Wheelchairs are one of the important furniture in healthcare facilities. They are key mobility aids that increase a good quality of life for patients with limited mobility.
What are Wheelchairs?
Wheelchairs are mobility devices designed to help people who have difficulty walking or cannot walk at all. There are two types of wheelchairs- electric and manual wheelchairs. It is important to choose the right type of wheelchair, as it significantly impacts independence, comfort and overall well-being.
Wheelchair Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits of Wheelchairs
- Increased Mobility: Wheelchairs help people with mobility issue move independently.
- Improve Life Quality: The wheelchairs support daily activities and social engagement.
- Customizable Comfort: Many models have adjustable seating, footrests and cushions available.
- Versatility: They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Drawbacks of Wheelchairs
- Physical Effort: The Manual wheelchair requires strength to move it, leading to fatigue.
- Cost: Electric Wheelchairs are expensive. Have high upfront and maintenance costs.
- Storage and Transport: It can be heavy and challenging to carry.
- Maintenance Needs: The wheelchairs need to be cleaned regularly, and they have to be repaired at frequent intervals. For electric wheelchairs, battery charging is required.
What is a Manual Wheelchair?
A manual wheelchair is maneuvered by the user or a caregiver using hand rims attached to the wheels. They are lightweight, available in standard sizes and are heavy-duty models, catering to different mobility needs.
What are the key features of Manual Wheelchairs?
- They come with lightweight frame options, ensuring ease of transport
- Folding and compact designs for storage
- They feature adjustable footrests and armrests for comfort
- They are affordable compared to electric wheelchairs.
These wheelchairs require physical effort to operate, making them ideal for users with good upper body strength or caregivers available for help.
Manual Wheelchair Advantages
- Affordable: The manual wheelchairs are available at a lower upfront cost compared to electric wheelchairs.
- Lightweight: They are easy to fold, carry and store. Because of their light weight, they are easily portable.
- Low Maintenance: These chairs have low maintenance as there are fewer mechanical parts. Thus, they need fewer frequent repairs.
- Customizable: They have adjustable footrests, armrests and cushions for comfort.
- Indoor and Outdoor Use: The manual wheelchair is best for indoor and outdoor use. They can be easily moved with proper wheels.
- Easy to Set-up: They are ready to use without charging or motors.
- Durable: They have a long lifespan and can last for many years with proper care.
What are Electric Wheelchairs?
An electric wheelchair is a powered wheelchair. The chair is propelled by an electric motor instead of manual effort. They are controlled using a joystick or specialized interface, allowing users with limited strength or endurance to move independently indoors or outdoors.
What are the key features of Electric Wheelchairs?
- Motorized propulsion for effortless movement
- Adjustable speed settings and braking system
- Advanced models with reclining, tilting and standing functions
- Battery-operated with varying ranges.
These chairs are more independent-friendly and recommended for long-term use, outdoor mobility or users with severe physical limitations.
Electric Wheelchair Advantages
- Easy to Move: The Electric wheelchair is easy to move and is ideal for users with limited upper-body strength.
- Increased Independence: This wheelchair allows self-propulsion over long distances without help.
- Comfort Features: There are adjustable seats, reclining and tilt functions for long-term use.
- Versatility: The wheelchairs are apt for indoor and outdoor terrains, including inclines.
- Time-Savings: Faster movement compared to manual wheelchairs.
- Reduced Fatigue: Less physical effort is required to operate.
- Advanced Controls: The electric wheelchairs have a joystick or specialised interfaces for ease of navigation.
- Customizable Options: Accessories like cushion, trays or all-terrain wheels available.
Manual v/s Electric Wheelchair Comparison
Manual Wheelchair
- They are operated using hand rims, requiring physical effort.
- The chair is light in weight and easy to transport
- Low initial cost and minimal maintenance
- They are ideal for short distances and users with upper-body strength
- It promotes physical activity and muscle strength.
Electric Wheelchair
- They are powered by a motor and controlled using a joystick
- They have a higher cost but offer effortless mobility
- They are best for long distances and rough terrains
- The electric wheelchair provides comfort features like recline and tilt.
- They require regular battery charging and maintenance.
Wheelchair Cost Comparison
- Manual Wheelchairs are budget-friendly. Lightweight and foldable models cost slightly more but offer better portability.
- Electric wheelchairs have a higher upfront cost. They also incur maintenance costs such as battery replacement, motor servicing and electrical component checks.
Wheelchair Uses
- Mobility Support: The wheelchair helps individuals with limited or no ability to walk independently.
- Help Recover: They help patients in recovering from surgeries, injuries or illnesses.
- Elderly Care: Provides comfort and mobility for senior citizens with weak joints or balance issues.
- Hospital Transport: They are used in healthcare facilities to move patients safely between wards.
- Outdoor Mobility: Enables users who have mobility issues to move with ease. People can travel short or long distances without much hassle. They are used in airports or railway stations to move passengers with mobility problems or for senior citizens.
- Sports: Specialized wheelchairs support wheelchair basketball, racing and other sports.
- Daily Living Help: Makes shopping, dining or socializing more accessible for people who have difficulty moving.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Right Wheelchair
When deciding between a manual and an electric wheelchair, consider the following factors-
- User strength and mobility needs: Manual wheelchairs suit active users, and electric wheelchairs are better for low-strength individuals.
- Daily Usage: If you use a wheelchair that is of utmost comfort, long-term use or daily outdoor mobility, an electric wheelchair is an ideal option.
- Budget: The manual wheelchairs are affordable upfront. Electric wheelchairs have higher initial and maintenance costs.
- Storage and Transport: Manual wheelchairs are easy to store and transport in cars.
- Terrain: Consider whether you want to use the wheelchair indoors, outdoors or on rough terrain. For instance, an electric wheelchair is best for rough terrains.
Consider the manual v/s electric wheelchair pros and cons when making informed decision. Both these wheelchairs enhance mobility, independence and quality of life.
FAQs
- What is the cost of a manual wheelchair?
The cost of the manual wheelchair depends on the models and features you opt for. United Poly offers the best quality manual wheelchair at an affordable price. - What is the cost of an electric wheelchair?
The cost of electric wheelchairs is higher compared to the manual ones. Their cost depends on features and specifications. - Why does United Poly stand as the reliable supplier of wheelchairs?
High-quality wheelchairs, durable designs, and excellent customer support make United Poly a reliable wheelchair supplier.
