Electric Wheelchairs - Medicare and Insurance

Electric wheelchairs are designed not just for people with permanent immobility, but also for people suffering from temporary injuries or short-term mobility issues. Using these wheelchairs empower them to lead a life of independence, and an ability to perform their chores without any help.

An electric wheelchairs ideal for people who have limited strength in their arms and torso, and hence have to rely on an external power source. This device uses a rechargeable battery, and is significantly heavier than the traditional manual version. The wheelchairs induce lesser physical exertion; provide easier uphill travel and enhanced freedom, and no external human assistance to function.

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Electric Wheelchairs: Medicare and Insurance

Medicare should ideally cover up to 80% costs of your wheelchairs, upon your doctor's approval. Medicare has to be your primary insurance provider to file a claim.

If Medicare is your secondary insurance provider, you must file a claim with your primary insurance provider, and then file with Medicare with the reimbursed amount. For comprehensive information on insurance cover and reimbursement, refer to reliable online resources.

Electric Wheelchairs: Buying Guide

While electric wheelchairs can certainly enhance your freedom of mobility, here are some aspects you must consider before buying them:

The design of the wheelchair must be convenient, comfortable and, above all, suit your daily needs. Each wheelchair is different from the other, so it is advisable to try out some before zeroing on one. Keep in mind the price of the wheelchair. Do a comprehensive research on the various options available, and check with your insurance provider about reimbursement. Enquire their suitability for indoor and outdoor use. Also, consider the expected frequency and conditions of usage. These wheelchairs can be portable. So, find out their specifications and understand their affect on the overall strength and durability of the product.

Electric Wheelchairs - Medicare and Insurance

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A Guide to Electric Wheelchairs

A wheelchair is a mobility device that enables a sick or a disabled person to move. It's basically a chair mounted on wheels, which can be propelled either manually or electrically. Wheelchairs propelled electronically are known as electric wheelchairs.

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Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors. They can be used indoors and outdoors and cost at least ,500. Depending on the kind and extent of use, there are several kinds of wheelchairs available on the market. Some features to consider when buying a wheelchair are the weight and size of the person using it, convenience of both indoor and outdoor use, the chair's weight capacity, power source, warranty and cost.

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Electric wheelchairs are generally used by people who have limited or no mobility due to many different ailments. Some people can be required to use a wheelchair because of old age, paralysis, weight, degenerating muscle diseases, broken or weak bones or other illnesses. Electric wheelchairs are easy to use because they are powered by batteries and can be controlled by a joystick. They are also highly maneuverable as they can turn 360 degrees in one spot. They are also very quiet but they require more maintenance than manual wheelchairs.

Electric wheelchairs are now being designed according to the users' requirements. Advanced technologies like spring suspension, pneumatic wheels and hydraulic systems are being applied to increase the wheelchair's strength and durability. There are basically three types of electric wheelchairs, including rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are the traditional and most common type. They are faster then front-wheel models but are not as flexible while turning as the front-wheel drive and mid-wheel drive wheelchairs.

Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are becoming more popular because they are more flexible and maneuverable. They are slightly slower than the rear-wheel drive wheelchairs because of this.

Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs are the tightest-turning wheelchairs. However, they tend to be slightly unsteady while stopping and starting.

Other types of electric wheelchairs are based on weight, ranging from ultra lightweight to heavy-duty wheelchairs; transport wheelchairs; tilt-in-space wheelchairs; wheelchairs with an elevating seat; rough terrain wheelchairs; pediatric wheelchairs and specialty wheelchairs, among others.

Various options are available for almost every part of an electric wheelchair. The wheelchair frame can be foldable or rigid while the wheels can be front-wheel or free wheel. Various foot and armrests are also available including, detachable, swing-away or elevating. The footplates and armrests can be customized to adjust for both angle and height.

When purchasing a wheelchair the above considerations are only the start of choosing the right design. Other important considerations are the dimensions of the chair's backrest and whether it will be foldable and/or able to recline; the dimensions and upholstery of the chair's seat; automatic or hand brakes; the type of controls; kerb climbers and whether or not the wheelchair will be outfitted with lights. Other options that can be attached to electric wheelchairs include a tray, crutch holders, seat belts, bags, drink holders and anti-tip bars.

A Guide to Electric Wheelchairs

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Electric Scooters Vs Electric Wheelchairs

There are many types of home mobility aids that are designed in a manner to help make peoples lives easier. From adjustable beds to wheelchairs, the list of aids available to the general public is long and diverse. One of the most common and well known is the electric scooter, which is a device that is intended to make it easier for individuals with limited mobility get around. These aids are quite popular all over the world and millions of Americans use them everyday.

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The basic design of an electric scooter is in some ways similar to that of an electric wheelchair, but there are several differences. One of the major differences is the difference between the wheelbase of an electric power chair and that of an electric scooter. An electric scooter has either 3 or 4 wheels and is much more spread out than an electric wheelchair. Usually the seat of an electric scooter is also located more towards the rear of the device and overall they have a much larger platform.

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Another difference is the positioning of the controls. A wheelchair usually uses a joystick that is mounted onto the armrests. It can be mounted on either side and there are also many types of alternate control schemes available for people who are not able to easily use a joystick.

A scooter, on the other hand, uses a tiller control system that is similar to the handlebars on a bike. The tiller is mounted onto the front of the device and can be moved closer or farther away from the scooters occupant. Generally two hands are required to safely operate a scooter, but the accelerator can be operated easily with only a single finger.

As a result of how the two devices are designed, a mobility scooter typically offers reduced mobility when compared to a wheelchair. This is not to say they are cumbersome or hard to drive, only that due to the different uses, electric wheelchairs are designed to be much more maneuverable than a mobility scooter, but they both can and are often used indoors.

Also because of how the controls are set up, a mobility scooter can not be driven directly up to a table or desk. For the most part, electric scooters are intended to be used to transport a person between two areas, then once there the person can sit in the scooter or get up if necessary.

Electric scooters can be used in many situations and are extensively used outdoors as well as indoors. If you want to do a lot of off-roading though, you should invest in a 4 wheel scooter. 4 wheels are advantageous because they are better able to distribute the weight of the rider. As a result, these scooters also usually have higher weight ratings and improved stability. The downside however is that they loose some maneuverability. For tight quarter maneuverability, such as around a living room, the 3 wheeled scooter will perform the best, but 4 wheeled scooters aren't too far behind the curve.

Generally if you are able to walk, but have difficulty a mobility scooter will probably be your best bet. These are very affordable and can usually be transported with limited difficulty.

Electric Scooters Vs Electric Wheelchairs

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