The type of chair a person uses depends on physical abilities, support needs, time spent sitting in the chair, distance to travel, environment, mode of transportation, and the types of activities to be performed. A few things that should not, but often do, affect the type of chair a person purchases are cost, insurance coverage, and the consumer’s persistence to pursue payment from third parties. Most consumers who have motorized chairs or scooters also have manual wheelchairs. They may use the manual chair for easier transport or for exercise, and the electric wheelchair or scooter for times when they travel longer distances independently.

Manual chairs provide the consumer exercise, which helps maintain overall health. Consumers who need to use a cane for environment preview travel much faster in a powered chair. If the consumer has no leg use and needs a cane, she should use a powered chair. It is easier on a scooter to use one’s kinesthetic senses to feel when the tiller points straight ahead; this makes it easier to maintain a straight line of travel. Electric wheelchairs are easier to acquire and have smaller turning radii. If the consumer needs the powered chair for extensive indoor use, an electric wheelchair is a good choice. If the consumer wants a dog guide, the guide dog school may require the use of an electric wheelchair.

Chair Types

Manual

Manual wheelchairs come in many shapes and varieties. Each has its own advantages and purposes. Some consumers have multiple chairs so they can use the best chair for a specific task or situation. Standard chairs have big narrow wheels in the rear, full backs, handles for pushing, and will usually fold up.

A standard manual wheelchair unfolded. ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

A standard manual wheelchair folded. ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Pediatric Chairs are smaller than standard chairs. The seat may be so high that the consumer’s feet cannot touch the floor. On some, the large wheels are at the front of the chair instead of the back. This makes the wheel rails easier to reach.

This pediatric wheelchair has the large wheels in reverse position. ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Transport Chairs come in many designs. Although the user can push most, some do not have large enough wheels and require someone to push from behind. The brakes on some transport chairs are located on the back handles so that the person who pushes the wheelchair can engage/disengage the brakes. Transport chairs usually have leather seats and seat backs. Many are collapsible for car transport. Cushions, if present, are removable. Smaller transport chairs are available for children or people of short stature; such chairs may have a short seat back and tall handles that are more accessible to the person pushing the chair.

A transport manual wheelchair with brakes located on the back handle

A transport chair with small wheels

Shower Chairs are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and designed to get wet. They often have mesh fabric on the seat to allow water to drain. Some consumers use shower chairs in shallow swimming pools.

A shower wheelchair ©Dizard

Tilt Chairs or Reclining Chairs usually have larger backs that extend above the consumer’s head. Tilt chairs have health benefits for consumers who are unable to adjust themselves easily. By changing the angle at which the consumer sits, pressure transfers to different portions of the body. This improves blood flow. The tilt feature can also relieve pain associated with sitting in one position for too long. In general, tilt chairs provide the consumer more postural control.

A tilt manual wheelchair ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Sports Chairs are made of strong but lightweight materials. The large wheels slant inward at the top. This allows the chair to turn rapidly without tipping over as easily as standard chairs. The front of sports chairs is short to allow the chair to turn in tight spaces. A bumper across the lower front of the chair helps keep the chair from entanglement during contact with other chairs (e.g., in an athletic game). Sports chairs usually have only lower lumber support, and most do not have handles on the back.

A sports manual wheelchair with bumper guard ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Racing Chairs are extremely lightweight. The back wheels tilt in toward the consumer to facilitate turning at high speeds. The front wheels usually extend a couple feet in front of the seat. Racing chairs usually have little or no backrest and no armrests.

A racing manual wheelchair

Beach Chairs have extremely large, wide wheels that will not sink into sand. Often the frames are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials instead of metal.

A beach manual wheelchair with perforated wheels for traction in the sand

Ultralight Chairs are usually personalized to the user. They are made of very lightweight materials. They do not have large backrests, armrests, or handles. The backrest may consist of lower lumbar support only. Some do not fold. Instead of a full-sized footrest, there may be only a bar. Often the footrests tuck in directly under the knees. Full-time wheelchair users usually use ultralight chairs.

Handcycles are 3- or 4-wheel recumbent cycles with the pedals set high enough enabling the hands to peddle instead of the feet.

