Do you know that wheelchair motorization is the process of integrating motors into a manual wheelchair to power it and make it more convenient to use?
There are many ways to motorize a wheelchair. You just have to figure out which one is best for you!
There are numerous benefits of motorizing a wheelchair, especially for people who use manual wheelchairs as their primary source of mobility.
It makes moving around much easier and increases the usability of your wheelchair in general.
However, there are some drawbacks that come with this process.
If you’re interested in knowing more about how to motorize a wheelchair, keep reading!
Who Can Benefit From Wheelchair Motorization?
If you have a wheelchair, there’s a good chance you’ve used it for your day-to-day activities. If you’re in a wheelchair for a significant amount of time, you’ve probably relied on it for your transportation needs. However, a manual wheelchair is often much harder to use than an “able-bodied” wheelchair.
Manual wheelchairs are dependent on the user’s upper body strength and ability to push the wheels forward. There are a number of people who can benefit from wheelchair motorization, especially those who use manual wheelchairs as their primary source of mobility.
These include the elderly and people with disabilities who can’t push their manual wheelchairs. Motorized wheelchairs are often much easier to operate and allow people to go much farther than they would be able to with manual wheelchairs.
Why Should You Consider Motorizing Your Wheelchair?
If you use a manual wheelchair, you might notice that it takes a lot of energy and effort to get around. Wheelchairs are generally not the easiest things to maneuver, but the process becomes even more challenging if you have a disability or physical ailment that makes it difficult to push the wheels.
Manual wheelchairs can be very tiresome and exhausting to operate. If you need a wheelchair more often than not, it may be more convenient to motorize your wheelchair. Although manual wheelchairs are cheaper in general, investing in a motorized wheelchair can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Motorized wheelchairs are often much easier to use and can go further than manual wheelchairs.
How to Choose a Wheelchair Motor?
If you’re interested in motorizing your wheelchair, you should figure out what kind of wheelchair motor is best for you. There are two types of wheelchair motors: hub motors and belt-drive motors. Hub motors are designed to be mounted on the rear wheels of your wheelchair.
These are fairly common and are easy to install. However, you have to be careful about the power of the motor because it can make the rear wheels turn too quickly and flip the wheelchair. Belt-driven motors are less common.
These are mounted on the front wheels of your wheelchair, which can be problematic for manual wheelchairs because you have to lift the front wheels off the ground in order to change directions.
How to Install a Wheelchair Motor – Easy Video Tutorial
Once you select the type of wheelchair motor that you want to use and decide where you want to install it, the installation process can begin. This can be a very simple task if you have experience with installing the machinery.
It can also be a relatively complex project if you don’t have much experience with this type of work. There are plenty of guides out there that will help you through the installation process. You can also hire someone to transport your wheelchair motor for you if you don’t want to take on the project yourself.
What Comes After Installing the Wheelchair Motor?
Once you’ve installed your wheelchair motor, you’ll want to switch it on and test it out. You can start by powering the motor at a low speed and working your way up from there. Be careful and be sure to follow all safety instructions so you don’t cause yourself any harm.
While wheelchair motorization is a great addition to your wheelchair, you have to be careful when choosing and installing the motor. Never sacrifice safety for convenience! You don’t want to end up injuring yourself or someone else because you weren’t careful with your motorized wheelchair.
There are many advantages to adding a motor to your wheelchair. It’s a great option for people who use manual wheelchairs as their primary source of mobility. It can make your wheelchair easier to use and go further than it would with just manual pushing.
Should you motorize your wheelchair?
You may be wondering if you should motorize your wheelchair. The answer depends on your personal circumstances. If you have the financial means to do so and would benefit from the advantages outlined above, then you should go ahead and do it.
Keep in mind, however, that a motorized wheelchair will cost more than a manual one. You also have to consider the added maintenance and space requirements. If you’re able to overcome these challenges, though, you should go ahead and motorize your wheelchair.
Conclusion
If you use a manual wheelchair, it can be very tiring and exhausting to push it. Wheelchair motorization is a great way to make your wheelchair easier to use and go further than you could with just manual pushing.
There are many benefits of wheelchair motorization and it’s a great choice for people who use manual wheelchairs as their primary source of mobility. If you’re interested in motorizing your wheelchair, you should figure out which type of wheelchair motor is best for you.
Hub motors are designed to be mounted on the rear wheels of your wheelchair while belt-driven motors are mounted on the front wheels. You can also install a wheelchair lift in case you are not comfortable with the changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a regular wheelchair be motorized?
Yes, a regular wheelchair can be motorized. Maintaining Mobility aids such as electric wheelchairs and power chairs offer greater control and independence for people with limited mobility. Many traditional manual wheelchairs now come with motorized add-ons that allow the user to travel at variable speeds, stop, turn and even climb hills. The add-on unit attaches to the existing chair and controls a set of motors that drive the wheels.
How do you manually propel a wheelchair?
Manually propelling a wheelchair requires the use of your arms, hands, and upper body strength. To properly propel a wheelchair, start by positioning yourself behind the chair. Begin by gripping the push rims located on either side of the wheel- these are loops of metal attached to the outside rim of each wheel. Push down on one side, and then the other, to propel the chair forward. Make sure you bend at your elbows and keep your hands close together as you grip the push rims. To turn in either direction, stop pushing on one side of the wheel, pause for a second, then start pushing on the opposite side. Keep your upper body straight and lean slightly forward as you push. If you are having difficulty propelling the wheelchair, adjust the height of your seat so that your arms are at a comfortable angle from the floor. Finally, practice as much as possible to become proficient in manually propelling your wheelchair.
How much does a motorized wheelchair cost?
The cost of a motorized wheelchair varies depending on the type and features that it has. Basic models can range from $2,000 to $3,500 while more sophisticated models can cost up to $15,000 or more.
