Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can One Take Their Electric Wheelchair ?

E-wheelchairs cater to your mobility needs, and with their motorized-power and incredible wheels, you can take them anywhere you want. They can withstand the smoothest and harshest of weather conditions.
Here are some of the places you can go with your electric wheelchair depending on the type of model you have:

  • Indoor electric wheelchair: If you are introverted kind of person and you spend most of your time working indoors then a narrow electric wheelchair with mid-wheel drive would be your best bet. They have the best maneuverability, which is essential for indoor spaces and dealings, especially when you consider the tight corners or narrow hallways.
  • All-terrain electric wheelchair: If you the thrill junkie and you love moving across nature trails or uneven terrain, then a power wheelchair with some massive wheels and a front-wheel drive would be the perfect gift. Considering the rocky terrain, grass, mud puddles that you will encounter on your expedition, these all-terrain power chairs will roll over the rough ground and make for a smoother ride.
  • Folding electric wheelchair: If you enjoy sightseeing and traveling across continents in a bid to enjoy the beautiful gifts of nature and cultures, then you need to consider a foldable electric wheelchair. They are ultra-lightweight motorized wheelchairs that collapse to offer you secure storage in your car or on a plane during travel. The foldable power chairs are even cheaper than most of the heavy deluxe models.

How Long Do Electric Wheelchair Batteries Last ?

It all depends on the type and make of the battery. Some batteries run out of juice while others take you up to 30 hours. In an actual sense though, a functional, reliable and the fully charged battery can last you from 12 to 25 hours, generally offering you about 10-20 miles of use before you recharge it.
For an incredible electric wheelchair battery to charge entirely, it takes around 8-10 hours. Some factors affect the life of the cell and here are some but a few:

  • Battery age: According to most electric wheelchair companies, you should always replace wheelchair batteries older than 18 months. Why? Well, batteries that have been in use for more than 18 months cannot hold their charge reliably, and thus you may find yourself charging your wheelchair more often than you would want to.
  • User weight: The more substantial the owner is, the more challenging it is for the wheelchair to move since it works even the harder. Therefore, that extra effort puts more strain on the battery, making its lifespan shorter. So, heavy users may also need to replace their batteries often.
  • Terrain: The more uneven the ground is, the harder the e-chair has to work to climb over the obstacles, thus straining and draining your battery. If you are an outdoorsy person, you might also want to consider saving some money for the replacement of the system’s battery.

Can Rain/Water Damage An Electric Wheelchair ?

Well, this is a tricky question, but it is most likely not. You, however, need to take precautions. If you have a quality and sturdy electric wheelchair whose motors are robust and functional, and the system’s batteries are tightly sealed to prevent the water from penetrating through, you can still move swiftly in the rain and even when you submerge it under shallow water.
  • However, it is important to note that the most vulnerable component is the controller. Some wheelchair designs come with rain covers that cover part of your body and wheelchair.
  • So, when you are cleaning or if you shower with it, make sure that you pay attention and direct the water away from sensitive components like the motor and controller.
  • Basically, ensure that you follow the guidelines in the user manual and note the specific manufacturer recommendations or contact customer care for further instructions.
Make sure to view our article on the power wheelchairs.