A three-wheel handcycle ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Standing Chairs have a system that lifts the consumer into a standing position. Standing chairs are available as manual, half-power, and full-power. The chair does not move very far in the standing position. When in the standing position, the chair tips over easily. Standing helps prevent sores and muscle shrinkage.

A standing wheelchair courtesy of ©Permobil

Electric

Electric wheelchairs are available in front-, mid-, or rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive chairs climb larger cracks, curbs, and thresholds. Mid-wheel drive chairs have four caster wheels, two on the front and two on the back. This allows for very small turning radii. Electric wheelchairs feature captain’s chairs or customized seats. Consumers who use the chair part time are more likely to have captain’s chairs, which is the basic electric wheelchair. Full-time users are more likely to have customized cushions and body supports; these chair models are more expensive. Customized chairs are more likely to have handles on the back of the seat. New designs for electric wheelchairs have evolved that can lift and raise the chair to eye level, or lower it to the floor.

A basic electric wheelchair, called a captain’s chair

Tilt Chairs have a motorized mechanism that leans the entire seat of the chair back. The seat and back move together, so the user’s hip angle remains the same. Tilt-in-place chairs are on a track so that as the seat leans back, it also moves forward, not taking up any additional space behind the chair.

A power wheelchair in the tilted position ©Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Modified/Conversion Chairs are manual chairs with a motor added under the seat. The motor turns two small wheels that press against the large wheels of the chair. Turning backward, the small wheels make the large wheels roll forward. Usually very lightweight, some have removable motors and batteries so the chair will fold for transport. While good for indoor or light outdoor travel, wet surfaces are problematic. When wet, the small drive wheels can slip instead of propelling the large wheels. If one wheel slips and the other does not, the chair will suddenly spin in the direction of the wheel that is slipping. Steeper slopes can also cause a wheel to slip.

Motorized Scooters

Scooters go by many names: electric scooters, power scooters, mobility scooters, and motorized scooters. Scooter classification is by the tiller—a set of handle bars on a single post that comes up from the base. For most people, a tiller is easier to control than a joystick. Consumers who have total blindness find it easier to drive in a straight line when they use a tiller; it is easier to tell when a tiller points straight (pulling) than it is to recognize when a joystick is straight (pushing). Scooters for persons with physical disabilities are sometimes confused with recreational vehicles and small motorcycles, also called scooters.

A 3-wheel scooter is lighter and takes up less space when taken apart than a 4-wheel scooter. In quick turns, 3-wheel scooters tip more easily than 4-wheel scooters. The 3-wheel version has a smaller turn radius than the 4-wheel version. For indoor travel, 3-wheel scooters are better than 4-wheel scooters, but not as good as manual- or joystick-controlled chairs. When disassembled, the heaviest piece of the 3-wheel scooter usually weighs less than the heaviest piece of the 4-wheel scooter. Students who plan to travel extensively outdoors may prefer a 4-wheel scooter. However, public transportation is not required to pick up wheelchairs or scooters that are larger than 30 inches wide or 48 inches long.

A student in a 3-wheel scooter. (S.Crawford)

Another type of scooter has much larger, bicycle-type tires. Such scooters can handle larger crackers and rougher surfaces better than standard scooters. They have a higher ground clearance, and the larger tires do not stick or hang up as easily. These scooters are primarily for outdoor travel or large open areas such as shopping malls. Because of their larger size, they may not fit onto bus lifts.

Standing Frames and Gait Trainers

Standing Frames are structures that support the user in an upright position. Braces and straps at chest level and around the legs keep the consumer from falling over. The seat or bar that goes between the legs keeps them from slipping down between the straps. The wheels enable an aide or a helper to move the person while still in a standing position. Because the buttock is temporarily relieved of all pressure, standing frames help prevent pressure sores. Standing frames may also help the consumer build leg and trunk strength. Consumers who do not have any use of their legs use standing frames; consumers who have leg function will more likely use a gait trainer.

Gait Trainers are similar to oversized walkers or rollators that have four lockable wheels and supports that hold the user up while she stands. The user may set the wheel in a choice of modes: locked (will not roll), roll forward only, roll forward and backward, or move freely in 360 degrees.

Support frames strap around the consumer’s trunk and tighten enough that the consumer does not slip through. Support frames have handles and forearm rests. The supports turn around so the opening of the U-shaped base is to the front or the back. A front opening allows the consumer to get closer to tables and so forth. A back opening allows there to be a solid beam across the front that functions as a bumper. There are advantages to both setups.

