If you need to use a wheelchair and would like to convert your manual wheelchair to an electric model, there are simple steps you can take to achieve it. At Complete Care Shop, we’re passionate about improving people’s independence and our range of wheelchair power add-ons are ideal for this. If you’re considering converting to an electric wheelchair, continue reading this helpful guide.
An electric wheelchair is a device that’s designed to help those who live with mobility impairments or disabilities get around with greater ease. Unlike a standard self-propelled wheelchair or attendant-propelled wheelchair, an electric wheelchair is built with electric motors and batteries that provide quicker movement.
Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people who not only live with mobility issues but they also have limited upper body strength and coordination. Navigating with power chairs can be done with a joystick on one of the armrests, making it much easier for people to get to where they need to.
The benefits of an electric wheelchair are:
If you or a loved one has decreased mobility or strength in the upper body, converting your manual wheelchair to an electric wheelchair is a good idea. It’s not as difficult as it sounds either. In order to convert a manual wheelchair to an electric one, there are a number of things to consider first. They are:
First of all, you must assess your needs. Has your grip strength changed and upper body strength decreased? Are you finding it a little more difficult to navigate with your self-propelled wheelchair? If you have an attendant-controlled wheelchair, is your carer struggling to push you as far and as long as they used to?
These factors generally mean that an electric wheelchair would suit you. You also have to think about the space at home and where you will be able to store the wheelchair once you’ve added the power add-on.
Once you’ve figured out all of the above, it’s time to choose the right add-on for your wheelchair and situation. At Complete Care Shop, we have an extensive selection of high-quality power add-ons for your wheelchair.
One to consider is the Triride T-Rocks which attaches to the front of your wheelchair and gives you a set of handlebars to power and control your wheelchair. With a maximum power of 2000W, an LCD screen and 20-inch tyres, something like this could be ideal for getting you moving.
Sunrise Empulse Wheeldrive Power Assist Wheels are another possibility. They’re designed to let you continuously drive without the need to self-propel while reducing the strain on muscles and joints. The wheels utilise a large hand rim to provide you with additional support whilst propelling, and a small rim to give you continuous drive.
For more suggestions, read our 5 must have add-ons for your wheelchair
As with anything like this, it’s important to get some professional guidance before jumping straight in. You have decided you need to convert your manual wheelchair to electric and found the right add-on but it’s still recommended you seek professional advice.
You can get a free home wheelchair assessment from Complete Care Shop to talk you through everything.
Once everything is set up, before using the newly-electric wheelchair, it’s important to test all of the new electrical components. Thorough testing will show any niggles and things that can be improved on before full use, potentially stopping an injury or damage to the device.
At Complete Care Shop, not only do we have an extensive range of powered add-ons for wheelchairs, but we also stock an impressive collection of electric wheelchairs. If you’d prefer to purchase an electric model rather than convert your manual device, there are plenty of options available.
If you require any more assistance, contact us now for help and advice.
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