An electric wheelchair V.S a manual wheelchair Which is best for me？

An electric wheelchair V.S a manual wheelchair Which is best for me？

• Sep 16, 2021
• 2 Comments

A common question that everybody asks is – is buying new, always a better alternative? People always prefer the latest technology to the traditional ones. Others consider the old way of doing things is by far better than new tech. They think that we should remain loyal to what works for us. So, in this article, we are going to talk about the difference between an electric wheelchair and a manual wheelchair. We would also look into the questions such as What is the difference between manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs? Which is the best for you? We shall look at the pros and cons of the two as well. This will help you choose the best between the two. Let’s move forward and read the article in full.

What is the Current Scenario of Wheelchairs Today?

The technology in wheelchairs can run on electrical power or raw power. The wheelchairs of the moment are more than just comfort and cushions. Research work over several years has shown that several things are responsible for the ease and comfort found in the wheelchair. We can mention the following areas:

• The height of the wheelchair
• The comfort of the seat
• The upholstered chair
• Manipulation and control

The innovations in wheelchairs differentiate the power wheelchairs from the manual wheelchairs.

What Are the Different Types of Manual Wheelchairs?

The majority of the wheelchairs have images of animals and cartoons designed on them. This is done to engage the children. Their seats are narrow and the frames are small. The handles are adjustable and the height is short. This design makes it possible for adults to wheel the wheelchair easily. They have tall backrests. The tall backrest can be reclined in a way that will make it comfortable for the user. This manual wheelchair is best for those that have space challenges in their home. They are used in public spaces and hospitals in place of standard wheelchairs because of space constraints. They can be easily folded and stored. Transport Manual Wheelchairs are common in public spaces and hospitals. Another person will wheel the patient around. They cannot be wheeled by the user. They have small rear wheels. Bariatric manual wheelchairs are heavy designs. The weight is evenly distributed across the body which makes control easy. The wheelchair is specially made for those suffering from the bariatric disease. The frame is very sturdy. It can last you for a long time. Ultra-Lightweight manual Wheelchairs –The average weight of Ultralight wheelchairs is less than 40 pounds. The lightweight will make it easy to carry along. It is a portable design that does not come with cushioned seats. The goal is to cut down on the weight. Sports Manual Wheelchairs – This wheelchair is used in sports such as basketball, golf, and handball. They move very fast because of the smooth wheel technology and the grip is solid. The maneuverability and control are excellent. This is designed for people that have total control of the upper part of their body. They are the basic type of manual wheelchair because of their manual wheelchair build. It has a large rear wheel technology that makes it possible to be pushed around easily.

What are the Types of Power Wheelchairs?

The chair of the Standing Power Wheelchair can rise with the touch of a button. Users can access higher heights while sitting on a chair. It allows users to work independently. This wheelchair can be dismantled easily. It can be moved to another place with ease. Travelers love this wheelchair. It has a long battery life compared to other power wheelchairs. Front Wheel Drive Power Wheelchairs: The front-wheel drive power wheelchair is the darling of people that want to access curbs, small parapets, bumps, and the like. The location of the battery at the rear side provides stability while the wheelchair is moving. They can get up to heights that are about 2 inches tall. The rear wheels act as casters, and the drive system is located in front of the seat. The drive system is located in the mid-section. The radius of turning is small. This is an ideal choice in apartments and houses. It is a rugged choice but will have issues moving over rough terrain. They are also known as center drive systems. If you need speed in your wheelchair, then this is your ideal choice. It can maneuver easily even at high speeds. It never fishtails easily. The stability is suspect while moving on rough terrain. The front-wheel acts as casters. The back of the wheelchair acts as a support for the front wheel.

The Difference Between an Electric Wheelchair and A Manual Wheelchair

  Let us start with the electric version of the wheelchair.

1. Electric Wheelchairs

The speed of the wheelchair is a major difference. Options that you can choose from are rear-wheel drive; mid-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. The speeds of each of them can be varied. The rear-wheel-drive system is well-known for its speed. If you want a model with a good turning point, then the mid-wheel is the right option. The electric wheelchair is propelled by batteries against the manual wheelchairs that are not. Let us consider the major pros and cons of electric wheelchairs. The Pros

• The electric wheelchair is best for those who have the challenge of strength in their upper body.
• This model is noiseless. Wheels will not produce sound while moving on the floor.
• They are more luxurious when compared to their manual counterparts.
• There will be a struggle to get along with the electric wheelchair. You or the helpers do not need to exert any effort to propel this chair.
• Speed is another advantage of the electric wheelchair over the manual wheelchair. It travels faster and is more reliable for long-distance travel.

