When you are making your choice between whether a powerchair or a manual wheelchair is the right one for your needs, it is certainly going to be worth taking into account the full range of factors that can end up having a big impact on your decision–making process. The following blog post will take a closer look at the individual issues that will all be worth taking into account.
Powerchairs: Pros and Cons
First of all, let’s take a closer look at powerchairs and the individual advantages that are involved in owning one of these as opposed to a manual version. There is no doubt that they are better for people who are more limited in terms of their physical exertion and the effort that they can put into moving a manual chair. At the same time, they are better over longer distances as well. Not only this but they can also be used across a vast array of different surfaces without too much of a fuss. Customisable options are available, making them suitable for the individual person.
On the downside, they can end up being the more expensive choice to bear in mind. They are also going to be heavier, which means they are trickier to move around from place to place. You also need to consider charging them to get them ready, and they will need more in terms of overall maintenance.
Manual Wheelchairs: Pros and Cons
Next, you have all of the individual pros and cons of manual wheelchairs that are all worth taking into account. On the plus side, they are going to be the more affordable option. Not only this, but they are also going to be a lot more portable to take around from place to place. Not much is going to be required in terms of maintenance, and they are also more able to fit through smaller corridors and spaces.
On the downside, you may not be able to move them around for yourself, and some additional support could be required, which can have a negative impact in terms of the independence factor. Also, they are more likely to need some strength to be able to use them effectively, which means that they are not going to be suitable for each and every person out there. As for going longer distances or up steeper inclines, they are not going to function as well in these situations.
Choosing Between The Two
Knowing both the positives of the powerchair and the manual wheelchair enables you to find one that suits your needs best. If you are after a customised product, a powerchair could be perfect, but only if you can afford it. Ultimately, as this is such a big and important decision to bear in mind, it should certainly not be one you are rushing for any reason. Instead, you should certainly take your time to ensure that you are making a wise choice. Consider all the pros and cons as laid out above to help in this decision.
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