How to choose an electric wheelchair

There are hundreds of electric wheelchairs on the market. They may look similar, but their prices can vary thousands of miles. Those with similar prices may have very different specifications. Faced with dozens of electric wheelchairs, how should consumers choose? Hoho Medical Limited is here for you. Summarize the key points and teach you how to choose an electric wheelchair.

Generally speaking, users only need normal cognitive abilities, vision and hand movement coordination to operate an electric wheelchair. If you are not sure whether the user's physical condition is suitable, it is recommended to check with a medical professional first.

Electric wheelchairs can generally be divided into three categories: lightweight folding type , full-function folding type , and stable and durable type . Choosing the most suitable type mainly depends on the user's body shape and usage requirements.

Electric wheelchairs are based on manual wheelchairs, plus batteries, motors and controllers. Electric wheelchairs are heavier than manual wheelchairs because in addition to the battery, motor and controller, their brackets, tires and wheels also need to be strengthened to withstand heavier forces.

Latest developments in 2023
In the past, electric wheelchairs used lead-acid batteries, and more recently, lithium batteries have been used; from very heavy brushed motors to recent brushless motors; and recently, there are even electric wheelchairs with carbon fiber frames . As times change, electric wheelchairs gradually become lighter and lighter.

Lightweight folding type ( can be used on airplanes )

Fully functional folding type

Stable and durable

The smallest size and lightest weight. The advantage is that it can be used or stored in a small place, and can be placed in the trunk of a car after folding.
The battery specifications can be used on airplanes and cruise ships, making it convenient for frequent travelers.
Suitable for people weighing 200 pounds and under 180cm tall.
Wheelchair weight: about 17kg - 25kg
Such as: Quickie Q50R Carbon , Joy Rider , Zinger , Pride iGO Lite , Marathon , Aerolite , Fold & Go , XTi

There are a variety of models and price options to meet the needs and budgets of most users.
It has a slightly larger battery and is more durable. It can travel longer distances and is enough to travel for a whole day or even several days.
The chair back is high, the seat is comfortable, and the components can be folded, removed or adjusted, or accessories can be added.
The tires are suitable for various terrains, and motors with a power of over 300W can go up and down slopes.
Load capacity up to 300 lbs. Generally, seats are 18 inches wide. Other sizes can be customized for those with special needs.
Wheelchair weight: about 29kg - 39kg
Such as: DMC-III , GX300 , HH300L , Merits E3LA

Provide outdoor and multi-purpose, such as stair climbing, lifting and lying on the back, command light function, equipped with high-horsepower motor, etc.
Most heavy-duty wheelchairs are not foldable and are heavy.
The price is usually the most expensive of the three types.
Wheelchair weight: 40kg - 80kg or more
Such as: Sunrise Quickie Q300-700 , Karma KP 45.3 , Pride Jazzy Air 2.0 , B-free

Once you know the type of electric wheelchair the user needs, you can then filter based on your budget or requirements.

Electric wheelchairs are more expensive, mainly because of the combination of three main electric parts (motor, battery and controller). Even if electric wheelchairs use the same motor data, there will be significant differences due to different controllers or batteries. .

Main factors affecting electric wheelchairs:

· Motor horsepower and types (brushed vs. brushless)

Brushed motor is the more common type of motors. Its advantages are cheap price, fast starting and braking, and high horsepower , but its disadvantages are heavy weight and low efficiency . And brushed motors are not suitable for working at high temperatures , because high temperatures cause the connection

The springs in the carbon brushes "temper" and become soft, thereby reducing their effectiveness over time .

Carbon wipes used in electric wheelchairs:

Most of the time, the electric wheelchair motor has worn out and the user feels powerless, so the carbon brush has to be replaced.

Brushless motors are motors without carbon brushes for phase change. The advantage is that there is no carbon brush as a current phase changer, so there is no need to clean the carbon brushes due to friction. Maintenance is simpler, and the life span and efficiency are higher. It is long and only uses thin magnets and coils, so it is also lighter and less bulky . It is more expensive because it is difficult and costly to produce.

Performance competition:

The efficiency of brushless motor is about 65-80% , and the efficiency of brushless motor is about 80-90% . For example, with a 20Ah battery, an electric wheelchair with a brushed motor can run for 4 hours; on the other hand, an electric wheelchair with a brushless motor can run for 6 hours.

· Lithium battery or lead-acid battery, capacity, whether it can be boarded on an airplane, etc.

Lithium batteries weigh only one-third of lead-acid batteries, but their lifespan is three times longer than ordinary lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are also almost three times more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

1. Lead-acid batteries (cheap, but heavy)

2. Domestic lithium batteries (lightweight, cheap, but may not have BMS control)

3. Dual independent lithium batteries (often said that they can be used on airplanes, but are dangerous. Accidents with this type of model are common in the news)

4. Imported lithium batteries (usually with BMS)

The BMS system Battery Managment System can calculate and stabilize the current and improve performance. It can be charged quickly, and has a longer and stable life.

