The Basics
Just as the name suggests, electric wheelchairs are fueled and utilized by the power of electricity. This power is created and delivered from a battery that uses motors to move the gears and belts necessary for the chair's movement. This is a drastic improvement over manual wheelchairs in that they require little if any physical exertion on the part of the disabled person riding it. This makes it an optimal tool for those not capable of moving a chair themselves. They work to replace the need for manual power from the rider, replacing it with electricity received from a battery.
The Frame
The structures of most electric wheelchairs are different from that of regular ones in that they are for the most part incapable of being folded. This is because most of them are constructed with a fixed frame. There are some companies that utilize partially foldable frames, or cross brace frames. Because these wheelchairs are often not foldable, they generally are made from very lightweight materials to compensate for this reduced convenience. These lighter frames allow less battery power to be used in moving less weight.
The Brakes
Brakes are what the chair uses to slow down. An electric wheelchair's braking system is one of the most important aspects of the vehicle's function. Automatic brakes are often used to stop the wheelchair at any point that the controls are not engaged. This keeps the chair from rolling out of control if something should happen to the rider.
The Tires
The wheels that carry the electric wheelchair use one of three types of tires: pneumatic, semi-pneumatic or solid. Similar to normal wheelchairs, the front wheels are made smaller.The rear wheels are powered to move the chair, while the front wheels work to guide the chair. In order to turn left, more power will be sent to the rear right wheel. In order to steer right, more power is sent to the rear left wheel.
The Controller System
The rider of an electric wheelchair controls the various functions of the chair's movement. These movements include the acceleration, braking and turning. These electrically powered movements are regulated through the use of a joystick, tiller, trackball, sip-puff, voice and head-chin controls. The last few controllers are designed to compensate for a rider's increased amount of disability.
The Batteries
The batteries are perhaps the most vital part of the electric wheelchair's design and function because it is the source of the chair's power. Their power is sent to the motor, which fuels the controls and the use of the wheels. Batteries using sealed wet, lead acid and gel-type batteries are utilized in powering an electric wheelchair's movement. These are rechargeable and can be plugged into the wall to be repowered for use over and over again. The most commonly used rechargeable battery for electric wheelchairs is the U1 group 24 for its ability to last for longer periods of time between charges. They are used throughout the day, and plugged in at night while the user is sleeping.
