- Measure the wheelchair user’s hip width across the widest point of hips or thighs
- Add 1″
- Add thickness of side cushions (if a cushion is used)
Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs help provide mobility solutions when you or a loved one is having difficulty with movement on their own. The right mobility solution can depend on if the need is on a temporary basis – recovering from an accident or injury, or to help aid in mobility for the long term.
Electric wheelchairs provide greater independence using hand controls to operate steering and speed. Power chairs have a greater size and weight providing more stability and sturdiness to prevent back or side-to-side tipping. These chairs can be used for indoor or outdoor use and require less stamina and strength to travel further distances. Features include overnight recharge, four or six wheels for stability and safety, and are adjustable for your riding comfort. This is a great choice for users looking to expand possibilities and spending longer amount of time in a powerchair. United Access carries high quality chairs from our trusted partner, Pride Mobility.
Our Electric Wheelchair Products
What to Consider When Buying a Wheelchair
- Does the width and height of the chair to have a comfortable fit?
How portable will you need the wheelchair to be?
Will you be in the wheelchair all day or, part of the day?
Will the wheelchair be used for more indoor or outdoor use or, both?
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Wheelchairs
One of the biggest factors that will determine how much you pay for a wheelchair is what type of chair you buy.
A standard, manual wheelchair has four tires, a seat, armrests, footrests, handles, and a manual brake. It is a basic setup that you move on your own without the assistance of electronics. Some are self-propelled, and some are companion compelled. If you select a manual wheelchair, you can expect to pay from $100 to $500.
Several factors can impact the price of a manual wheelchair, including:
- The material used to create the wheelchair
- The type of manual wheelchair you buy
- Additional features
- Accessories included with the purchase
A power wheelchair has the same basic design as a manual, but it includes a motor, battery, and a steering device. They are heavy, so a wheelchair accessible van or lift will be needed for transport. Most powered wheelchairs cost at least $3,000, but they can easily cost as high as $13,000.
There are three basic types of power wheelchairs:
- Front-Wheel Drive: Provides good stability, can navigate tight corners, and drive over bumps or curbs up to 2 inches high.
- Mid-Wheel Drive: Provides the best turning radius and is easy to maneuver indoors or outdoors on flat surfaces.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: Provides better maneuverability at higher speeds and on rougher outdoor terrain. These rear-wheel drive chairs have a larger turning radius, so they require more room to maneuver properly.
To determine the appropriate wheelchair size that you need, you must calculate seat width, back height, seat depth and seat-to-floor height for the wheelchair user. It is recommended to seek the assistance of an Assistive Technology Professional or a Durable Medical Equipment professional to help you calculate your specific needs. Establishing these requirements correctly will allow you to avoid some of the most common and dangerous positioning concerns and ensure optimal comfort.
- Measure the wheelchair user’s buttocks to underside of extended arm
- Add half the thickness of seat cushion (if used)
- Subtract 4″ for residents with good trunk muscles
- Subtract 3″ for residents with poor trunk muscles
Measure the wheelchair user’s rear of buttocks to back of knee Subtract 2½” Add thickness of back cushion (if a cushion is used).
Seat-to-floor height determination will vary based on the environment(s) the chair will be used in most frequently. It is recommended to work with a professional to ensure you’re selecting the right height for your needs.
- If the wheelchair user is under 5′5″ tall, use a Hemi size wheelchair with a 17½” seat height.
- If wheelchair user is between 5′5″ and 6′2″, use an adult size wheelchair with a 19½” to 20½” seat height.
- If wheelchair user is over 6′2″ tall, use a tall size wheelchair with a 21½” seat height.
One of the most popular ways to access a wheelchair in the United States is by renting one. United Access does not offer wheelchair rentals, but we understand that many people have a need for this service and can help point you in the right direction.
If you only need a wheelchair for a brief period, such as a day trip and renting a wheelchair is more affordable than purchasing.
If you need a wheelchair rental because you or your loved one has a medical condition, you can ask your health insurance provider for recommendations about which vendors to use. Often, health insurance providers have a contract with a supplier and may only pay for wheelchair rentals from their preferred vendors.
Your local durable medical equipment (DME) supplier is another great resource for your wheelchair rental needs.
Yes, we offer financing for electric wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.