Features

Consumers may want to request certain features for their chairs. The following are common features that the consumer may want to consider and compare before acquiring a chair. Consumers may need instruction on how to use the features. Even if shown how to use them when one gets the chair, one may need additional practice to remember or take full advantage of the features. Some features may require modification to make them easier to use by people with vision impairments.

Manual Wheelchairs

Brakes: On most manual chairs, the brakes consist of a hinged lever and bar that puts pressure on the rubber portion of the tires. To apply the brake system, push the lever forward to force the bar against the large drive wheels. On some models, the lever pulls backward to engage the brake.

Consumers need to be able to apply the brakes themselves. Handle extenders are available and make it easier for the consumer to reach and grasp the brake lever. The extensions also provide leverage and help to keep the fingers away from the wheels. A common mistake is to apply the brake partially, which allows the wheels to turn when the chair is bumped, is on a slope, or when the consumer tries to transfer. With the brake applied fully, neither wheel is able to turn.

Watch video CFS12a: Chair Features and Selection: Brake lever on a manual chair.

Folding: Not all manual wheelchairs fold. For those that do fold, the first step is to remove the seat cushion. Then, pull up on the seat fabric to start the folding process and squeeze the armrests and handles together to finish the process. To unfold, pull the handles apart and press down on the bars at the side of the seat. To open the chair fully, push downward until the bars at the side of the seat are down all the way. Before replacing the seat cushion, make sure that it is right side up and faces the correct direction. Some cushions sit in a particular direction.

Watch video CFS12b: Chair Features and Selection: Folding manual wheelchairs.

Wheelie bars/Anti-tippers: Wheelie bars and anti-tippers are two terms for the same thing. Most adjust by pressing a spring-loaded pin similar to those on tent poles. The bars should have an up position and a down position. Wheelie bars in the down position help to keep the chair from flipping over on its back. Steep upward slopes or leaning back and pushing hard on the drive wheels can cause the front wheels to lift off the ground. The wheelie bars prevent them from coming up too far. Some wheelie bars are adjustable. Lengthening the bars decreases how high the front wheels can lift off the ground, but causes the chair to get stuck more often in areas where down slopes and up slopes meet in a “V” shape. Shortening the bars reduces the chances of getting stuck, but allows the front wheels to lift higher off the ground. To climb curbs or navigate some drop-offs, turn the wheelie bars so they turn up instead of down. If the student cannot reach the bars herself, teach her to describe the process of adjusting them to a volunteer who may help her.

Watch video CFS12c: Chair Features and Selection: Adjusting wheelie bars on a manual chair.

Caster wheels: The front wheels or caster wheels move freely through 360 degrees. Larger caster wheels climb cracks and thresholds more readily than smaller casters. The trade off is that because they are larger, they are more likely to hang on the footplates or obstacles. For train travel, large casters are more likely to clear the gap between the platform and the train. Smaller casters and large narrow casters can catch in the space between the train and the platform.

Quick release axle: To make wheelchairs easier to put into a vehicle, some are equipped with quick release axles. Depress a button/pin in the center of the wheel to slide the axle out of the chair receiver. When putting the wheel back on, a click sound indicates that the wheel is on all the way and secure. The brake lever must also be in the off position to allow the wheel and axle to slide all the way into the receiver.

Watch video CFS12d: Chair Features and Selection: Quick release axle on a manual chair.

Armrests: Armrests are optional on some chairs. Removable armrests make it easier to store the chair in a vehicle. The consumer can also remove them when she wants easier access to the drive wheels. Some just fold back instead of coming off all the way. Removable armrests allow the chair to slide under tables and desks, letting the consumer sit closer to the surface.

Folding backs: Some chair backs are soft cloth and fold easily. Others are solid and attached by hooks or hook-and-loop material to the back of the chairs. Consumers must remove solid backrests to fold the chair.

