All over the world, people need a wheelchair to get around. People struggling with mobility issues need to make use of a wheeled mobility device for extra support. Wheelchair users can be divided into two groups – those that need it temporarily while they recover from an injury or illness and those that need it permanently.
Thankfully, there are so many options to select from. It is possible to select a manual or power wheelchair, choose the features you desire, and customize your wheelchair to suit your needs. However, you must be able to decide if what you want is a manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair. Each of these options have their pros and cons and as earlier explained, your decision should be based on what your mobility needs are. Our aim in this article is to dissect each of these options and analyze the pros and cons of each.
Manual wheelchairs
There are so any users of manual wheelchairs. In fact, it is one of the most popular mobility products in the world. Manual wheelchairs are not difficult to use. The recently-produced manual wheelchairs can be customized for added comfort, functionality, and convenience.
Pros of manual wheelchairs
- They are not difficult to use
- They require little maintenance and they are easy to manage
- It is not difficult to transport a manual wheelchair
- It offers better cost effectiveness than a power wheelchair
- Many manual wheelchair models can fit through narrow paths
Cons
- You may need to apply some strength to use a manual wheelchair
- It isn’t ideal for covering long distances or going up inclined places
- You may still need assistance from a friend or family member
- It may cause strain to the shoulders
Power wheelchairs
This one gives us a wide variety of options. By design, they are not difficult to use and they can be customized to meet your mobility needs.
Pros of power wheelchairs
- Power wheelchairs make it easier to cover long distances
- Power wheelchairs can be used on different surfaces
- They can be customized to suit your mobility needs
- Unlike manual wheelchairs, they do not require application of strength by the user
Cons
- It is not easy to transport a power wheelchair
- The weight of a power wheelchair is more than that of a manual wheelchair
- Power wheelchairs have to be maintained regularly
- You may need more time to learn and master its controls and operation
- You have to be aware and keep track of the amount of power been consumed
- Power wheelchairs can be cost prohibitive