Components and Functions of Electric Wheelchairs (1)

Components and functions of electric wheelchairs (1)
Grip: Also called handle, it is mainly used by caregivers, and sometimes it can also be used by users with weak back muscles to help users better control their body balance.
Rear wheel: the main driving wheel of the wheelchair, with a diameter of about 61 cm. The size of the wheel determines the difficulty of driving, and the wheel is large for driving. Wheels are generally purchased the same size as bicycle tires, so that they can be easily replaced later.
There are generally two types of wheels: inflated and solid rubber. Generally, the inflatable has a buffering effect, and it is relatively easy for people in wheelchairs. However, when a tire blows out, it is more troublesome for people using wheelchairs. The solid one is not afraid of the danger of a flat tire, and it does not need to be pumped frequently, but it is uncomfortable for the user to sit on the bumpy road surface.
Wheel ring: Also called a push ring, an operating device that the user uses to drive the rear wheel. The materials for rotation are different and the shapes are also different, which should be selected according to the patient's situation. The handwheel ring with protrusions can help people with poor grasping ability. It is not recommended that the wheel ring is too smooth, because the friction between the hand and the wheel ring drives the rear wheel.
Brake: The braking device of the wheelchair, there are long handle and short handle. The long handle is suitable for people with poor trunk balance. They cannot bend down to reach the brake. People with insufficient upper limb strength can also extend the handle. The purpose of saving effort. The brakes also have forward and backward brakes, which are selected depending on the condition of your upper body.
Front wheel: A small wheel that can freely rotate around the axis in front of the big wheel, with a diameter of 15-20 cm. The wheel is large or small. The large wheel is easy to go up the steps, and it is difficult to turn. The small wheel is easy to turn, but it is difficult to go up the steps. The width of the front wheel also has a certain influence. The narrow one is easy to sink into the horizontal stripes of the gutter cover, and the wide one increases the friction when turning, and there are also inflated and solid ones.
Backrest: The height and inclination of the backrest when choosing a wheelchair are important to maintain good posture for the user. The high-back wheelchair is suitable for people with a flat trunk and poor ability. The backrest of a person with good level and ability should be below the scapula, so that it will not affect the movement of the scapula. The inclination angle of the backrest is generally around 15°.