Footplates/Leg rests: There is a wide array of footrests available for manual wheelchairs. One version is two separate plates that flip up and possibly swing out. A single footplate for both feet is a broader platform that extends the entire width of the chair. Leg rests are available on some chairs. The footplate can elevate like the foot of a recliner. This may help to minimize swelling in the feet. Some people have trouble removing and reattaching removable footplates. To take the footplate off, there is a release on the frame of the chair that allows the footplate to swing out to the side of the chair; lift to take it off. To put it back on, swing the footplate out to the side, slide it onto the pins that hold it, and swing back to the front. People often make the mistake of trying to put the plate on with it in the front, and it will not slide on. Some people have a hard time remembering which footrest goes on which side. As the arm is to the side, the plate should face the front of the chair. If the plate is facing the back, it is the wrong arm. If footplate adjustment is too low, the footplate will drag the ground and limit the number of level changes the consumer can navigate independently.

When swinging the footplates out for transfers, always engage the brakes. Consult specific strategies for transferring with the consumer’s physical therapist. Some consumers flip the plates up before they get up, however swinging the footplate out provides the consumer more space to stand. If the footplates are not to the outside of the chair, they can be a trip hazard for the consumer.

Watch video CFS12e: Chair Features and Selection: Footplates on a manual chair.

Cushions: Chair cushions make a big difference in comfort level, in how long a person can sit in a chair, and may help maintain proper body position. Cushions can be simple pillows or custom-made forms that follow the contours of the consumer’s body. Cushion filling may be foam, gels, or micro beads. Removable cushions often have a specific orientation for placement in the chair. The cushion may need to be marked so the consumer can tell which way it should be oriented.

Electric Wheelchairs

Front-, rear-, or mid-wheel drive: This refers to the location of the large drive wheels. Front-wheel drives tend to climb larger cracks and curbs. As the chair turns, the back end of front-wheel drive chairs swings out wider than the width of the chair. Mid-wheel drive chairs can literally spin in place, which makes the navigation of turns easier. Rear-wheel drive is common in chairs that are more expensive.

Joysticks: Joysticks are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes (e.g., straight thin rods, balls, and goalposts). Find the shape that best fits the student and allows her fine control of the joystick. Standard knobs stick up about 1 inch or 1 1/2 inches and operate with the fingers, the fingers and thumb, or the palm of the hand. The sides of the shaft may be straight, or flare out to keep the fingers from slipping off when the chair hits bumps.

A standard joystick knob with the sides of the shaft flared outward. (S. Crawford)

Consumers who have fine motor deficits may prefer a nonstandard joystick. Here are several choices.

• A joystick knob with a flat top that is wider is easier to grasp for some consumers. The flat top also makes it possible to place the fingertip on top and drive by just moving the finger, similar to using the touch pad on a laptop.

A joystick knob with a flat top. (S. Crawford)

• A t-shaped joystick allows the consumer to drape her fingers across the bar, or rest her palm on it. She drives the chair with arm movements instead of finger or wrist movements.

A t-shaped joystick knob. (S. Crawford)

• A joystick with sides that flare upward, like goal posts, helps to keep the hand on top of the bar and provides something to push against when pushing the joystick to the side for turns.

A joystick knob with sides that flare up. (S. Crawford)

• Flexible, tube-shaped, rubber knobs are popular with people who have no finger movement, but do have some arm movement. In most cases, the fingers are stiff and stay in a curved position. Position the long rubber knob between the fingers. The resistance of the fingers wanting to return to their natural position holds the knob in place. If the rubber bends too easily and tears, fill the top of the tube with foam or something else soft to give it extra strength.

A joystick with a long rubber knob. (S. Crawford)

• A knob in the shape of a finger ring is another option for someone without finger movement; one finger slides in the ring, and arm movement drives the chair. The ring keeps the hand on the joystick when the chair hits bumps, or the consumer has a tonal reflex that would take the hand off the joystick.

A joystick knob in the shape of a finger ring. (S. Crawford)

• Small joysticks are for individual fine finger movement, or mounted on a swing arm so that the chair drives by movements of the tongue, lips, or chin. The knob can come in a variety of shapes, including a ball the size of a marble, or a flat top to make it easier to keep the fingertip on top of the joystick.

