You must have observed the growing use of electric wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility scooters by people who have in the past been using the manual wheelchair. If you’re still using a manual wheelchair maybe it’s because you’re not so sure about the safety of the wheelchair batteries used to power these electric wheelchairs. Let’s take a closer look.
Wheel chair batteries come in many different types and models. They’re all designed to meet the varying demands of different powered wheelchairs in one way or another. You’ll find many manufacturers of wheelchair batteries, for all types of wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility scooters. No matter who makes the battery, they all basically fall into 3 different types of batteries available.
Let’s look at the features you’ll want in you’re battery to give you the longest, most trouble-free service.
Wheel Chair Battery Features…what to look for:
Although they’re the least expensive of all the different types of wheelchair batteries, ordinary wet type (lead acid) batteries are not recommended for most uses in power mobility devices. Not only for the maintenance inconvenience they have, but mostly for the possibility of an acid leak if the wheelchair, power chair or mobility scooter should tip over. These lead/acid type batteries are seen less and less in today’s mobility devices.
A wheelchair battery can come in various sizes and power ratings. The higher the amperage rating of the battery the more potential power it has to power you around in your chair. The ideal battery would be one that is compact, with a high power-to-weight ratio (Low battery weight vs. high amperage).
The lighter the battery the better. However, you should be careful not to compromise power just to save a few pounds of weight.
So, what are the basic types of wheelchair batteries?
* Gel type: Advantages… can’t leak if tipped over…approved for airline travel…no maintenance required
* AGM (Glass mat type…most expensive): Advantages…can’t spill or leak…approved for airline travel…no maintenance required…low self-discharge rate (3% per month)
* Wet type (lead/acid): Advantage: cheapest of all types
As with most purchases, determine how you’ll be using your powered device. A prime consideration should be safety…and, if safety is the highest concern than that would most likely eliminate the wet (lead/acid) type of wheelchair battery. That leaves the gel and AGM types.
If cost is the main concern, then the wet (lead/acid) type would be your first choice. Hope this helps.

Owner of AssistiveLivingMobility.com Mr. Rougeaux has written numerous articles about wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adjustable beds, quad canes, walkers, rollators, power chairs, mobility equipment and assistive living.

Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairments

Curb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be able to independently access the sidewalk and street. However, not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp. Common types of wheeled mobility devices include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters. Each type of technology will benefit from different aspects of the curb ramp design. For example, most powered mobility devices are maneuverable in small spaces due to their short wheelbase. Scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.

For many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. In fact, in some situations curb ramps make it more difficult for some people with mobility impairments to navigate. Crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user so that the energy required for ambulation is minimized on a hard, level surface. Use of these types of walking aids is more difficult on sloped surfaces such as curb ramps. Cane, walker, or crutch users must lower their body forward when going downhill. On uphill slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. The user must have the strength to lift his or her body up over the supporting device. Widening the crosswalk to allow people to use either the curb or the curb ramp will enhance access for cane and crutch users who are not comfortable traveling on a sloped surface.

Nicole Thomas offers wheel chair tips and advice at:
http://www.wheelchairtips.com

The nature of the disability will go some way into determining what sort of mobility scooter will be the right one. If the disabled scooter is to completely replace a car, then a small boot scooter is unlikely to fit the bill. By the same token, if you require an electric scooter that dismantles to fit into the car boot then a large road legal electric scooter will not be suitable.
Mobility scooters can be simply divided into three categories: small / boot scooters, medium scooters and large scooters. Small or boot mobility scooters as their name suggests are small scooters that easily dismantle to fit into a car boot. These scooters can have a range of up to 15-20 miles between charges. They tend to be seen in shopping centres and on the pavements. The riders of these scooters usually have some mobility but tend to tire easily or maybe can’t walk very far.
Medium sized mobility scooters are much more substantial than small/boot mobility scooters. Medium sized mobility scooters often offer more car-like features such as a padded, height and reach adjustable seat, lights and indicators, and a longer range between charges. They tend to have bigger wheels and can have a maximum speed of up to 6mph.
Large sized mobility scooters are much more substantial, and often twice the size of a boot scooter. These disabled scooters have a top speed of up to 8mph, and depending on the model range of up to 35 miles and are legal to be used on the road or off-road. As they are road legal, they have a full lighting kit and indicators. They offer large wheels, pneumatic tyres and often have suspension to provide a comfortable ride. For a lot of people, these large mobility scooters will replace their car and will be their main method of transport.
How often you use the electric scooter, where you go on it, where it will be stored, how it needs to be charged (whether the battery pack can be charged separately from the electric scooter or not) will help to determine what sort of mobility scooter will be right for you. If your scooter is to replace your car and will be used everyday, you will need a different type of scooter to someone who uses their scooter on days out and leaves it in the car or the house the rest of the time.
Once you have decided what sort of mobility scooter you need why not try some models at your local mobility shop and see which one is the most suitable for you.

For more information about Mobility Scooters, please visit www.scootamart.com