Wheelchair Motors - What to look for
Today's electric wheelchairs motors have more power and greater mobility than ever before. In the early days an electric wheelchair was nothing more then a motor strapped to a standard manual wheelchair.
Depending on the electric wheelchair you choose - your hopes of climbing large hills, rough terrain, curbs and even stairs are no longer impractical. Because electric wheelchair motors are more powerful, they now travel at higher speeds and cover longer and rougher territory. But choosing the right electric wheelchair will depend largely on the person using the chair.
A powerful wheelchair motor isn't always better. Just like an automobile - the more powerful the motor means more money and more gas. Electric wheelchairs with powerful motors are generally more expensive ($10,000+) and require more battery power to drive.
Remember to ask yourself the following questions before being influenced by a good sales pitch and a powerful wheelchair motor:
How much money do you want to spend?
You might not be willing to spend a fortune on a high-powered wheelchair motor when you really don't require a speed-demon for an electric wheelchair.
What terrain do you normally travel?
If you spend the majority of your time inside an office, home or even outside on residential paved streets and sidewalks you might not require a powerful wheelchair motor in your electric wheelchair meant for rugged terrain.
How much time is spent in the chair?
If you regularly cover long distances in your chair you may not be willing to transport the extra batteries required to give your high-powered electric wheelchair the gusto it needs.