Two small joystick knobs – one is ball-shaped, and one has a flat top. A coin shows size comparison; both small knobs are similar in size to the quarter. (S. Crawford)

• One homemade modification is to drill a hole into a golf ball and slip the golf ball over the shaft of the joystick. Remove the original knob and use a small metal rod to attach the golf ball. If needed, insert a screw from the side to keep the ball from pulling off the metal rod when the hand jerks.
• Another homemade knob modified is to use the ball tip from a long white cane. Slide the ball down over the existing joystick knob. If needed, take the cane tip to a medical supply store to ask for a joystick knob that will fit into the hole in the tip. If the tip slides on and off too easily, wrap the knob with paper or tape until it no longer slides off easily. The tape also makes the ball tip easier to hold onto. If needed, glue the tip to the existing knob, but do not glue anything to the metal rod of the control box.

Instead of a joystick, some consumers have a flat panel similar to the touch mouse found on laptop computers. Ask the chair supplier to loan the student a few different knobs with which to practice. What the student prefers based on looks or initial impression may not be the joystick with which she functions best.

Joystick movement: Plates placed below the joystick regulate the movement of the stick. The supplier determines the cut of the plate's pattern. Often, the hole is circular. Sometimes it is diamond-shaped with the top corner cut off.

The illustration shows a diamond-shaped joystick plate with the top point cut so it is rounded off.

Automatic brake releases: Almost all electric wheelchairs have brakes that automatically engage and regulate how quickly the chair slows when the consumer releases the joystick. Scooters also have brakes that function in a similar manner when one uses the throttle control lever. When the joystick on a chair is in the neutral position, the wheels do not roll because the brakes are applied. The brakes release whenever the joystick moves in any direction. To push the chair manually, the brake or motor must be disengaged. Each make of chair seems to have its own variety of release mechanism. Some release levers are on the side of the chair. Others are below the seat, often in the rear. Some chairs engage through a locking mechanism in the drive wheel hub. The lever or knob disengages the wheels from the chair motor. As a safety precaution, some chairs require that the consumer turn the chair off and then back on after reengaging the brakes/motor.

Watch video CFS12f: Chair Features and Selection: Motor/brake engagement lever on scooters and electric wheelchairs.

Manual brakes: A few electric wheelchairs have brakes that the consumer applies. These are usually similar to the brakes on manual chairs.

Speed controls/modes: There are numerous ways to control the speed of electric wheelchairs: joystick movements, speed dials, or mode settings. On some chairs, it is difficult to tell the selected mode. There may be one button that cycles through the modes, or there may be two buttons—one button for up and the other for down. Lights or LED numbers usually indicate the selected mode; however, consumers who cannot see the lights or numbers need a method to determine the mode setting.

Some chairs have a dial control that increases or lowers the maximum speed as it is turned. On others, a button or series of actions with the controller box switches the chair from mode to mode. The chair speed modes are packages of speed settings set up specifically for different travel environments. Mode 1 may have the slowest speeds and be for indoor areas with tight corners. Mode 3 or 4 may be specifically set up for sidewalk travel. Mode 5 may be the fastest settings and used to cross major intersections. Modes can be set up with different settings for forward speed, turning speed, and backing speed. Each function can be set at a different percentage of full power. It may be beneficial to set turnings speeds at a lower percentage of the full power than the forward speed. For example, one consumer set mode 4 at 80% for forward power and 50% for turning and backing, while mode 5 was 100% for forward and 50% for turning and backing. To create mode packages requires special computer software and it is best to have the wheelchair provider do this. Modes that are safe for the consumer in specific environments should be determined during the assessment process. Consumers should be aware of which modes or speeds are appropriate for each setting and be able to switch the speeds or modes themselves.

For chairs that change modes with push buttons, there may be a single button to cycle through all of the available modes, 1 through 5 and then going back to 1 with the next push. This is not ideal for visually impaired users. They may be unable to distinguish the current mode. A better option is a two-button system where one button takes the mode down by one level and the other button takes it up one level. When a consumer reaches the top mode, the next press of the button does nothing, leaving the chair in the fastest mode. The consumer can press the button repeatedly until she knows she is on the fastest setting and then press the down button, counting to the desired mode. This procedure repeats until the chair is on the slowest settings and then pressing the up button and counting to the desired setting. Some consumers are confused and think that if they press down repeatedly, then press the up button three times, they are on mode 3. This actually puts them on mode 4. When switching to pressing up, they should start their count with 2, and then count up to the desired mode number.

Speed dials are the best way for individuals with visual impairment to set and control the speed of their chairs. The dials can be marked tactilely so the wheelchair user can feel where the dial is set. Most will be able to use the dial to know they are at the preferred speed for the selected setting.

