wheelchair

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                       Powered Wheelchair or Scooter

General Information

Powered wheelchairs and scooters furnish the severely physically challenged patient with a degree of independence and prolonged mobility by using electric (battery) power.  These vehicles, though expensive and sometimes service-intensive, provide relatively easy, safe, reliable, and convenient means of transportation/mobility.

Due to the wide array of models, features, and designs of powered wheelchairs and/or scooters, it is not possible in this general information to cover every aspect of the products.  The user must familiarize himself or herself with the manufacturer’s owner’s manual that is provided with all new vehicles. 

These products generally use high-tech electronics, so the user must observe some fundamental safety and maintenance precautions.  Again, refer to the owner’s manual on a regular basis.

As in all home medical equipment, proper adjustment and operation are essential to achieve maximum benefit from the product.  The individual who delivers the wheelchair/scooter is experienced in setting it up, so be sure it is operating and properly adjusted before he or she leaves the home.

•  Drive the vehicle within its operational capabilities, and yours, and be observant for what is ahead.
•  Drive the vehicle only on hard, smooth surfaces.  Avoid high grass, sand or gravel, or other uneven surfaces.
• Avoid negotiating steep inclines, either up, down, or laterally.  Approach all inclines slowly and directly.
• Be on the lookout for bumps, holes, cracked surfaces, etc., that can upset or damage the vehicle.
• Do not operate powered wheelchairs and/or scooters in traffic.  Cars and trucks cannot always see such low profile vehicles.
• Do not operate powered wheelchairs and/or scooters in water, wet grass, or rain.

Service and Maintenance

 It is essential that powered wheelchairs and/or scooters be serviced and maintained by certified technicians only.  Do not allow the well-meaning hobbyist or even those qualified to repair other electrical or electronic devices to repair a powered wheelchair and/or scooter. 

Battery Safety, Service, and Replacement 

There are two basic types of batteries used in powered wheelchairs and/or scooters: the wet type (referred to as lead-acid batteries) and the sealed type (referred to as SLA for sealed lead-acid, Gel Cell, or AGM for absorbed glass mat).  They are deep cycle batteries, designed to be discharged slowly over a longer period re-charged slowly for a longer period.  Automobile batteries, on the other hand, are used to provide a momentary burst of power to start the vehicle and are quickly re-charged by the alternator. 

The sealed battery is safer and requires no maintenance to speak of compared to wet type batteries.  When possible, bring the vehicle to FIRST HEALTH MEDICAL SUPPLY repair center and have it serviced.

The batteries used by powered wheelchairs and/or scooters are not unlike the batteries in automobiles.  Do not replace a powered wheelchair and/or scooter battery with one designed for an automobile or boat.  (Marine batteries frequently are not deep cycle batteries either.)  In addition, when changing from wet batteries to sealed ones, be sure your charger is designed for the new type of battery. 

Proper Battery Charging Procedures 

To properly charge your mobility battery, follow these simple procedures:Ÿ         Use the manufacturer’s automatic charger for all routine charging.

•  Never use an automotive or wet-type charger on gel/sealed batteries.  (They will quickly ruin your battery.)
•  Never run your battery completely flat.
•  Do not “top off” the battery with frequent charging. 

How often should a battery be charged?

•  Daily Users- Charge daily.  This applies to anyone who uses his or her equipment for community mobility outside the home.
•  Occasional Users-Charge your battery before an outing and always after active use (ideally when the “fuel gauge” is at about 50%). 

How should a battery be stored?

• Always store your batteries FULLY CHARGED.
• Check all batteries once a month and recharge as needed.
• Wet batteries can hold a charge for up to 3 months.
• Sealed batteries can hold a charge for up to 6 months.
• When storing a wheelchair and/or scooter for more than 2 weeks, charge the batteries and then disconnect them.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Perhaps the most common problem associated with powered wheelchairs and/or scooters is their susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI).  Federal government testing has determined that this interference can cause unintentional and erratic movement and unintended brake release in these vehicles.  Cellular phones, mobile and CB radios, microwave towers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, TV and radio broadcast stations, and scientific telemetry equipment are the most common sources for electromagnetic waves.  Though some vehicles come with shields to minimize the effect of EMI, none are foolproof.  Be aware of the following about EMI:

• Obviously, do not use any of the above devices while operating a powered wheelchair and/or scooter.
• Be alert to any nearby sources of EMI when operating the vehicle.  Be aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure that any accessories added to the vehicle do not reduce its shielding.
• Pull over and turn the power off if you detect any unintended motion or brake release.