wheelchairs use deep cycle batteries, which means that batteries can be drained without damage to the battery. This is an important feature for an electric wheelchair battery, as it is typically only charged one time a day.

I recommend: For more information, read the article on wheelchair batteries on the Wheelchair Site.

Powered seating

In addition to wheelchairs, seating can also be powered. This means that the chair on a wheelchair can be tilted or reclined to provide better positioning and to relieve pressure while sitting. Powered seating is generally accessible by the same joystick that controls the wheelchair.

I recommend: Invacare provides a list of powered seating products available.

Portable/travel power wheelchairs

Portable/travel power wheelchairs are those that are foldable or easily taken apart for transport. They generally weigh 100 pounds or less and have smaller frames for better accessibility.

I recommend: U.S. Medical Supplies defines and has examples of portable/travel power wheelchairs.