Finding the Best Electric Wheelchair for Indoor Mobility and Access

Choosing the Best Electric Wheelchair for Indoor Mobility

Electric wheelchairs provide life-changing independence and mobility for those unable to effectively use manual chairs. Choosing the right indoor electric wheelchair takes some careful consideration regarding your needs, capabilities, and living environment.

Factors like the wheelchair's dimensions, turning radius, adjustability, and special features play key roles in finding the optimal mobility device for navigating your home with ease. Understanding indoor electric wheelchair options helps ensure you get the perfect fit.

Benefits of Electric Wheelchairs Indoors

Electric wheelchairs reduce the physical exertion required to self-propel manual chairs, relying instead on battery-powered motors. For those with limited mobility or stamina, electric wheelchairs deliver essential advantages:

• Conserve energy since you avoid manually propelling
• Maneuver easily around furniture and tight corners
• Traverse long indoor distances without tiring
• Adjust speeds and direction seamlessly
• Tackle inclines like ramps without extra effort
• Cushion against pain and fatigue from mobility issues

Today's indoor electric wheelchairs are designed for exceptional comfort, stability, and control when navigating interior living spaces.

Key Features to Consider

Indoor electric wheelchairs come in many configurations with a range of features and customization options. As you shop, keep these key factors in mind:

Dimensions and Turning Radius

Measure doorways, hallways, rooms, and corridors to ensure the wheelchair you choose can pass through. Smaller wheelchairs with tight turning capabilities work best for navigating cramped spaces.

Adjustable Seat Height

For reaching cabinets and counters, look for a model with adjustable seat height. Code-compliant wheelchair housing usually requires at least a 12 to 19-inch seat height range.

Comfort Features

Cushioned, contoured seating with customizable backrests, leg rests, and headrests help accommodate any special orthopedic needs.

Ergonomic Controls

Intuitive joysticks, touchpads, and specialty control options like sip-and-puff let you steer safely and easily.

Technical Specifications

Check the wheelchair's weight capacity, battery range, maximum speeds, turning radius, overall weight, and more to ensure a good fit.

Portability

Foldable models with quick disassembly make transporting and storing the wheelchair simple.

Types of Indoor Electric Wheelchairs

Indoor chairs come in three main configurations depending on your mobility level and needs:

Compact Folding Models

For limited indoor use, compact folding chairs provide a lightweight, transportable option. Small but mighty, their nimble design suits tight spaces.

Standard Indoor/Outdoor Models

All-purpose designs allow both indoor mobility and outdoor use. These moderately-sized but powerful chairs work well indoors and out.

Heavy-Duty Bariatric Models

Oversized wheelchairs with reinforced frames accommodate heavier weights up to 700 pounds while maintaining maneuverability.

Recommended Indoor Electric Wheelchair Models

With many makes and models on the market, it helps to consider some well-reviewed top options:

Drive Medical Cirrus Plus Folding Power Chair

This maneuverable folding wheelchair suits limited mobility users. With a 265-pound capacity and 18-mile range, it folds up easily for storage and transport.

Pride Mobility Jazzy Passport

The portable Jazzy Passport travels easily while handling indoor use well. It folds up for transport and suits up to 275-pound users.

Permobil F3 Corpus VS

Designed for comfort and support, the F3 Corpus VS works well indoors and out. Special seating and controls cater to individual needs.

Golden Technologies Buzzaround Lite

The three-wheel Buzzaround Lite is very compact yet durable enough for daily use. It disassembles quickly for storing in a car.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Electric Wheelchair

Finding the ideal indoor electric wheelchair involves factoring in your unique mobility needs and situation. Important considerations include:

Intended Use

Determine if the wheelchair is for full-time use or situational use. For example, very compact models may suit those who walk but need assistance for longer distances.

Mobility Level

Will the user independently steer and stop the chair? Specialty controls are available for different capabilities.

Body Size and Weight

The wheelchair must safely support the user's weight and accommodate their dimensions. Measure hip width, torso length, etc.

Living Environment

Tight spaces require a narrow wheelchair with small turning radius. Note any steps, inclines, or obstacles to navigate.

Portability Needs

Determine if you need your chair to fold up for car transfers and travel or remain assembled at home.

Comfort and Support

Cushioned, adjustable seating that provides head, neck, arm, and leg support prevents pain and pressure sores.

Future Needs

Will the user's anticipated progression require a wheelchair with growth capabilities?

Wheelchair Accessibility Considerations for Home

Before purchasing an indoor electric wheelchair, it helps to evaluate your home environment and determine if any modifications are needed to make it fully wheelchair accessible. Focus on these key areas:

Doors and Hallways

Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate most wheelchairs. Widen narrower doorways if possible. Adjust or remove protruding floor trim that may impede wheelchair wheels.

Ramps and Lifting Equipment

For navigating steps, install wheelchair ramps and lift systems. Make ramps as gradual as possible. There are small portable ramp options if unable to do permanent installations.

Flooring

Replace deep pile carpeting with low or no pile surface for easy rolling. Hard surfaces like wood or tile work best. Add textured strips to reduce slipping.

Bathrooms

Increase access clearances around toilets and make sink areas wheelchair accessible. Add grab bars, a roll-in shower, adjustable shower chair, and handheld shower head.

Kitchen

Lower countertops and cabinets to make them reachable from a wheelchair. Rearrange appliances and furniture to improve access.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair Dealer

Purchasing your electric wheelchair through an experienced dealer ensures proper fitting, use training, and continued support. Look for dealers who:

• Provide detailed product demonstrations and test drives
• Thoroughly evaluate your needs and environment
• Guide you in selecting the right model and features
• Handle insurance claims and financing
• Offer maintenance, repairs, and user training
• Have certified Assistive Technology Practitioners on staff

A top dealer helps choose, procure, and maintain the perfect wheelchair for optimal safety, comfort and independence.

The Takeaway

Investing in an indoor electric wheelchair opens up your home environment in ways a manual chair cannot. Work closely with an experienced supplier to determine your needs so they can match you with the ideal make and model.

With the right wheelchair and perhaps some home modifications, you can regain access to all corners of your indoor space for greater safety, mobility, and quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.