The Cons

• Weight is an issue with the electric wheelchair. It is heavier than the manual wheelchair.
• You are likely going to need service repairs on the electric wheelchair.
• Cost is another major disadvantage of the electric model. The purchase price is on the higher side than the manual option. The cost of maintenance is another huge factor. You might need insurance cover for the electric chair to keep it running. This might come at a huge cost to your pocket.

2. Manual Wheelchairs

Let us consider the pros and cons of the manual wheelchair. You need to make the physical effort to turn the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair before it sets into motion. A helper will be needed to push the wheelchair from behind. They are lightweight models when compared with their electric models. The Pros

• The manual wheelchair is pretty easy to transport. They are excellent companions for short journeys.
• They often need light maintenance.
• They are lighter than the electric wheelchair. They are cheaper than the electric model.
• You will require strength in the upper body to propel the rear wheels by yourself. Your muscles must be top-notch to achieve this. You can use someone to help you push the wheelchair from behind.

The Cons

• If you do not have strength in your upper body, you will need a helper to push the wheelchair from behind.
• When you push it on your own, you will get tired quickly because of the energy it demands.
• Unlike an electric wheelchair, a manual wheelchair cannot reach high speeds. It is difficult to travel long distances with a manual wheelchair.

What are the Benefits of Electric Wheelchairs? 

Let us take a look at the benefits of electric wheelchairs. This might be of big interest to those with reduced mobility. Here we go!

• Some of the best models can attain speeds as high as 8 mph; some of the worst models can't.
• Recline and tilt, leg rests, armrests, and other similar accessories are available as customized accessories for each user. Those and adjustments will ensure comfort for the user.
• There are various controls available, such as touchpads and joysticks. This will ensure smooth movement of the chair.
• You can rely on the movement of the wheelchair outdoors, even when you are on uneven terrain.

If you do not have the strength in your upper body to push the wheels, then you can go for a powered wheelchair. With the powered wheelchair, you will achieve the independence that will put a smile on your face. There are options that you can rely on to power your wheelchair. The most popular is the joystick. It will help you move the wheelchair without any effort on your part. There are also mini joysticks that you can trust to power you. If you are not comfortable with the joystick, you can switch to touchpads. It will help you propel the wheelchair. You will need the power to keep the electric wheelchair in motion. It is suggested that you charge it overnight. This will give you something to fall back on when you are outdoors. The size of the powered wheelchair will determine the power consumption. You must therefore prepare well before stepping out to avoid embarrassment. When you choose a powered wheelchair, you will get a customized chair. This will depend on your needs and requirements. Those that suffer from Edema will get adjustable leg rests. This will keep your legs well above your heart. The risk of sores will be reduced if you order for recline. This is perfect for those who have reduced mobility. If you are an outgoing person, then you must invest in electric wheelchairs. If you want a perfect option for indoor movement, then you can go for mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs. They offer an excellent turning radius for indoor use. If you want to go outdoors, then the focus should be on rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs. It gives extra security while traveling on public transport or over rough terrain. These chairs can reach a speed of 8 mph. It will save you energy when you go outdoors.

The Benefits of Using Manual Wheelchairs

The manual wheelchair is simple in its design. It requires less maintenance and care because of the few parts that it has. You will not require batteries. There is no need for a power source. However, you will need little maintenance to keep the chair in top shape. They are also very easy to transport. This is especially true if you use trains or taxis to get around. They are easy to navigate when you are in a tight space. You should consult your doctor for medical advice before you purchase this wheelchair. This is necessary because continued use of it can lead to wear and tear in the sockets of your shoulder. It is very hard to travel long distances on manual wheelchairs. You will require higher levels of balance and strength to propel yourself in the chair.

Final Words!

If you want the best among the power wheelchairs around, it should be one that will take care of your immediate as well as future needs. You need an adjustable model to execute this. There is no single model that will cover all your needs. You need to test, consult, examine and ask relevant questions before making a final choice. You must be careful in making a choice that will meet your needs.