How Far Can a Power Wheelchair Go?
An electric wheelchair functions as a piece of mobility equipment as well as a vehicle to get people with mobility issues where they want to go—but how far can an electric wheelchair go before you'll need to recharge? In reality, the distance an electric wheelchair can go varies enormously—from 3 to 25 miles (or more) depending on several factors:
The make and model
The tires used
The battery size
How much weight the wheelchair has to bear
The terrain
Stop-start vs. continuous driving
Driving speed
Wheelchair maintenance
If you're thinking about buying an electric wheelchair, understanding the factors that affect your total mileage will help you choose the most suitable model for your weight, height, and intended usage.
Wheelchair-Specific Factors
Make and Model
"The right tool for the job" is the phrase to remember when choosing a power wheelchair. The most basic power wheelchairs will help you maneuver yourself around the house but won't go far if you venture outside.
For Distance, Consider a Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchair
For all-day use, travel, and rough terrain, a heavy-duty powered wheelchair will get you much further on a single charge—up to 20 miles or more—and allow you to reach higher speeds than a basic or mid-range chair.
Tires
The choice of wheelchair tires also makes a difference in how far you can go. All-terrain tires will allow you to go further on a single charge than basic tires because they don't make the battery work as hard.
Battery Power
Several kinds of power wheelchair batteries are available, and it's sometimes possible to replace your power chair batteries with others that have a higher battery capacity to increase your power chair's driving distance. A basic 12-volt battery capacity could last for up to 6 miles whereas a 24-volt electric wheelchair battery series could last for up to 20 miles or more.
A Note About Charge
The distances mentioned above only apply to fully charged batteries, so if you want to drive a long distance, be sure to fully charge your electric wheelchair batteries for 8-10 hours or overnight before you go.
User-Related Factors
User's Weight
The less weight your power wheelchair is carrying, the faster and farther it will go. To ensure the longest driving range, choose an electric wheelchair model with the correct weight capacity for the user and anything else you intend to carry in the chair.
Journey-Related Factors
Terrain
Rough terrain and uneven terrain use up more battery charge than flat terrain, resulting in a shorter total drive distance on a single charge. If you intend to drive on grass, sand, rocks, and other rough terrains, it's best to buy an all-terrain power wheelchair.
Stop-Start vs. Consistent Speed
Driving at a constant speed uses less battery charge than stop-start riding. This means that you may be able to drive further along a bicycle path than you would if driving along the sidewalk in the city.
Driving Habits
Speed
As a rule of thumb, driving at a low speed will get you further than driving continuously at maximum speed. Leaving home with plenty of time will prevent you from rushing and help to maximize your battery life.
Maintenance Factors
Tire Pressure
The dangers of underinflated tires for cars are well-established, but the same basic caveats apply to certain power wheelchairs.* Underinflated tires significantly reduce driving efficiency as well as pose a safety risk. Always check your tire pressure before leaving home and inflate your tires if they are underinflated or flat.
Note: Not all wheelchair tires are susceptible to flats or other tire-pressure concerns. Many power wheelchairs are equipped with flat-free tires that contain air-filled chambers for added convenience.
Battery Care
As driving distance is directly related to the percentage of battery charge, taking care of your battery will help you reach the maximum distance every time. For optimal battery health, charge the battery at least once a week and never allow it to drain completely.
Maintenance, Cleaning, and Servicing
Routine maintenance, servicing, and cleaning will help your motorized wheelchair reach its maximum specified distance every time, without dirt, grime, and faulty parts compromising performance. Mobility Plus Colorado, for example, offers maintenance, servicing, and wheelchair repair to keep customers' power wheelchairs in top condition in Denver and throughout the state of Colorado.
Alternative for Long Distances: Mobility Scooter
For users who can use both of their hands to steer and want to drive long distances regularly, a mobility scooter may be a more appropriate option than an electric wheelchair. Designed for outdoor use, mobility scooters can often go faster and further than electric wheelchairs and can cost less to purchase as well.
The Right Chair with the Right Care
After explaining all of the factors that affect how far an electric wheelchair can go, it should be apparent that it's vital to choose the right powered wheelchair for your weight and intended usage and to follow battery care and maintenance advice.
If you do these things right—consistently—you should be able to complete each day's journeys and even have some battery charge to spare.