Benefits of Using a Powerchair VS Manual Wheelchair
Investing in a powerchair or manual wheelchair can be costly, and navigating through the extensive range of options in the market can be challenging. The right product would assist your mobility, and facilitate independence and freedom while providing comfort. There are different types of mobility solutions available in the market, and every product consists of a unique set of features designed to cater to different lifestyles and health conditions. Making an informed decision would allow you to attain a solution which would bring comfort, functional independence and freedom.
Most users with a physical disability might have considered purchasing a manual wheelchair, however, manual wheelchairs might not be ideal for long journeys and can be strenuous for users with weak upper body strength. Depending on the user, a powerchair can be more suitable. Powerchairs are akin to motorised wheelchairs built with the technology for users to manoeuvre around with a controller. As power chairs are built with technology consisting of different electrical components, they are more costly than manual wheelchairs. Depending on your health condition, you can benefit from a non-prescriptive powerchair and if you require additional seating support, a prescriptive powerchair will offer a range of customisation options. A prescriptive powerchair is a highly customised mobility product with measurements tailored precisely to support your needs, while a non-prescriptive powerchair is a less personalised product which also provides functional freedom with motorised wheels.
We believe neither a powerchair nor a manual wheelchair is better than the other. The ideal mobility solution is a product designed with features to best support your unique health and mobility needs. As each user has differing health conditions and goals, the ideal mobility solution will be unique to everyone. To determine the best solution for you, it is important to compare the benefits of powerchairs and manual wheelchairs.
A comparison between powerchairs and manual wheelchairs
1. Differences in portability
Manual wheelchairs are commonly made of lightweight frames and minimalistic seats that maximise portability. Unlike powerchairs, many manual wheelchairs can folded conveniently to easily fit into your car boot and seamlessly transported around. Manual wheelchairs are the most portable option with their weight commonly around 14 kg whereas a powerchair can range from 22 to 260 kg depending on its complexity.
For a motorised yet lightweight mobility solution, you could opt for non-prescriptive powerchairs as they are lighter compared to prescriptive powerchairs. Many non-prescriptive powerchairs can be folded to fit into your car boot whereas prescriptive powerchairs would not be able to fit into small spaces. However, crash-tested prescriptive powerchairs can be used as a seats in wheelchair-accessible vehicles if you have complex needs and require the support of a prescriptive powerchair. Experience with a product can vary between individuals because each individual has differing health conditions. It is recommended to test out different products before committing to a purchase.
2. Postural support
In terms of postural support, prescriptive powerchairs are meticulously tailored to provide exceptional postural support. When ordering a prescriptive powerchair, you will be given a comprehensive list of configurable options such as different memory foam cushions, elevating leg rests, powered seating and various seat size options. A prescriptive powerchair is also best for individuals who are looking for a bariatric or pediatric solution because of the abundant seating options available. Users who have little mobility or experience pain from pressure sores will benefit from the tilt-in-space feature which allows users to tilt their seats backwards. The shift in position redistributes pressure across the body and provides more comfort to the spine, glutes and pelvis.
Non-prescriptive powerchairs and manual wheelchairs commonly offer a few seat sizes which can be suitable for users without complex health needs. Users who require additional postural support will benefit from the tailored comfort provided by a prescriptive powerchair. On the other hand, users without a progressive condition or complex postural needs are likely to feel comfortable operating a non-prescriptive powerchair or manual wheelchair.
3. Mobility for functional independence
To utilise a manual wheelchair, it must either be self-propelled, pushed by an attendant, or controlled with a purchased add-on. Some wheelchair users have excellent upper body strength to freely propel their wheelchair while some have caregivers to provide support. Although some users are comfortable with a manual wheelchair, some users might not have adequate upper body strength or would like to attain more independence. Pushing through long distances, uneven terrains and slopes can be difficult when done manually. The motorised wheels in a powerchair provide greater versatility and reduce fatigue when travelling through various distances and terrains.
Features such as the standing elevation, elevating leg rests, seat lift and posterior and anterior tilt help users during transfers or when reaching for items. If you struggle with standing up or sitting down, the standing elevation function is particularly useful when easing transfers and facilitates greater freedom to independently position yourself. It is advisable to speak to an assessor to identify the right products for your needs. An assessor will be able to help identify the functions you will need to optimise your experience with a mobility solution.
4. Cost
When compared to powerchairs, manual wheelchairs are more affordable. If you have a low budget and do not have complex postural needs, a manual wheelchair can be your ideal solution. However, a manual wheelchair will not be a suitable solution if you require a tailored postural solution and additional support to reach for items, elevate your legs, stand or lie down. A prescriptive powerchair can be costly, particularly if there are more customisations included because of the materials and technology involved in manufacturing specialist mobility products. The cost of a non-prescriptive powerchair sits between a prescriptive powerchair and a manual powerchair which makes a non-prescriptive chair the ideal solution for users who have an average budget and do not have complex postural needs.
5. Maintenance required
Manual wheelchairs are the easiest to maintain as they do not have as many electric components and parts compared to powerchairs. A powerchair contains batteries to operate which require occasional charging whereas a manual wheelchair can be used without charging which can be quicker. As powerchairs have batteries, it is advisable for powerchairs should be kept indoors and dry to preserve the electrical components and battery inside. Although technical faults rarely occur in powerchairs, we have a team of engineers in our showroom who will repair and service the powerchairs in the event a technical issue arises.
The right mobility solution for you
When choosing between a powerchair and a manual wheelchair, it is important to consider your essential needs, lifestyle goals and budget. Powerchairs are more suitable for users with asymmetrical posture, complex health conditions, weak upper body strength, or require pressure relief, special controls and a highly tailored seating system. Manual wheelchairs are more suitable for users with less complex needs, and a lower budget who also enjoy the convenience of a lightweight and foldable solution.
Arrange an assessment
It is important to evaluate what you require from a mobility solution before purchasing a mobility product. If you are unsure what you require, arrange an assessment with our specialist. During the assessment, our specialists will talk about your current health condition, physical ability and lifestyle goals and provide a product demonstration. You will be able to try different products to evaluate what you feel most comfortable and confident.
Call us on 0800 025 8005 to arrange an assessment with our specialists.
