Electric Wheelchairs - Power Chairs
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According to TheMedSupplyGuide.com
Determining Your Needs
The first decision is power wheelchair or manual wheelchair. This choice can sometimes be easy, as you may be forced into one or the other for economical or physical reasons. Before purchasing a wheelchair be sure to consult an occupational or physical therapist. It also may be a good idea to speak with other individuals you have purchased or have used a power wheelchair in the past. They'll be able to give you some of the best advice.
Motorized wheelchair users will most often have limited strength in their arms and torso, and thus need to use an external power source. They use a battery (usually a gel cell or wet cell) that must be re-charged on a regular basis. These types of wheelchairs are significantly heavier than most manual wheelchairs because they must house both the battery weight and the weight of any additional adaptive equipment.
Power Wheelchairs vs Manual Wheelchairs
- Powered by a battery - Less physical exertion.
- Easily go uphill - Manual chairs could have difficulty.
- No need for someone to assist you
- Freedom
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Medicare and Insurance for Wheelchairs
With your doctor’s approval, Medicare should cover 80% of your wheelchair. Your supplemental or secondary insurance will cover the remainder. Medicare must be your primary insurance carrier in order to file the initial claim with them. If you have secondary insurance, often they will pay any remaining amount that Medicare did not cover. If Medicare is your secondary insurance carrier, you must first file a claim with your primary insurance carrier, wait until you are reimbursed by them, and then file with Medicare with any remaining balance.Some of the common power wheelchairs in use today are featured to the left. Each type has a different style and feel.
How to Choose: Take a look below for some valuable resources.
- Tips and Reviews for powered wheelchairs - Great reviews from Rick at Edmond Wheelchair Repair and Supply
- Informed Consumer's Guide to Funding Assistive Technology
- Technical wheelchair information
- Electric Wheelchair and Disability Links
- Wheelchair Junkie Articles - Great articles - Excellent resource.
Leading Electric Wheelchair Manufacturers
Invacare - Invacare is an industry leader in the $6-billion market for home medical products, manufacturing and distributing the world's broadest product offering to approximately 15,000 independent, home medical equipment (HME) providers. Invacare reports results along three geographic segments (North America, Europe and Australasia) and groups its products into four distinct product categories (Standard, Rehab, Medical Supplies and Respiratory). See The Invacare Home Page.
Permobil - One of the most respected names in power wheelchairs. Permobil chairs are light, strong and offer features that can be customized to an individual's needs, like programmable electronics, a choice of operating systems (joystick, head control, sip-and-puff control, etc.), and a range of power options. See The Permobil USA Home Page
21st Century Scientific - 21st Century Scientific, Inc. manufactures Bounder power wheelchairs and accessories. Some models with speeds up to 12mph, some for users up to 1000 lbs. See The 21st Century Scientific Home Page
Sunrise Medical - Sunrise Medical is one of the world's largest manufacturers of homecare and extended care products. Founded in 1983, the Sunrise Medical family of products has been built from many of the most popular brands in the homecare industry including Quickie, Sopur, Jay, DeVilbiss, Hoyer, Guardian, Coopers, Oxford and Joerns. Sunrise operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. See The Sunrise Medical Home Page
Pride Mobility Products Corp - Pride Mobility is an industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of mobility products—power chairs, scooters and lift chairs—is an enduring organization comprised of persons committed to the service of individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments. See The Pride Mobility Home Page
Teftec Mobility - Teftec specializes in designing, assembling and marketing motorized wheelchairs. Introduced the TransmissionSteering™ system. See The Teftec Mobility Home Page
More Manufacturer Profiles Coming Soon......
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