Everything you need to know about motorized wheelchairs

Everything you need to know about motorized wheelchairs

Clinical

Mobility is much more than moving from one place to another. For many people, it is synonymous with independence, safety, and participation in daily life. When pushing a manual wheelchair is no longer enough or becomes too demanding, powered wheelchairs become a key solution.

Today, there are powered wheelchairs designed for different lifestyles: compact and foldable models for travel, high-performance equipment for outdoor use, and solutions with advanced postural support for users with complex clinical needs. The key is choosing the wheelchair that best fits your body, your environment, and your goals.

What is a powered wheelchair?

A powered wheelchair is a mobility device with electric motors, rechargeable batteries, and a control system (usually a joystick) that allows movement without physical propulsion effort. It is designed for people who need electrical assistance to achieve safe and independent mobility.

Main components

  • Electric motors: provide the force to move the wheelchair, depending on the type of drive (front-wheel, rear-wheel, or mid-wheel drive).

  • Rechargeable batteries: determine the range and define how many kilometers you can travel on a single charge.

  • Joystick or electronic control: allows you to regulate speed and direction and, in some models, control recline, tilt, or seat elevation.

  • Chassis and wheels: optimized for indoor use, outdoor use, or both, with different diameters, suspension systems, and tire types.

  • Safety systems: electromagnetic brakes, automatic locking, and stability features that help prevent incidents.

In advanced models, it is also possible to configure driving profiles, alternative controls, or clinical positioning solutions for users with more complex needs.

Who is a powered wheelchair recommended for?

Powered wheelchairs are especially useful when:

  • There is weakness or fatigue in the upper limbs that makes using a manual wheelchair difficult.

  • There are neurological or muscular conditions (for example, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, ALS, cerebral palsy) that require postural support and assisted mobility.

  • Greater autonomy is needed to move around at home, work, school, or in the community without relying on another person to push.

  • The environment includes slopes, long distances, or uneven terrain that limit the use of a manual wheelchair.

  • The goal is to maintain an active lifestyle, with participation in social, work, and recreational activities.

The choice should always be made with the support of a rehabilitation team and assistive technology specialists, to ensure a safe and functional configuration.

Benefits of using powered wheelchairs

Adopting a powered wheelchair has a direct impact on daily life. Some of the most important benefits include:

  • Independence: allows you to move without assistance in different settings, from home to the street or workplace.

  • Reduced physical effort: the motor handles propulsion, reducing the risk of overuse injuries to the shoulders, wrists, and spine.

  • Healthier posture: ergonomic seating systems and recline and tilt functions help distribute pressure and maintain proper alignment.

  • Greater safety: intuitive controls, automatic brakes, and chassis stability provide confidence to users and their families.

  • More opportunities for participation: makes it easier to study, work, socialize, or enjoy outdoor activities without mobility being a constant barrier.

Types of powered wheelchairs and example models

At Loh Medical, you’ll find different types of powered wheelchairs designed to meet a wide range of needs. Below are the most common categories and some reference models.

Compact and foldable powered wheelchairs

Ideal for people who travel frequently, use a car or public transportation, and need a wheelchair that can be stored in small spaces without sacrificing comfort.

Powered wheelchairs for indoor and mixed use

Designed to maneuver in tight spaces (hallways, doorways, offices) while still delivering solid outdoor performance.

High-performance outdoor powered wheelchairs

Designed for users who spend many hours outside the home and need power, stability, and more advanced configuration options.

All-terrain powered wheelchairs

If the goal is to overcome curbs, grass, gravel, and challenging terrain, all-terrain wheelchairs are the right option.

Powered wheelchairs with high postural support

For users with complex clinical needs, tilt, recline, and other postural adjustment functions are essential.

How to choose the right powered wheelchair

There is no single ideal wheelchair for everyone. The best choice will always be the one that truly meets your needs. Before deciding, consider these points:

  • Main environment of use: will you use it mostly at home, outdoors, at work, or in all of these settings?

  • Posture and clinical needs: determine whether you need tilt, recline, head support, trunk control, or other postural adjustments.

  • Range and daily routine: consider how many kilometers you travel per day and how often you can recharge the battery.

  • Transportation and storage: check whether you need to fold the wheelchair, disassemble it, or load it into a vehicle.

  • Driving experience: some people initially require very stable and predictable wheelchairs; others can move to more advanced configurations from the start.

  • Service and support: it is essential to have a provider that offers maintenance, spare parts, and technical support.

At Loh Medical, the team can help you analyze these aspects and recommend specific models, for example:

Basic maintenance of a powered wheelchair

Proper maintenance improves safety and extends the lifespan of the wheelchair. Some essential care tips include:

Batteries

  • Follow the manufacturer’s charging recommendations and avoid frequent full discharges.

  • If you will not use the wheelchair for a while, perform periodic charges to preserve the battery.

Chassis and structure

  • Clean the chassis with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain or deep puddles that could affect electrical components.

Wheels and control system

  • Check the condition and pressure (if pneumatic) of the wheels; replace those showing excessive wear.

  • Periodically check the joystick operation and protect the cables to avoid pulling or impacts.

In addition, it is recommended to carry out periodic technical inspections with an authorized service, especially when the wheelchair is used intensively.

Frequently asked questions about powered wheelchairs

1. How much range does a powered wheelchair have?

The range depends on the model, the batteries, the user’s weight, and the type of terrain. Many wheelchairs easily cover daily mobility needs. It is important to review each model’s specifications and explain your routine to the advisor.

2. How much weight can powered wheelchairs support?

Each model has a maximum weight capacity. Many support between 100 and 136 kg, and there are reinforced options for users who require higher capacity. Verifying this ensures safety and durability.

3. How is a powered wheelchair transported?

Some wheelchairs, such as the Q50 R Carbon and the Felix E, are foldable or disassemblable and can fit into a car trunk:

Other models require adapted vehicles with ramps or lifts. Transportation should be considered from the very beginning of the selection process.

4. What happens if the battery runs out away from home?

Some wheelchairs allow the motorized mode to be disengaged so they can be pushed manually in an emergency. It is also recommended to plan routes based on range, carry the charger when possible, or have an additional battery on certain models.

5. How often should maintenance be performed?

The ideal approach is to combine regular basic checks (cleaning, visual inspection, simple adjustments) with a professional technical inspection at least once a year, or sooner if any change in performance is detected.

Why choose your powered wheelchair with Loh Medical?

At Loh Medical, we know that a powered wheelchair is not just a piece of equipment, but a key tool for your independence and well-being. That’s why, in addition to a wide range of powered wheelchairs, we offer clinical–technical support to help you choose, configure, and maintain the solution that truly fits your life.

You can see all models here: https://www.lohmedical.com/es/productos/sillas-de-ruedas/motorizadas

Whether you need a compact wheelchair for travel, an all-terrain model to enjoy the outdoors, or a platform with high postural support, our team is ready to listen and recommend the right option for you.

Ready to take the next step toward safer, more independent mobility? Contact us and let’s find the powered wheelchair that best suits you—together.