Electric Wheelchairs

Three general styles of electric wheelchairs exist: rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. Each style has particular handling characteristics. Electric wheelchairs are also divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile. Electric wheelchairs run the gamut from small and portable/foldable/disassemblable models to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs).

Electric wheelchairs may be designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Electric wheelchairs are generally prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions; a person with full function of the arms and upper torso will generally be prescribed a manual chair, or find that their insurance will not cover an electric wheelchair.

The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and puff/suck scanners for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries. This controller is the most delicate and usually the most expensive part of the chair. Electric wheelchairs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function.

Electric wheelchairs use electric motors to move the wheels. They are usually powered by 4 or 5 amp deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, similar to those used to power outboard boat engines. These are available in 'wet' or 'dry options; most these days prefer 'dry' cell batteries, and airlines will not allow the transport of 'wet' batteries. Many electric wheelchairs carry an on-board charger which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet; older or more portable models may have a separate charger unit.

In 2005, University of Toronto researcher Alex Mihailidis and colleagues Jesse Hoey and Daniel Gunn developed an anti-collision system for electric wheelchairs.

A mobility scooter is a motorized assist device similar to a powerchair, but with a steering 'tiller' or bar instead of the joystick, and fewer medical support options. Mobility scooters are available without a prescription in some markets and range from large, powerful models to lightweight folding ones intended for travel.

A bariatric wheelchair or powerchair is one designed to support larger weights; most standard chairs are designed to support no more than 250 lbs. on average.