help selecting a motorized wheelchair

[diemyn]

I'm going shopping for a motorized wheelchair tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone had any info on what to look for or how to go about choosing one. I'm also really bummed about needing one.

this is the place I'm going
http://www.unitedseating.com/store/categories/Adult-Power-Wheelchairs/

Do you recommended any of those?

[diemyn]

caregiver222- Oh, THANK YOU! I look all around the net and had THE toughest time finding reveiws of these types of things. Bless you =]

tonyad- I know exactly what you're talking about =D We had those one my couch, always, when I was growing up. You've just made my day with that suggestion. I am a do it yourself crafty person and a hanging pocket is surely etwas I can manage to sew up in a super kewt fabric. I got the Medicare packet that has to be filled out by a doc when I went to the scooter store today. It seems they evaluate the need for a motor chair by in home use only, so I'll have to be getting one like the hoverchair. Oh, that pocket is a great idea; all my meds, lotions, and potions at hand. Thank you so much for your input; you've been an inspiration. =]

grannyhotwheels- Thanks for your love and support =] It's good to hear that the Jazzy handles out of doors. Though I've found out today that they base the need on in the home only, I am hoping to regain my freedom. I used to walk EVERYWHERE and I very much look forward to traveling about outside. Much love to you =D

It's in the works! My doctor is out of town, so I will see another doc in her same office to get the ball rolling on paperwork. Consider I live in upstairs bedrooms joined by a bathroom shaped like a tetris piece and cannot make it to the other room to just sit in  a diff spot 80% of the time I don't think I'll any trouble getting approved for a chair.

Some Questions that have come up:

How do you transport your chair? My wheelchair folds up and goes into the trunk of a car. Do the motor chairs fold for easier transport? We have yet to get a car, so plan on buy the vehicle to fit the chair into; chair is more important.

Can a Jazzy be transported in a station wagon,, do you know?

How heavy are these things, ballpark? I wonder if my mom could manage to move it if we were to go out together.

I really really really appreciate the info and support mah luvs = )You've been a great help! I'll keep you posted. Take care =D

love to all,
Diemyn

[grannyhotwheels]

I have the Jazzy chair and I love it. They can adjust it to fit your body.  It's very comfortable and easily handles in and out of the house.  Good luck to you..

I'll be praying,
Carol

[tonyad]

  I have a Hover Round which I love Howeve,r the draw backs of it versus say a 3 or 4 wheeled scooter.....is that you have no where to put anything (no basket in front).

    You can though get one of those thinggy's that are made for couches or chairs that you hang on the arm of the chair and put like your remote control or whatever in so (anyone know what I am talking about?) that is an option.

Good Luck in deciding. Let us know which one you decided on.
~Tonya

[caregiver222]

The Eastern States Paralyzed Veterans (I think they changed their name) publishes a complete evaluation of all motorized wheelchairs comparing and contrasting the advantages and disadvantages.

[diemyn]

Oh, thank you. I have an invacare manual chair now. I was looking at the jazzy ones tho, on the site and they look nice. Thanks for helping me out with the things to consider when shopping for one. =] <32U

[ashleyPT]

Hey there,

I have never been in one of these as a patient, so my recommendation may not be very helpful.  I spent a few months in a wheelchair seating clinic and I liked driving the Jazzy brand of chairs.  It's been 5 years since I was there, so I am not familiar with any of these specific models.  Invacare is a well known name, but I only know about their manual chairs.

Things you want to think about - turning clearance (especially if you will be using it in the house at all - chairs with the drive wheel under the seat are easier to maneuver than chairs with the drive wheel at the back)

Height of the over all chair when you are in it (this is important for transporting the chair ie: in a van, sometimes the back folds down so it's easier to transport if you are not sitting in the chair while being transported).  

They can adjust speed, acceleration, and  how sensitive the controls, so if there is something you don't like about how it handles when you drive it then ask if can be changed at all.

Good luck with it,
~Ashley