A dial knob for speed control. (S. Crawford)

A two-button system for speed control. (S. Crawford)

A push button system for speed control. (S. Crawford)

Manufacturer settings: The chair provider should adjust the mode settings to meet the needs of the consumer. A common problem when the chair turns is that it turns past the point where the consumer wants to finish the turn. To adjust for this, reduce the turning speed or have the brakes engage at a faster rate. The supplier may also adjust the top speed of the chair. If the consumer cannot consistently control her own speed, she may need to have the chair settings adjusted so that it cannot go too fast. Adult consumers should agree to have this done. Consult with the legal guardian for a minor or dependent adult before adjusting the modes.

Power button/switch: It is easiest to tell if the chair's power is off or on with a toggle switch. Push buttons may have a different tone for off and on, but not all chairs offer this feature. Some providers are willing to add toggle switches if the consumer cannot tell if the chair is in the off or on mode.

Charging/Battery types: Different battery types work best with different charging patterns. For some older styles, deplete the battery before charging; this helps keep the battery from getting a “memory.” With this type of battery, if the consumer repeatedly uses a small portion of the charge and recharges the battery, it will eventually run for shorter and shorter times. Periodically the battery has to be “refreshed,” which means drained almost completely before charging. On newer type batteries, there is no memory effect. The consumer can charge them as often as she wishes; but if the battery drains until it is empty, it may not accept a new charge. If the battery does drain all the way, and will not recharge using the provided charger, remove the battery from the chair and hook it up to a 12-volt car battery charger. Use the lower settings on the charger. Do not charge more than one battery at a time.

Pivot seats: Most electric wheelchairs have seats that do not pivot, but a few do. The advantage of a pivot seat is more obvious in scooters (See scooter section of this chapter.). Pivot seats help the user transfer from one seat to another, and allow the consumer to turn the seat to face a table or desk. However, if the consumer’s seat were at a height that creates the correct position with the footrests in place, once pivoted the seat would be too high for the consumer to sit comfortably with her feet on the ground.

Removable seats: The advantage of a removable seat is that the chair can be stored more easily. With the seat removed, lift the base into vehicles that do not have lifts. The base is still heavy and may require two people to lift it in and out.

Reclining seats: Many electric wheelchairs come with seats referred to as “captain’s chairs.” These are thickly cushioned and have a lever on the side that allows one to position the seat back for the consumer’s comfort. The control is usually similar to that of a car seat.

Tilt chairs: As opposed to reclining seat backs, tilt chairs have a hydraulic system that moves the entire seat, footrests and all. Consumers with paraplegia and quadriplegia use tilt chairs to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores and to promote blood flow to the lower body. Chairs tilt by lifting the front of the seat and pivoting on the back or by having the entire seat move. On tilt-in-space chairs, as the front goes up, the back comes down and forward; this allows the seat to tilt without taking up more space. The consumer tilts without the worry that she may hit the wall or other objects behind her.

Seat Lifts: Some chairs have a mechanism that raises and lowers the seat of the wheelchair. The footrests raise and lower with the seat. This allows the student to raise the seat at counters or to be at eye level with people sitting next to her. She can lower the chair to fit under tables and for pulling up to desks.

Seat height adjustment: Seat height should only need to be determined once for each consumer. However, a consumer should know where her chair height is set so that the chair can be returned to the proper position if it is taken apart for transport. On the chair base, there are four receiver posts, each of which has a series of vertical holes. Under the seat, there are four narrower posts, which slide inside the receiver posts. Either the front or the back posts can slide in first. The seat posts may not slide easily, and it may take more than one person to hold the seat in the proper position as another person slides the pins into the holes to hold the posts in place. Set the front and back sets of posts to the same position. Remember to reconnect the wires that connect the base to the joystick controller box.

Watch video CFS12g: Chair Features and Selection: Seat height adjustment on an electric wheelchair.

“Proper” seat height is the distance between the back of the consumer’s thigh and the bottom of her foot, while in a seated position. It is checked by placing a thin object such as a tongue depressor, folded paper, or thin ruler under the consumer’s thigh, on the seat, as close to the knee as possible. If the object slides freely under the thigh, the seat is too low, causing the knees to be too high. If the object is too tight to pull out, the seat is too high. Having the seat too high causes most of the weight of the legs to be borne by the back of the thighs; this limits the consumer’s leg circulation. To correct the distance, move the seat or lower the footplates.

