Motorised wheelchairs can also be referred to as electric or power wheelchairs. They are primarily used by people who are unable to self-propel themselves in a manual wheelchair. This may include individuals with hand, upper limb or shoulder conditions or disability that affects muscle strength or tone. Motorised wheelchairs may be used indoors or outdoors and their speed and direction is controlled through the operation of a joystick or a controller. They use a battery, usually gel cell or wet cell, which are required to be re-charged regularly.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The type of motorised wheelchair used in the workplace will depend on the individual's needs, abilities and the environment they are working in. There are numerous things to consider when selecting a motorised wheelchair, such as:
- folding or rigid wheelchair design
- whether used for both indoors and outdoors
- battery life and recharging requirements
- weight of wheelchair
- weight of occupant
- seat size and type
- wheelchair control methods
- stair climbing abilities of chair.
There are typically three styles of motorised wheelchairs; rear, centre and front wheel driven. Rear wheel drive motorised wheelchairs are suited for everyday use with the highest top speed and largest turning circle. Centre wheel drive motorised wheelchairs are effective for indoor manoeuvrability. Front wheel drive motorised wheelchairs are also effective for indoor manoeuvrability and can also drive over rougher terrain.
Motorised wheelchairs also come with various seat-types; some models resemble manual wheelchair seats and others have cushioned seats.
There are also other input device options for motorised wheelchair users who lack hand and upper limb coordination, such as chin controls or puff/suck controls. Motorised wheelchairs can also have various powered functions such as backrest recline or tilt, seat elevation and leg elevation. Stair climbing wheelchairs are also available, however careful consideration is required regarding their safety.
There are several notable advantages of using a mobilised wheelchair such as; reduced physical exertion required to operate, greater ability to travel on rough terrain or over long distances and increased independence and freedom for the user.
A power conversion kit can be used to motorise a manual wheelchair. This is where two rear wheels are mounted onto the wheel frame and can be operated by using a controller attached to the arm rest. This enables both operator initiated input and the directional movement of a motorised wheelchair.
Motorised scooters are different to motorised wheelchairs and are designed for people who have difficulty with standing or walking for long periods of time. They are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and are steered with a tiller, similar to the handlebars on a bike, for easy manoeuvrability on footpaths or roads.
Under current Australian road rules a motorised wheelchair weighing less than 110kg and travelling less that 10km per hours does not have to be registered and is considered to have the same rights as a pedestrian. For more information about Australian Road Rules please see the Related Links at the top of the page.
More information about wheelchair accessories can be found at the link below:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Wheelchairs, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 August 2010, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search2.asp?State=NSW&MC=43.
National Road Transport Commission 1999, Australian Road Rules, National Road Transport Commission, Canberra, viewed 6 august 2010, http://www.woj.com.au/AustRoadRulespts1-21.pdf.
Pinkerton, K. 2010, The Advantages of Electric Wheelchair Scooters, Ezine Articles, Columbia, viewed 6 August 2010, http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Electric-Wheelchair-Scooters&id=62709.
Roads and Traffic Authority NSW 2000, Motorised Wheelchairs: Information for motorised wheelchair safety, Roads and Traffic Authority NSW, Sydney, viewed 6 August 2010, http://www.mobilityoptions.com.au/m_wheel.pdf.
The National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering 2003, Power wheelchairs and user safety, The National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering, New Jersey, viewed 6 August 2010, http://www.abledata.com/abledata_docs/PowerChair-Safety.htm.