August 2006 - Posts

• Electrical Ground

  Question: My friend admires my Jazzy electric wheelchair, but he lives in a house built years ago before they wired them with the third wire ground in the electrical wall sockets. He has noticed that the charging wire on my Jazzy has a three-pronged plug Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:42 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Storing a Wheelchair

  Question: What's the best way to store a wheelchair so that it doesn't need to be charged every night? ~Helen Answer: - When storing your wheelchair you should always fully charge the batteries before storing it. You should then check all batteries once Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:42 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Battery Charging Safety

  Question: What are the safety considerations regarding the charging of electric wheelchair and scooter batteries? Is it true that they shouldn't be charged in the bedroom where you are sleeping due to the danger of fire and vapor hazards? ~Susan Answer: Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:42 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Wheelchair Lights

  Question: My father saw a wheelchair in San Diego that had small front wheels which lit up and sparkled - similar to the lights you see on children's shoes. Can you direct me to a site or company that makes these? ~Jessica Answer: - I assume that these Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:41 PM by Editor | 4 Comments

• Reflective Clothing

  Question: I am trying to find high-visibility clothing and/or wheelchair accessories for a friend who travels via electric wheelchair. Her only visibility device is a small flashing red light that clips on. I am aware of bicycle store reflective tape Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:41 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Built-in Wheelchair Sensors

  Question: My mother is experiencing difficulty in her electric wheelchair because of left neglect. Is there a product, a sensor for example that would beep if she gets too close to something on the left side? Answer: There are wheelchair accessories available Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:41 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Maneuvering Instructions

  Question: I was wondering if you know of a website that might have patient instructions on how to maneuver manual and electric wheelchairs? ~Kat Answer: - It's a good idea to learn how to use your wheelchair properly for your safety and the safety of Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:40 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Wheelchairs in Snow

  Question: If there's ice on a sidewalk or ramp, how does a wheelchair maneuver safely? Is there such a thing as ice chains for wheelchairs like there is for car tires? ~Denny Answer: - Like most other vehicles, wheelchairs can be hard to control on snow Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:40 PM by Editor | 1 Comments

• Maneuvering on Carpet

  Question: My aunt is in a nursing home where they recently carpeted the hallways and rooms. As a result, she is having difficulty maneuvering her wheelchair. She manages, but with much more effort than previously. Is there any retro-fit in wheels/tires, Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:40 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Wheelchair Driving Tests

  Question: Is a driving test required before using an electric wheelchair outside? Answer: - As far as I know there are no tests required in North America, but it is a good idea. Some wheelchair manufacturers were considering making people pass a driving Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:39 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Pushing Wheelchairs

  Question: I work for a care company and today I was posed with a question about the safe use of wheelchairs. I am aware there is a weight limit for the standard wheelchair, but is there a way of finding out the maximum weight a care giver can push in Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:39 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Curbs and Ramps

  Question: Can you refer me to any information on the proper use of wheelchairs, for example how to go over curbs and down ramps, etc.? ~Don Answer: Three factors will affect your stability when driving your wheelchair - speed, terrain and incline. For Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:39 PM by Editor | 0 Comments

• Speed Reduction

  Question: Is there a device that can be added to a manual wheelchair that will reduce the speed at which it rolls? A cognitively impaired person is able to roll their wheelchair at a rapid rate of speed; which is not safe for other individuals in the Read More... Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 9:38 PM by Editor | 0 Comments