Evaluation and adaptation of electric wheelchairs (1) – Adaptation principle

The electric wheelchair is flexible and can be quickly and easily manipulated. It has adjustable and modular design. It is suitable for lower limb disability, high paraplegia, joint contracture or joint damage, hemiplegia and the use of elderly and infirm. The use of electric wheelchairs requires use. The person must have sufficient vision, judgment and motor control to ensure safe operation. When determining the adaptation scheme of the electric wheelchair, the user’s own situation and characteristics should be considered comprehensively. In combination with the use environment, some parts of the wheelchair may be adjusted or improved while using the electric wheelchair. In consideration of safety and comfort for users, they should also consider the convenience of their use. When adapting an electric wheelchair, refer to the adaptation principle of the manual wheelchair. It should be emphasized here that electric wheelchairs are mainly suitable for users who are not allowed or allowed to use manual wheelchairs, and manual wheelchairs should be applied whenever possible.

First, the basic situation of the user

The general situation of the user, including the user’s age, height, weight, degree of physical damage, personalized needs, living conditions and use environment, etc.

Second, the use of electric wheelchairs

1 A pair of electric wheelchair seats should be made of fabric that is easy to clean and prevents perspiration.

2 When the user is sitting in an electric wheelchair and the center of gravity of the body is far away from the axis of the drive wheel, although the electric wheelchair is of high quality, there is no danger of backward tilting, but it is very difficult to operate the drive, so the drive can be selected. The wheelchair with adjustable front and rear position can adjust the distance properly to ensure the stability of the wheelchair and the user’s freedom of operation.

3 Young people, sports enthusiasts, and older people with better overall mobility, it is necessary to consider providing them with lightweight and easy-to-operate electric wheelchairs, if all conditions permit.

4 The operation of electric wheelchairs requires a certain cognitive ability, and people with intellectual disabilities should not use them. Therefore, the use of the subject is mainly a user who has normal intelligence after being disabled, but who has lost walking ability and needs moving means.

Third, personalized needs

1 Electric wheelchair is easy to operate and free to move. Compared with manual wheelchair, it has great advantages. However, due to its high price and heavy weight, the choice of electric wheelchair should be based on the actual needs, location and economic ability of the user. Comprehensive analysis and evaluation.

2 If the user has the ability and interest to travel frequently, it is best to use a wheelchair with a detachable drive wheel and a pair of spare small rollers. When the user is on an airplane or train, the driver can push the wheelchair through the narrow aisle by simply turning the drive wheel into a small roller.

3 For qualified users, it is recommended to configure a bath, toilet and wheelchair, and install fixed handles and handlebars in the bathroom and toilet. This can further enhance the user’s independent living ability.