Understanding and Purchasing Power Wheelchairs

What is a Power Wheelchair?

Although some people assume that power wheelchairs and mobility scooters are the same thing, this isn’t the case. They are similar in that they both help people with disabilities get around, but they have important differences to consider before you commit to buying one. People who use a power wheelchair maneuver it with a joystick and don’t steer it with the handlebars as they would an electric scooter.

Another big difference between power wheelchairs and mobility scooters is that power chairs have two drive wheels and casters for enhanced stability. Additionally, an electric wheelchair has a foot platform that the user can adjust to his or her liking or remove. Power wheelchairs are more compact than mobility scooters and better suited for indoors. Learn more about power chair and scooter differences.

Choosing the Right Geriatric Wheelchair

Geriatric wheelchairs can make the ideal purchase for older individuals who have started to lose some mobility yet who want to retain their independence for as long as possible. The Jazzy® 1450 is one such option. This wheelchair holds up to 600 pounds and comes equipped with extended seat options. It has anti-tip wheels and a larger-than-usual footplate for added comfort.

The Jazzy Air® motorized wheelchair raises up to 10 inches in a span of 16 seconds. This is ideal for reaching items on countertops from a seated position. The Jazzy® Air travels at a speed of up to 3.5 miles per hour and can go 18.4 miles between charges.

The Go Chair® geriatric wheelchair is highly portable due to the feather-touch disassembly. The chair breaks down into five lightweight pieces. Additional features include six different color shrouds and a larger footplate.

Yet another option in geriatric wheelchairs is the Jazzy® Elite 14. With a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, the front-wheel drive on this chair makes turning tight corners easy. Learn more about geriatric power wheelchairs.

Medicaid Funding for Power Wheelchairs

Medicaid is a state-run program that provides health insurance to individuals who meet certain low-income qualifications and asset limits. Each state sets its own eligibility guidelines, payment rates to medical providers, and administers its own Medicaid program. Some states do provide coverage for power wheelchairs as durable medical equipment. If you are on Medicaid, it is worth investigating whether your Medicaid program will cover some or all the cost of a new power wheelchair. Get more information on Medicaid power wheelchair coverage.

Ready to Purchase a Power Wheelchair?

You have evaluated your main options in power wheelchairs and feel that you’re ready to buy the one that best meets your needs. Let us refer you to one of our authorized dealers! Your first step in locating a dealer near you is to go to our homepage and click on Find a Local Dealer. After entering your ZIP code, the results page will return the name and address of several local dealers that sell our products. You can always increase the mileage if you don’t get enough results.

Once you locate a provider, click on Request to be Contacted and someone will call or email you to discuss your options for purchasing. You can also purchase a new wheelchair from one of our online dealers and have it delivered directly to your home. To exercise this option, click on the Buy Online Now button. Buy a power wheelchair now!