The Difference Between Electric and Manual Wheelchairs - Blog

Welcome to another Cura360 blog, today we will be answering one of the most common questions when it comes to choosing a wheelchair, the difference between electric and manual wheelchairs, and which one would be best for you.

To ease the struggle of people with limited mobility wheelchairs were invented so they can move around freely and independently but we have come a long way since the invention of a wheelchair. With technological advancement, there are now two main types of wheelchairs from which you can choose and that is ” Electric Wheelchair” & ” Manual wheelchair “.

While both of them serve the same purpose and that is to make your daily movements easy but they are diffrenet when it comes to their method of operation and the level of independence they provide plus the cost. Exploring every potential question when purchasing a wheelchair can be a daunting and energy-consuming task but Cura360 will help you understand the difference and make the right decision.

In this blog, We’ll provide you with an overview of an electric and manual wheelchairs, highlighting the differences and similarities, and show you the way to choose the most suitable option based on your needs and preferences.

Clinical Need & Lifestyle

After from benefits of electric and manual wheelchairs, these two things will have an effect on your decision. You can access your clinical need by asking yourself some questions like how long will be using a wheelchair. will I have someone to take care of me? If you won’t have someone to take care of you or you’re going to use a wheelchair for some period then getting a manual wheelchair won’t be beneficial for you.

Lifestyle is another important part to understand getting a power wheelchair is not that difficult but will you be able to use it in your home? or even store, and charge it?

For instance, if you’re hoping to travel and use public transportation, an electric wheelchair will help you take control of your life. Knowing your own strength and ability to use a wheelchair will be deciding factor. Usage of a manual wheelchair would heavily rely upon your upper body strength and that can put significant strain on your shoulder and back muscles. So you must ensure that you’re able to properly propel yourself.

Pros and Cons of Electric & Manual Wheelchairs

Electric Wheelchair

First, we will take a look at the pros and cons of having an electric wheelchair so you can have a clear understanding of owning an electric wheelchair and that you won’t regret purchasing it.

Pros:

Electric wheelchairs are easy to use and user-friendly. They don’t require your physical strength to move around so it would be a great option if you have a lack of mobility and lack in upper body strength too.
With an electric wheelchair users can experience more freedom and move around freely without having a caregiver or assistance present. Making it a perfect mobility aid for people that live alone.
Electric wheelchairs have a longer battery so they can cover more distance compared to a manual wheelchair. Making it ideal for the person who likes to travel.
Easy on your body, with an electric wheelchair you don’t have to worry about the strain and pain that your muscles have to go through if you rely on a manual wheelchair.
The electric wheelchair also comes with a design that helps meets the need of specific users with some customization like seating position, footrest, armrests, and more.

However, It’s not all pros to electric wheelchairs there are some disadvantages of it that you should consider.

Cons:

If you’re on a tight budget electric wheelchairs might not be for you as they are expensive compared to a manual wheelchairs.
They also require regular maintenance such as battery replacement, brake checks, and motor tune-ups and these maintenance costs can add up over time making it a costly purchase.
Transporting an electric wheelchair is also hard as they are heavier and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Battery life is another issue as the whole operation depends upon it. If the battery dies user is stuck with it until its recharged and it can cause inconvenience especially if the user is far from home or stuck in an emergency
In certain situations, manual wheelchairs are better compared to an electric wheelchairs, and it’s true in certain situations like navigating through narrow doorways or steep inclines making it tough for the user to use an electric wheelchair.

Manual Wheelchair

Now with a clear understanding of having an electric wheelchair let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having a manual wheelchair so you can compare them yourselves and make a decision.

Pros:

Cost-wise manual wheelchairs are generally more affordable than their electric counterpart, making them an attractive solution for people on a budget.
Manual wheelchairs are generally lighter in weight and easier to transport and also easy to use in maneuvering in tight spaces.
As electric wheelchairs have motors to run them, that’s not the case with a manual wheelchair you have to use your upper-body strength, and doing it daily will improve your strength.
A manual wheelchair has another advantage that it can be used in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor settings also uneven terrains.
If you’re on a tight budget, a manual wheelchair would be great as they are low in maintenance with few moving parts and no need of regular charging.

Cons:

While the manual wheelchair can help you improve upper body strength but doing this process daily can be tiring and exhausting and if you’re someone that has limited upper body strength and mobility, a manual wheelchair is not for you.
Manual wheelchairs run on your strength and we all know human strength is limited hence limiting the range that you can travel with the wheelchair making it not a suitable aid for long-distance travel.
Traveling through steep inclines or uneven terrain can be tricky and tough and as you’re already suffering from limited mobility it’s not the other challenge that you want on your plate.
One of the drawbacks of having a manual wheelchair is that you have to be dependent on the weather, you can’t use a manual wheelchair in weather such as heavy rain or snow so if you live in an area with such weather manual wheelchair might not be a right choice for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between an electric or manual wheelchair, there are several factors to consider such as the cost of the wheelchair, range, your physical ability, and environment. Both types of wheelchairs have their merits and demerits, and the decision ultimately will come down to personal preference and individual needs.

If you are considering purchasing a wheelchair, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. Whether you opt for an electric or manual wheelchair, it’s crucial to select a model that is comfortable, durable, and meets your unique needs.

If you’re looking to buy a wheelchair, our website Cura360 offers a wide range of high-quality manual and electric wheelchairs to choose from. We provide excellent customer service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing. Our goal is to ensure that our customers have access to the best mobility aids on the market. So why wait? Visit our website today and find the perfect wheelchair for your needs!