How to Choose an Electric Wheelchair for the Elderly?

For some disabled and semi-disabled elderly people, wheelchairs are not only used for walking, but also an important tool for them to carry out rehabilitation exercises and participate in social activities. When purchasing a motorized electric wheelchair for the elderly, the functions of the main components should be considered. So how to choose a suitable wheelchair?

1. Dimensions of the powered wheelchair

The first is the size of the powered wheelchair. The width and depth of the seat, the height of the backrest and the height of the armrest depend on the size of the elderly patient, and the texture of the material depends on the user’s disease.

2. Performance of the powered wheelchair

(1) Wheel landing property: When an elderly user drives to walk autonomously, no matter whether it is a small stone or a small ridge, other wheels will not be suspended, otherwise it will cause loss of control or sudden steering, threatening the elderly. human safety.

(2) Posture stability: When an elderly user drives autonomously to climb up a ramp or drive across a ramp horizontally, they cannot turn over on their backs, buckle their heads, or turn sideways.

(3) Slope parking performance: When the motorized electric wheelchair climbs the slope and brakes the brakes, the wheelchair cannot slide or roll over.

(4) Sliding offset: deviation means that the configuration is unbalanced. The elderly should clarify the performance of the wheelchair. Generally speaking, in the 2.5° test track, the deviation value of the wheelchair from the zero line should be less than 35 cm.

(5) Minimum gyration radius: do 360° two-way gyration on the horizontal test surface, not greater than 0.85 meters.

(6) Minimum reversing width: The minimum aisle width that can turn the wheelchair 180° in one reverse movement shall not be greater than 1.5 meters.

3. Performance of other parts of the wheelchair

The selected wheelchair cushions should be able to effectively prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Ideal for leg rests that can swing to one side or be removable. Attention must be paid to the height of the footrest. If the foot support is too high, the hip flexion angle is too large, and more weight is added to the ischial tuberosity, which is easy to cause pressure ulcers. If elderly patients have better balance and control of the trunk, a wheelchair with a low backrest can be used to enable the patient to have a greater range of motion. Instead, use a high-back wheelchair. The armrest or arm rest is generally about 25 cm higher than the seat surface of the chair, and some arm rests can be adjusted in height. You can also put a board on the arm support for the elderly to read and eat in a wheelchair.