by There are various electric wheelchair models available in the Australian for different mobility needs. Some of the commonly available models include:
Powered Scooter/Wheelchair: These offer more stability than a manual wheelchair with the ability to climb small obstacles. They have reclining seats, leg rests, batteries and small motors for indoor and outdoor use on paved surfaces.
Lightweight Wheelchairs: Ideal for people looking for a chair that is easy to transport and store. They have a compact design yet offer key features like brakes, tilt systems and power functions. Being lightweight helps users navigate crowded spaces with ease.
Heavy-Duty Power Chairs: Specially designed for users with higher weight capacities and intensive usage requirements. Manufactured with extra durable frames and components, they can support weights up to 350 lbs or more. Folding frames allow for storage in tight spaces.
All-Terrain Power Chairs: Equipped to handle off-road journeys on grass, gravel or sandy surfaces with large pneumatic tires. Some models even come with anti-tipping functions. However, they require more power and maintenance due to outdoor use.
Custom Electric Wheelchairs: Tailor-made to meet individual user’s specific physical and lifestyle needs. Custom chairs integrate specialized seating, positioning components as well as power functions prescribed by an occupational therapist.
Factors To Consider While Choosing An Australia Electric Wheelchair
There are a few important factors to consider when selecting the right electric wheelchair:
Mobility Needs: Determine indoor vs outdoor driving requirements, terrain handling abilities and power needs based on physical condition and lifestyle activities.
Weight Capacity: Consider one’s existing and predicted future weight to select a chair that provides safe support.
Budget: Electric wheelchairs vary significantly in pricing depending on size, features and customization needs. Set a realistic budget before shopping.
Insurance Coverage: Check with healthcare providers or insurers about funding assistance eligibility for purchase or rental of chairs.
Maintenance Requirements: Powered chairs demand regular upkeep like battery charging as well as periodic servicing costs. Factor this in purchase decisions.
Features: Important to assess seating comfort, maneuverability, suspension, braking abilities, tilt and recline functions, range per charge and other special requirements.
Benefits of Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs can significantly improve quality of life and independence for individuals with mobility challenges:
Easy To Maneuver: The battery-powered motor makes navigation indoors and limited outdoor spaces a breeze compared to manual propelling.
Conserve Energy: No more getting exhausted from self-propelling. Electric wheelchairs allow users to focus energy on daily activities instead.
Travel Further: Longer travel ranges per battery charge allows exploring environments that would otherwise be out of reach.
Enhanced Participation: Improved mobility grants more opportunities to socialize, return to work/education and engage with the community.
Customizable Controls: Joysticks, touchpads and other controls can be adapted to individual physical abilities for safe independent driving.
Prevent Secondary Injuries: Taking pressure off overworked muscles prevents medical complications from over-exertion like pain or spasms.
Maintenance Of Posture: Tilt, recline and standing functions aid correct positioning which helps prevent deformities from prolonged sitting.
Safety And Accessibility: Features like anti-tippers, suspension and climb ability ensures smooth navigation that is less risky than manual wheelchairs.
Rise Of Electric Wheelchair Usage In Australia
The last decade has seen massive growth in both awareness and adoption of electric wheelchairs by disabled Australians:
Growing Elderly Population: Longer life expectancies mean more citizens living with age-related mobility issues which electric wheelchairs supportively address.
Increased Acceptance: Reduced social stigma around disabilities has made powered mobility options more openly embraced within mainstream society.
Funding Initiatives: Government policies provide financial assistance either through the NDIS, health insurance subsidies or state-based programs making electric chairs affordable.
Improved Technologies: Contemporary chairs offer enhanced convenience, customization and durability compared to earlier heavy, awkward models increasing desirability and demand.
Independent Living Focus: National shift towards community-based care promotes powered mobility aids that facilitate daily living skills and participation for persons living with disabilities.
Rising Awareness: Advocacy by disability rights groups as well as endorsement by healthcare experts has educated the public about mobility benefits of electric wheelchairs.
The electric wheelchairs have established themselves as a transformative assistive product enhancing quality of life for thousands of Australians every day. Going forward, ongoing advancements aim to make powered mobility options even more efficient, user-friendly and accommodating for diverse needs.
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
