used electric wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be cumbersome to transport, and yet they are necessary for the user’s independence and free movement. Most vehicles are not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair in the trunk, but you can transport it using a wheelchair carrier which will save you the expense of a wheelchair van. Wheelchair carriers for cars come in four designs – car roof top carrier, bumper-mounted, hitch-mounted or pull-behind.

Car Roof Top Carrier

Car roof top carriers are designed to carry folding, manual wheelchairs which mount on the roof instead of a luggage rack. The wheelchair needs to be folded so that it offers less wind resistance. If it is a simple manually-powered wheelchair, it can be lifted up. But if the wheelchair is heavy you will need an automated wheelchair carrier which is powered off the car’s battery. The wheelchair will need to be covered to protect it from the weather elements.

Bumper-Mounted Wheelchair Carrier

This type of carrier is mounted on the back of the car. It is easy to fit on and remove. It picks up a wheelchair or portable mobility scooter and stores it on a small rack, or a large platform for power chairs or electric wheelchairs. The bumper-mounted wheelchair can generally hold a wheelchair of up to 100 pounds.

The easiest way to carry a folding manual wheelchair is on a small bumper-mounted rack specially designed for this purpose. This model holds the wheelchair flat to the back of the vehicle. Other parts and accessories like a canopy or a special attachment to hold an oxygen bottle might have to be removed and accommodated inside the car.

Hitch-Mounted Wheelchair Carrier

This type of carrier, which hooks on to the trailer hitch of a car, comes in two models is designed to transport electric and power wheelchairs. The manual carrier has one side that folds down and doubles up as a ramp which enables you to push the wheelchair up onto the platform. The automated model has a lift mechanism which lowers the carrier to the ground so that the wheelchair can be loaded easily. Once it is properly accommodated, the carrier lifts up and locks in place.

Pull-Behind Wheelchair Carrier

You also have pull-behind models designed to carry electric power chairs. These are small trailers on wheels which hook to the trailer hitch just like the platform of a hitch-mounted carrier. You can also get pull-behind models which are completely enclosed as a protection against the weather or when the vehicle is parked.

Consult a Professional

If you are planning to buy a wheelchair carrier it might be a good idea to talk to a professional. Carriers are available in different sizes so you need to know what’s right for your vehicle. Some carriers are not suitable for smaller cars, so a professional will tell you what the correct match for your car is.

Where can I buy a wheelchair carrier and what will it cost?

A good place to start would be at a wheelchair retailer in your city. You’ll be able to see the various models on display and have all your questions answered. Or you could shop online at www.discountramps.com which has a huge range of carriers on offer. Prices start from $240 onward.

Below is a video of a bumper mounted folding wheelchair carrier.

There are close to 20 major electric wheelchair manufacturers in the market and each of this manufacturer is known for their distinctive features that they have built into their products. Pride mobility wheelchairs is one of the better known electric wheelchair manufacturer. Pride produces more than electric wheelchairs, it also manufactures Pride wheelchair scooters, Lift chairs and their Silver Star Lifts and Ramps. Pride mobility is known for building great electronics into their wheelchairs and this translates to better user experience. As the cost of new Pride Electric Wheelchairs can cost $3000 to $4000, there are dealers who specialize in buying back used electric wheelchairs Pride Wheelchairs and reselling them. Used Pride Electric Wheelchairs only cost less than half the price of new ones.

