What is a Power Wheelchair?

A power wheelchair is a device that aids in mobility. It is typically used by individuals who have a medical condition and have difficulty walking. People use power wheelchairs because they are unable to use a manual wheelchair or an electric scooter.

Every electric wheelchair has a base, which is equipped with four or more wheels. Motorized wheelchairs typically have two large drive wheels and two or four smaller wheels called casters for added stability. The drive wheels can be positioned in the front, middle or rear of the power wheelchair base. The 4Front® features front-wheel drive, while the Edge 3 features mid-wheel drive. A motorized wheelchair is driven using a joystick, which allows for the chair to move forward, backward, left and right.

Power Wheelchair Seating

There are a variety of seating and positioning systems that you can get with your power wheelchair, including the TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems. These positioning systems feature an innovative design that maximizes functional independence while providing an appealing look and feel. Power tilt, power recline and power articulating foot platform are just some of the available configurations that you can get with TRU-Balance® 3 seating.

Power adjustable seat height is an option that you can get with your power wheelchair, depending on your power base. Many of our bases are compatible with iLevel® technology. iLevel® improves daily functionality and quality of life by allowing operation of the power chair with the seat fully elevated up to 12 inches while driving at 4.5 mph. It also makes transfers, reach, and numerous other activities of daily living easier. The 4Front® is also available with 10" of power adjustable safe seat elevation at speeds up to 3.2 mph.

Motorized Wheelchair Cushions

Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions and backs offer a variety of power wheelchair seat cushions to meet consumers’ pressure management needs. The TRU-Comfort 2 wheelchair cushion combines a deep contoured, high density molded foam base with a CoolCore® technology cover. CoolCore® technology is built into many of our cushions to help keep you comfortable.

Motorized Wheelchair Drive Controls

Quantum Rehab® offers a full line of electronic drive controls for fully customizable rehab solutions. The Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Control System creates an adaptable, expandable control system that serves even the most complex needs while delivering a host of exclusive features. It is standard with Bluetooth®, allowing you to program your Q-Logic 3 to operate your smart device if it is Bluetooth enabled, including a Bluetooth mouse to work on your Windows® desktop, an Apple® iPhone® or iPad®, and an Android™ phone or tablet. Q-Logic 3 can also operate a wide range of appliances that use infrared (IR) remote controls. You can change channels and increase or decrease volume on your television, adjust temperature settings on your thermostat, turn lights on or off and adjust dimness, or turn your fan on or off and change the speed and direction of your fan.

Power Wheelchair Accessories

A wide array of accessories can be added to a power wheelchair. Quantum's power base accessories and TRU-Balance® 3 accessories offer many ways to make your power wheelchair unique. Get convenient storage options, such as a Quantum backpack or glove box. Other accessories that can be added include a standard USB charger, which can charge smart devices on the go, and a cup holder, which is perfect for holding beverages. No matter what accessories you choose, it’s a great way to make your electric wheelchair truly unique.

Funding for Power Wheelchairs

Do you have Medicare and are not sure if you qualify for a Quantum power wheelchair? Follow these steps to learn if Medicare will pay for an electric wheelchair.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your mobility and want to learn more about power chairs, Quantum has a variety of articles with helpful information on how power wheelchairs work, how fast they go and how to determine which power wheelchair is right for you and your medical needs.