Choosing the right wheelchair for yourself or your loved one can be a tough decision.
Manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs have different price points and can offer different levels of independence to the user. Doing the research to figure out which wheelchair is best for you can be a time-consuming task, so we laid out some pros and cons of each kind of chair to make the process a bit easier.
Manual wheelchairs:
Pros:
- Cost: Manual wheelchairs tend to be less expensive than electric wheelchairs, providing a more affordable solution for those with limited financial resources. Manual wheelchairs can typically cost anywhere from $100 to $500, whereas electric chairs range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic model and $5,000 to $15,000 for a high-end chair.
- Lightweight and portable: If you do a lot of traveling, a manual wheelchair might be a better option for you due to its transportability. Typically, manual wheelchairs are lighter in weight and can be folded in some capacity, making them a better option for people on the go.
- Physical exercise: Using a manual wheelchair allows the user to engage in physical activity by propelling themselves forward, which can improve upper body strength and arm strength.
- Reliability: In today’s day and age, we have enough things to have to worry about charging: Phones, watches, tablets, and even cars. For some people, you don’t want to add charging your wheelchair to that list. Manual wheelchairs are “old reliable” when it comes to chairs, since they don’t rely on any sort of battery or motor. They can be used at any time without worrying about charging them or potential mechanical failures, alleviating some potential anxiety.
Cons:
- Physical strain: While the physical exercise of using a manual wheelchair may be a positive thing for some, it may be seen as a burden to others. Propelling a manual chair can cause strain on the upper body and arms, which may make it not the best option for people with mobility issues or certain health conditions.
- Limited mobility: The physical strength required for manual wheelchairs may also pose some mobility issues when going up steep inclines, uneven surfaces or long distances. These factors may make a manual chair not the best choice for people who live in cities with uneven sidewalks or people who may want to go on a long trip, like to an amusement park.
- Dependence on assistance: With manual wheelchairs, users may require assistance from loved ones or caretakers when going up hills, crossing obstacles and other situations. For users craving more independence, manual wheelchairs may not be the one for you.
Electric wheelchairs
Pros:
- Enhanced mobility: Electric wheelchairs can make users feel more independent. By pressing a button or using a joystick, users can get their way around pretty much all by themselves, which makes them a great option for users who may live alone or are looking for a more independent lifestyle.
- Ease of use: An electric chair can be easier to use than a manual chair because it doesn’t require the physical strength that manual chairs do. Users can roll effortlessly down the street by themselves, down grocery store aisles and more.
- Comfort and customization: Electric wheelchairs can be easily customized to the users needs. Many of them come with adjustable seating positions, cushioned seats and more, making the experience much more comfortable for the user.
- Greater terrain accessibility: Electric wheelchairs give more “oomph” when riding over uneven surfaces, up hills and more, making them a potential better option for those who enjoy being outdoors.
Cons:
- Limited battery life: As mentioned earlier, one drawback of an electric wheelchair is battery life. Many models have a limited battery life, and if you don’t have access to a charging station, it may make certain activities that require long periods of usage more difficult.
- Higher cost: All of the pros that come with electric wheelchairs means that it comes with a bigger price tag. Not only do electric chairs have a higher cost up front, but things like battery replacement and ongoing maintenance can add up over time, making them a larger financial investment for users and their families.
So now you’ve figured out which kind of chair you want: Where do you go next?
On the Mend Medical Supplies offers some of the best wheelchairs in the market. From simple, manual wheelchairs to ones with more customization, we will be guaranteed to have the perfect chair for you.
Click the link here to see our full inventory of wheelchairs. If you’re still torn about your decision, give us a call: We have stores in Southbury, CT, Southington, CT, Mount Kisco, NY and Huntington Beach, CA.
