Gastonia NC wheelchairs overall are structurally similar but the multi-functional options of power chairs offered by manufacturers make every design different. Every power wheelchair has four working components in common – motor, battery, drive, and controller.
Lightweight Gastonia NC wheelchairs use a two-pole motor. Heavy-duty power chairs use a four-pole motor. The two-pole motor can reliably transport a maximum weight of about 250 pounds. The four-pole motor not only provides more carrying power but also allows for more important options for those who weight exceeds 250 pounds.
Typically, heavy-duty wheelchairs require reinforced stability. The frame, axle, suspension, wheels, engine and battery all need extra strength. With heavy-duty wheelchairs the most common problem is the motor, which if not properly designed will fail under the increased weight.
The batteries in power Gastonia NC wheelchairs are sealed lead acid batteries (SLA). The batteries are either wet or dry cell batteries and provide four to five amps of power. These batteries are re-charged by using a standard electrical outlet when the chair is not in use.
Power wheelchairs can be purchased as front-wheel, rear-wheel, center-wheel or four-wheel drive. For flat terrains, rear-wheel and center-wheel drive is most effective. If the chair is to be used outdoors, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is recommended.
To steer the electric wheelchair, a handle or joystick are most common. For seriously disabled users, a motion sensitive tube, a head-to-chin controller or an eye-to-computer screen controller can be selected. With computerized steering devices, the computer controls the speed, amperage and turning action.
