Power chair

Selecting a Center-Wheel Drive Power Wheelchair

Nothing feels as good as the nimble behavior of a center-wheel drive power wheelchairs with a tight turning radius.  No more back and starting forward again to move around that corner, or piece of furniture!  These chairs all have tight turning radiuses, and make life a lot easier, inside and outside.  However, with so many models, it can feel overwhelming.  Never fear...each one has it's own unique purpose, and we will do our best to match you with the chair that is just right to meet your needs.  First, decide how you will be using the chair:  mostly indoors, and outside on smooth, level surfaces only?  Select a chair with a 10" drive wheel for maximum manueverability indoors.  Will you be outside a good deal of the time, or dealing with rough terrain, or a stone driveway when you do venture outside?  You will want larger drive wheels for traction.  Look for 12" to 16" drive wheels, to maintain inside manueverability while providing more traction outside.  Will you be using your power wheelchair mostly outside, and need to be able to climb 2"-3" curbs as you move about your busy day?  You will want 14" to 16" drive wheels and a suspension system to maximum your stability, give you a smooth ride, and let you traverse many obstacles.

Indoor Power Wheelchairs - These electric wheelchairs have 10" drive wheels, and the tightest turning radiuses.  Most will turn on a dime, making them ideal for indoor use and shopping.  Because of their smaller drive wheels, they also tend to be a little lighter.  Several models disassemble for transport, but we think it is important to be realistic about transport.  These models do separate into 7 pieces, but they are NOT as easy to transport as a folding power wheelchair, or a specially-designed travel power wheelchair.  They are great if you want to occassional travel to a relative's house for a visit, but mostly plan on using them inside your own home or around the neighborhood.

Indoor / Outdoor Power Wheelchairs - These electric wheelchairs have 12" - 16" drive wheels, and while they still have tight turning radiuses, they do sacrifice some manueverability becuase of their overall size.  However, they excel at stability, traction, and curb climbing ability.  Most can handle gravel paths, somewhat uneven terrain, and 2"-3" curbs with ease.  Most have some form of suspenion, although it varies by manufacturer and model. This category will also contain the chairs with the highest weight capacities.  Keep in mind that almost none of these wheelchairs fold or disassemble; they can be transported using a variety of wheelchair lifts & ramps.