Some Information About Power Wheelchairs
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009The electric wheelchair is the greatest contribution from Canada to the entire world. In 1950, Dr. George Johann Klein developed this wonderful creation to make a revolution in the medical field. It was very useful at the time of Second World War and it helped to save many lives. Now different types of wheelchairs are available in the market. But all of them are derived from the old wheelchair which was invented several decades ago.
Dr. Klein integrated the opinions of patients, doctors, electronic engineers and scientists, before making this useful invention. His efforts were supported by the National Research Council of Canada, Canadian Paraplegic Association and the state’s Department of Veteran Affairs.
The wheelchair today is found useful not only by the invalids and quadriplegics; but also persons with cardiovascular irregularities. The models now available are meant for both indoors and outdoors. Some models are compact and portable with various features.
The electric powered wheelchair can be used not only by paraplegics and quadriplegics; doctors now advise patients with cardiovascular problems to use them. The wheelchair has become customized. It is equipped to be used both indoors and outdoors. Some wheelchairs are portable.
The main functions of an electric wheelchair are to help in movement. Besides going forward and backwards, movements like stretching and titling can also be done. Its movement is controlled by joy sticks; chin controls or sip/puff controls. We can control the wheelchair’s direction, speed or other parameters by these joysticks.
These wheelchairs have some disadvantages too. Repairing an electric wheelchair consumes money and time. Another drawback is its price. It is not affordable for a common man. The price starts from $1000 to $3000 for an ordinary one and can cost around $10,000 for an advanced model.