5. Independent lithium battery that can be used on airplanes (the most stable, ultra-safe, can be used on airplanes, and has evidence)

Battery type	Lead-acid batteries	lithium battery
Battery type	Lead-acid batteries	Domestic lithium battery	Dual independent lithium batteries	Imported lithium batteries (usually with BMS)	Independent lithium battery that can be used on airplanes
advantage	Low prices are cheap. Reliable and proven for over 140 years. Large capacity, resistant to overcharging. Internal resistance is low. Can provide high current. Available in a variety of shapes and capacities. Many suppliers.	High energy density - high energy. Does not require prolonged use to remain active. Just charge it regularly. Low automatic discharge rate - Low maintenance requirements - no periodic drains required; no memory. Specialty batteries can provide very high currents for tools such as electric wheelchairs.
advantage		low price	Lightweight and separable	Stable current and high efficiency, fast charging, longer and stable life	Lightweight and efficient, fast charging
Commonly seen in styles	heavy vehicle	Domestic foldable electric wheelchair	Domestic electric wheelchair	Foldable electric wheelchair	Lightweight electric wheelchair
weight	very heavy	light	very light	light	very light
Price	$	$$	$$	$$$	$$$
Lifespan (charge-difference cycle)	300-500	500-1000	500-1000	1000	1000
Remark	Need daily use	Cheap and relatively unstable	It can be charged independently, but it is best to charge the two batteries at the same time, otherwise it will heat up if the high battery is charged and the low battery is charged.	More stable, safe and fast charging	Relatively stable, super safe, can be used on planes, and has evidence and evidence

Battery type article details

· Controllers and smart programs

On the market, the most famous and durable brands are PG and Dynamic. The PG control current is relatively stable, the shell is durable, relatively stable and flexible, and it is suitable for medium to large electric wheelchairs. Dynamic is easier to detect fine-tuning programs and is suitable for new design models. There are also domestic controllers, which are cheaper.

· Frame design, material and material thickness

· Wheel size and type

·Manufacturer, brand, origin

· Safety certificate and maintenance

If you have any questions, whether it's choosing a wheelchair, price, size, rental or trying it out at home, we have experts to assist you +852 35680755 / WhatsApp +852 57170820 . Welcome to inquire or make an appointment.

There are wheelchair companies selling inferior products on the market . The most common method is to replace the chair controller or modify the program .

Therefore, the following controller article is specially proposed.

Real controller vs fake controller (seems to be the same, but the actual control safety is much worse)

The cost of genuine British PG controllers is high , while the cost of domestic counterfeit controllers is low ( usually found on Taobao ). Merchants profit from the price difference and sell wheelchairs at low prices, using modified and inferior controllers, endangering user safety . The characteristics of genuine British PG controllers are: fast response, stable current and control, and durable and sturdy design; on the contrary, the quality of domestic inferior controllers is questionable.

The controller is one of the most important parts of the electric wheelchair, because it is the brain hub of the electric wheelchair, controlling the wheelchair switch, forward, backward and direction, and battery control and monitoring. A program error or malfunction may put the user's life at risk. Genuine and original controllers are not only flexible, but more importantly, safe and stable.

To distinguish the controllers, when purchasing a wheelchair, you can pay attention to whether the controller indicator light is clear, the printing color is clear, the orange speed switch is orange not ~~yellow~~ , and has an orange ( ) bracket-shaped print, and whether the response is immediate and stable, etc. Of course, the best way to distinguish is through real trial comparison.

Here are some differences that can be illustrated graphically:

True PG electric wheel controller (Authentic)

The indicator light is clear and the printing color is clear. The orange speed switch is orange and has an orange ( ) bracket-shaped print. The response is immediate and stable.

Counterfeit electric wheel controller

The indicator light is dull , the printing color is blurry, the orange speed switch is yellow , there is no bracket-shaped printing, and the response is slow and unresponsive.

British PG VSI controller ( official website )

Fake controller electric wheelchair

Non-PG modified controller

Electric wheelchair PG

British PG VSI controller ( official website )

fake electric wheelchair controller

Non-PG modified controller

Electric wheelchair Italy

Italian Fold & Go electric wheelchair official video | British PG VR2 latest ergonomic design controller ( official website )

fake electric wheelchair controller 3

Non-PG modified controller

The controller can still be distinguished with eyes, but if the battery or motor is replaced, it cannot be easily recognized. There is no point in looking for a technician to modify the electric wheelchair. It is recommended to try an electric wheelchair before purchasing it, especially if you are going up and down slopes and choose a company that can take on long-term maintenance .