More About The Power Wheelchair
The world’s first known wheelchair was developed in China in the 6th century. Today, there are manual and power wheelchairs. Mass manufacturing of wheelchairs was first performed by two engineers who developed a collapsible chair. Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest, who suffered a serious neck injury in a mining accident, also developed the “x brace” support system still used in today’s chairs.
The advancements in the modern-day power wheelchairs have greatly benefited today’s disabled patients. As a result, global demand for the chairs has soared making power wheelchair manufacturing a truly international endeavor.
Today’s power wheelchairs are either lightweight or heavyweight. Lightweight power wheelchairs are designed to transport a maximum of 300 pounds, including the weight of the chair. Lightweight chairs offer several options but all use cost-effective two-pole motors to move the chair.
The less expensive lightweight chairs utilize a two-pole motor where the heavyweight chairs use a four-pole motor. Power wheelchairs use wither front or rear wheel drive to accommodate flat or raised elevations. Computerized upgrades have been added to many of today’s power chairs.
Passive Standing Technology
Due to the growth of the industry, there is great pressure to develop standards and impose basic registration criteria for global manufacturers. In the United States, legislation entitled the Consumer Protection for Wheeled Mobility was passed in 2003. All manufacturers are required to participate in continuing education and to achieve “Assistive Technology Supplier Certification.”
The new passive standing position power wheelchair is the direct result of new technology. These chairs provide significant benefits to the user by permitting the patient to get out of the tiring seated position to a more natural erect position. Patients receive the following health benefits:
* Reduced seating pressure * Decreased bone deterioration * Bladder normalcy * Improved circulation * Improved muscular conditions * Overall improved functional conditions
Demand for these passive standing power wheelchairs currently outweighs supply so interested persons should make arrangements to meet with manufacturers as soon as possible.
Other technology advances include various tilt and level options that add comfort to the seat. Computerized systems to steer, drive and ease navigational challenges are other major advances. Computerized eye motion technology has made power wheelchairs available to just about all disabled persons.
