How Electric Wheelchair Improves Independence for Elderly Users

For most older users, being unable to walk freely does not necessarily imply that they are unable to be independent. Electric wheelchair will help to revive mobility and decrease dependency on care-givers and open up the world of errands, socializing and outdoor activities. Not every electric wheelchair is the same, though, frame material, weight, battery range, and terrain performance all have an influence on how autonomously a senior will be able to live. We produce electric wheelchairs made of aluminum, carbon fiber, steel and magnesium, and mobility scooters with different purposes in Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd. The following are four ways in which the right electric wheelchair enhances independence amongst the elderly users.

Lightweight Frames Allow Self-Loading and Transport

The fact that the wheelchair cannot be transported independently is one of the greatest impediments to independence. A steel wheelchair that is 40kg might be too heavy to be lifted by an elderly user into a car trunk. An alternative that is lightweight alters everything.

The carbon fiber power wheelchair is 60 per cent lighter than steel models, so that it is not only possible to move the chair by many seniors by means of a portable ramp or even by just lifting it. The aluminum power wheelchair is also well balanced- light enough to be carried by a caregiver, but at the same time is sturdy. For a user who frequently travels (to the hospital, family meetings or nursing home), a lightweight electric wheelchair implies that one does not have to be left home waiting to have someone pick him/her. Our automatic folding mobility scooter goes a step further: the scooter folds itself together with the touch of a button, and it can be easily placed in the trunk of most cars, without the need to lift it.

Extended Battery Range Eliminates “Range Anxiety”

There is no better way of curtailing independence than the fear of returning back half way into a trip with the battery running low. The elderly users ought to have the capability of going to the grocery store, visiting a park, or taking friends out to lunch without having to look at a battery gauge.

Our power wheelchairs, which use steel and magnesium, can be equipped with high capacity battery options that can provide 25-40 km per charge. That will keep them busy all day with errands and socializing. Our aluminum powered wheelchair with a standard battery will be suitable to users who mostly remain within a neighborhood or a retirement community since 15-25 km is more than enough to cover their daily activities. Long battery life ensures that the elderly can walk away with no worries of coming back with a non-functional battery life.

Terrain Versatility Opens More Destinations

A wheelchair which performs well in the smooth indoor floors confines the user to indoors. Independence in the real sense is the ability to walk to a soccer match of a grandchild, enjoy a walk at a park or traverse a farmer market over grass or tarmac.

The larger drive wheels and high torque motors on our steel power wheelchair make it easy to traverse grass, gravel and uneven pavement. In mixed terrain (sidewalks, crosswalks, and well maintained trails), we provide magnesium power wheelchair which has a lighter frame and has great shock absorption. The 4-wheel mobility scooter offers an added stress on slopes and rough surfaces, enabling the elderly to explore beyond the surrounding areas. When the wheelchair works on various surfaces, the user is no longer restricted to the paved surfaces.

Easy Controls and Safety Features Reduce Reliance on Caregivers

Independence also means not needing someone else to operate or adjust the wheelchair constantly. Anti-tip designs, intuitive controls and reliable brakes enable the elderly users to control their movement.

All Ningbo Baichen power wheelchairs have joystick controls, and can be adjusted to different levels of sensitivity- the user can set the responsiveness to their level of dexterity. Our 3-wheel mobility scooter is powered by a simple tiller (handlebar) steering system that is familiar to seniors who have driven scooters or golf carts. Safety features include: Electromagnetic brakes, which automatically activate when the joystick is released, anti-tip wheels on steep slopes, and low center of gravity of all 4 wheel models. Users are much more likely to go out on their own when they feel safe and in control.

Conclusion

The right electric wheelchair also turns independence of the elderly users since they can transport themselves, it has good battery range, overcoming diverse terrains and easy safety measures. At Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd., we produce four types of frame electric wheelchairs and three types of mobility scooters. Having more than 20,000 m2 of production area and 4 assembly lines we are providing mobility solutions that bring freedom in your hands. Call us now to locate the model that will make you independent again.