How the Motor Affects the User Experience of an Electric Wheelchair

Any electric wheelchair has the motor as the core. It decides how quickly you run, how steep a hill you can get up, how long the battery will run, and even how silently you can pass through a library or a hospital. However, frame material or seat comfort are considered by most buyers without paying attention to the motor. In Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd., we produce aluminum, carbon fiber, steel and magnesium electric wheelchairs that are matched with motors distinguished by various applications. The four ways that the motor directly influences your everyday experience are listed below.

Torque and Hill-Climbing Ability

The rotational force is known as torque and moves the wheels. Increased torque translates to increased acceleration from a stop, and capability to climb ramps, driveways and curbs without overloading the motor.

The high torque motors in our steel power wheelchair have been installed on the wheelchair to suit the needs of the user who may be faced with a steep driveway, a hilly neighborhood, or a van ramp. The additional weight of the steel frame with strong motors does not allow bogging down on long climbs. Our aluminum power wheelchair is available with moderate torque motors that offer the user a smooth acceleration without the additional weight of the high torque units, so the chairs can be used by users who live in flat areas or who mostly use their chair indoors. The carbon fiber power wheelchair is a compromise: the level of torque is sufficient to accelerate the chair on fairly steep inclines (up to 6-8 degrees) but the overall weight of the chair is very low, which makes it very easy to transport.

Speed and Responsiveness

The motor wattage (measured in watts, usually 200-700W per motor) has a direct impact on the top speed and responsiveness of the chair to joystick movements. Greater wattage offers quicker acceleration and higher top speeds (up to 10-15 km/h based on local regulations).

Our magnesium powered wheelchair utilizes responsive motors that provide fast starts and stops- perfect in a user who has to travel in and out of traffic on the sidewalks, crosswalks or the busy stores where instant response is a safety factor. Our aluminum power wheelchair may also be fitted with lower wattage motors to create a softer, more leisurely ride (the elderly or those with limited dexterity), or to eliminate sudden dips or jerks of the joystick. The 3-wheel mobility scooter employs an alternative motor system designed to support tiller (handlebar) steering offering stable and predictable speed regulation.

Battery Efficiency and Range

The distance you have to travel with a single charge is determined by motor efficiency. Inefficient motors also use battery power inefficiently, dissipating heat and limiting range and necessitating more frequent charges. It is particularly necessary to users who must be out all day- running errands, attending appointments or a long outdoor adventure.

Our power wheelchair is made of carbon fiber, combining a very lightweight frame with very efficient brushless DC motors. This has the consequence of longer range (25-40 km per charge) with a smaller, lighter battery. This is ideal to travelers and active users who are unable to charge mid-day. Our steel power wheelchair has more powerful, though a bit less efficient motors; the tradeoff is better climbing capability at the expense of a reduced range (15-25 km). In the case of our automatic folding mobility scooter, the efficiency of the motor is vital since the small battery also has to operate the folding mechanism. We also optimize the range per charge.

Noise and Vibration Levels

Noise and vibration of a motor can be tiresome after a day of working. This is very important for indoor settings (libraries, clinics, quiet offices) and users who are noise sensitive or have other conditions such as anxiety or sensory processing disorders.

Our power wheelchairs are made of aluminum / carbon fiber with brushless DC motors; these are much quieter than the traditional brushed motors. Carbon fiber frame also absorbs the vibration of the motor and this makes the ride almost silent. Albeit somewhat stiffer, our magnesium power wheelchair utilizes quiet technology in its motors making it appropriate to use indoors. High-torque brushed motor steel power wheelchairs can create more audible hum when highly loaded- acceptable in an outdoor or industrial environment but not in a quiet environment. In the case of our 4-wheel mobility scooter, we have isolated the motor mounts in order to minimize the vibrations to the seat.

Conclusion

The motor influences all the features of your electric wheelchair experience: climbing capacity, speed, battery range and noise level. Select high torque (steel) on hills, responsive (magnesium) in busy areas, efficient (carbon fiber) on long range and quiet (aluminum/carbon fiber) when inside. At Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd., we produce all four types of frame with motors that are adjusted to the real world requirements. Get in touch with us to choose the appropriate motor to use on your daily routes.