Range of Pride Electric Wheelchairs

Pride mobility's standard electric wheelchair is the Quantum Rehab series. The Quantum rehab is recommended for its outstanding performance and durability. Within Pride Quantum Electric Wheelchair Rehab, there are the Q6 Series consisting of Q600/640/614/6000Z/6400Z/6400 and Q610.
The Mid Wheel Drive Series consists of 1103 Ultra and 1121 which are compact and highly maneuverable. This range of Pride electric wheelchair is suitable for outdoor use they look quite stylish.
Next is the Bariatric series which are have the most powerful motors for heavy wheelchair users up to 450 pounds. It is complimented with impressive electronics and seating systems. The models in the Bariatric series are 1420/1424/1650/600XL/6000Z HD.
Pride also produces Pediatric Series Electric Wheelchairs for kids. The Q610/600 and 6000Z are designed for outdoor lovers. It has been enhanced with additional torque to navigate tough terrains and slopes. It has superb climbing skills assisted by its smooth transitioning capability.
The last of the Quantum Rehab series is the Rear Wheel Drive Series R-4000 and R-4400.

Pride also has the highly popular Jazzy Electric Wheelchair series. Pride Jazzy Wheelchairs are very versatile and made for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also lightweight which makes it very portable for traveling. The Jazzy Elite and Jazzy Select 6 Models are the most well received.

All the used Pride Electric Wheelchairs should be certified before they are sold to new owners. Second hand Pride wheelchairs are repaired and cleaned up with old defective parts replaced. Buyers of old pride electric wheelchairs should look beyond the bargain price tags on the wheelchairs. They should test the wheelchair themselves to certify it is in working conditions. You should look out for pride wheelchair deals that are advertised by the dealers every now and then.

Wheelchair users have the right to travel just like any other individuals and see the amazing sights all over the world. Wheelchair travel has come a long way in the past twenty years. With the mass market introduction of electric wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs, wheelchair users and care-givers have an easier time moving around with wheelchairs. The increased public awareness about traveling for the disabled has prompted public establishments such as shopping malls, airports and cruise terminals to be wheelchair friendly in their infrastructure.Packages for the wheelchair users have also picked up momentum recently. These packages ensure the welfare of the wheelchair users are taken care of properly. Wheelchair users who are apprehensive about going to unknown places will feel assured of a quality experience when going for these packages. The agencies will provide the latest information of the destination and assist in the preparation to the actual sight seeing trip.

On the part of the electric wheelchair users, you are advised to visit your therapist for consultation on your travel plans. You need to have a report of any conditions that may warrant attention certified by the therapist. Please keep a copy of the report and pass another to the travel planner. Upon reaching the hotel,which should be wheelchair friendly, remember to inquire the in-house doctors available. Electric wheelchair users should also bring along their medication that can last the entire trip preferably packed into travel friendly cases. Always keep them by your side.
When you reach the hotel counter, request for city guides as these usually consist of information for disabled travelers. You can also check the city's website online prior to your trip for mental preparation.
Just like any other traveling people, try to pack as light as possible heavy luggage can pose a problem and a hazard for wheelchair travelers. If electric wheelchair users are traveling by plane, you need to tie a name tag to the wheelchair before storage. The name tag should include your contact number,destination and travel agency. Remove loose sections of the electric wheelchairs such as cushions and bags.Lastly, put the brakes on. The idea is to keep the electric wheelchair as compact as possible without things falling off easily. Check for scratches and damages at the destination airport. More importantly for electric wheelchairs, check for possible leakages of the batteries and loose wiring as these may pose a danger later in the trip.
Scheduling your itinerary is also important to ensure a satisfied travel experience. Understanding the extra time it takes for wheelchair users in transportation, it is best to make a provision of 20-30 minutes for every item. There is always time for everything if you plan well. If a tourist site has multiple entries, you should find out where is the entry point for wheelchairs as they have ramps or lifts installed there.
Used Electric wheelchair users should conserve your energy well and distribute them over the duration of the trip. Prevent yourself from over exertion in the initial days. Have back up plans to your itinerary as weather and people can be unpredictable. The hotel should be surrounded by basic amenities such as restaurants and pharmacies. Places which are wheelchair friendly are identified by a internationally known icon on the city map. Electric Wheelchair users do require a lot more attention when traveling and the least one can do is to be well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Electric wheelchair users are encouraged to go out and open your eyes to this wonderful world.