Electric Chair for Elderly / Electric Chairs for Seniors & Adults

Selecting the right wheelchair is never easy. There are so many options to choose from, especially when looking for a motorized model. And once someone decides to start looking for a wheelchair, he can become overwhelmed by the many amenities that can be found on power chairs.

Here at AvaCare Medical, we know that many seniors depend on fixed incomes and Medicare or some other assisted healthcare plan. Fortunately, we can tell you what to look for when it comes to finding the best power chairs for seniors. Consider the guide below when choosing adult electric wheelchairs.

What Are Electric Chairs for Seniors?

A motorized chair for elderly users is one that was designed specifically for medical use. Furthermore, they address the following issues that are of particular concern for most seniors:

1. Price
2. Durability
3. Safety
4. Stability
5. Ease of use
6. Ease of assembly

Choosing the Best Electric Wheelchairs for Elderly Users

As with all electric wheelchairs, there are several important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a mobility product - especially when the user is elderly and therefore more likely to be fragile, unstable, and even forgetful or confused.

Weight Capacity 

When it comes to finding the right mobile chairs for elderly people, noticing the model’s weight capacity can prove crucial. This will ensure maximum patient safety, and will also allow the battery to last as long as possible. If a user’s mass body weight is above the weight capacity of his wheelchair, he will have more difficulty in the long run because this will cause more problems with the wheelchair. Strain on the chair’s battery can hamper performance and decrease the battery’s lifespan.

We at AvaCare don’t recommend using a wheelchair if you’re above the weight capacity, as, ultimately, this can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Using a chair with a weight limit that is less than your total weight will often considered misuse. All of our motorized chairs for seniors have high weight capacities; from 300 to 450 pounds, in order to ensure that almost anyone can use them.

Seat Width and Depth

Seat width is extremely important for both comfort and safety. If a user has a seat that is too wide for his hips, then he can slide around, causing discomfort and risking his safety. It can even cause tip-overs if the weight on your electric wheelchair is unevenly distributed. In order to choose the proper seat width, measure the width of your own hips and add 2-3 inches (at most) above that. This will allow you to remain comfortable and secure in your chair, and, simultaneously, ensure that your armrests aren’t too close together, thereby preventing possible discomfort and hip injury.

The unit’s seat depth is equally important. A general rule to follow is to have your seat depth be only a couple of inches away from the back or the knee. This guideline should be followed even when it comes to lightweight motorized wheelchairs for the elderly. If there is any discomfort with the chosen wheelchair seat, a wheelchair cushion may be used to increase the level of support and comfort.

Comfort, Stability and Security

As referenced above, there are many options that can help electric wheelchairs to provide the most security and the ultimate level of comfort for elderly users. Powered chairs for elderly people need to be supremely secure and comfortable, because as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to injury from the slightest of bumps and impacts. 

For this reason, a user should consider having a seat belt (often called a positioning belt) in place because this will ensure that a user sits in the correct place in their power chair.

Since some models even have reclining features, one may take into account the angle at which the user can recline in order to choose the best model for one’s individual needs. Even with some folding power chairs, the model’s ability to recline toward the back is limited. The user should be positioned in order to continue to see in front of him properly while he is mobile.

Almost all models of the motorized wheelchairs for adults that we offer have foot plates or foot rests available. A user needs to consider which is the right choice for their needs. If a user can walk easily with a cane or a walker, he may want to opt for swing-away footrests rather than the standard foot plates. These can be purchased and attached to many power chairs in our store. Otherwise, for optimum comfort and ease of use, a simple, standard foot rest may be used. If such an add-on doesn’t come with the chair, the safest thing to do is make sure to purchase one separately. 

Primary Use: Indoors, Outdoors, or Both?

This is another important factor to consider. Many all-terrain power chairs feature special drive-wheels in order to allow users to travel over numerous types of terrain. We understand that in order to optimize mobility, an electric wheelchair for seniors should allow maximum travel with a minimal chance for tipping over or causing harm to the user. Therefore, we advise users who will use their chair outdoors to consider having a front-wheel drive system whenever possible. 

Many wheelchairs are designed to allow for tight turn radiuses, and almost all of our wheelchairs have non-marking tires to ensure that they don’t scuff floors. These features make them perfect for indoor use.

At AvaCare Medical, we carry the best electric wheelchairs from industry leaders like Drive Medical and eWheels. If you need assistance with your purchase, we’d love to answer any questions and help make your transition to an electric model as easy as possible! For more information, give us a call at 1-877-813-7799 today.

DISCLAIMER: The information and product categorization on this page are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. We have made every effort to create an accurate and user-friendly category, however, it is the user's responsibility to review each product and determine its suitability for their intended use.