Footplates: There are several options for footplates on electric wheelchairs. They can be either one plate for both feet or separate plates for each foot. The plates can flip up or rotate out to give the consumer room to transfer. Basic chairs, frequently sold to seniors and part-time chair users, usually have a single plate that flips up out of the way. It is on a single hinge at the base of the chair, and its height is adjustable based on the length of the consumer’s legs. Some chairs have a single plate that flips up to the side; the hinge is on a bar at the side of the chair instead of the base. Expensive chairs may have separate footplates for each foot that fold up and swing out to the sides, which are custom fit for the user. These are similar to the footplates used on manual wheelchairs.

Watch video CFS12h: Chair Features and Selection: Footplates on an electric wheelchair.

If the student cannot see or feel her feet, single footplates are preferred. A student who had a double footplate had her right foot slide between the rails of the entrance gate to a transit station. She did not realize it and continued to drive through the gate. She had to be stopped because her leg was being pulled off to the side of the chair, but she could neither see it nor feel it. She switched the double footplate to a single solid footplate; in the future, the footplate kept her feet from passing between the rails of the gates.

Anti-tippers: On electric wheelchairs, the anti-tippers are not removable, but may be adjustable. They may be in the front or back depending on if the chair is front- or rear-wheel drive. The wheels usually have to be unbolted to adjust the anti-tippers. If set too low, the anti-tippers will reduce the size of drop-offs the chair can navigate. If they are set too high, the chair will lean farther during quick starts or stops. If the anti-tippers are in the front and set too high, sudden stops could throw the consumer from the chair.

Articulating anti-tippers: Some electric wheelchairs have a feature called articulating anti-tippers. Spring-loaded frames, which hold the drive wheels and the anti-tippers, allow the consumer to lower the drive wheels when the weight of the chair is on the anti-tippers and casters at the same time. The mechanism minimizes the chance that the chair become high centered in a dip, such as the valley created between a curb ramp and a street with a steep camber. This feature is highly recommended. Without the articulating anti- tippers, the drive wheels can end up spinning in the air, and leave the consumer stuck at the bottom of the curb ramp.

Watch video CFS12i: Chair Features and Selection: Articulating anti-tippers on an electric wheelchair.

Adjustable armrests: Some chairs have armrests that adjust to the width of the consumer’s body. The armrests should be as narrow as possible. The narrower the chair, the easier it is to navigate doorways and other narrow spaces. If there is a large gap between the torso and the armrests, the consumer may toss side-to-side when the chair hits a side slope or goes off a side drop-off. Armrests pull up so the chair can pull as close as possible to tables. If a consumer removes the armrests for transport, wear marks on the shaft of the armrest will indicate its original positioning.

Watch video CFS12j: Chair Features and Selection: Adjustable armrests on an electric wheelchair.

Trailer hitches: Small box receiver hitches are available on many chairs. They hold baskets, walker holders, umbrellas, or numerous other accessories.

Baskets: On electric wheelchairs, baskets attach to the back of the chair. They are helpful to carry things, but increase the overall length of the chair. Consumers must learn not to hit things with the basket as they turn. Never store purses and other valuables in a back-mounted basket. On scooters, baskets attach to the front or the back. Baskets on the front can interfere with cane usage, so it is preferable to attach baskets to the rear. Baskets should be removable; in some cases, they are strapped to the scooter or chair. If the straps are permanent, replace them with removable ones.

An electric wheelchair with a basket attached to the back. (S. Crawford)

Pockets/Pouches: Chair seats often have pockets on the back. They are useful for keeping emergency ponchos or spare canes. Special bags are available that connect to the chair frame and hang beneath the seat, just behind the consumer’s legs. These are better to hold valuables because thieves would have to reach between the consumer’s legs to get the valuables.

Assembly/Disassembly: It is possible to disassemble some special portable electric wheelchairs and put them into car trunks. A few chairs have removable seats, but remember to disconnect the wiring for the joystick before removing the seat. Most chairs have the seats bolted to their bases and cannot be taken apart.

Scooters

Scooter controls vary based on the model of the scooter, but there are common features that the consumer should know how to operate.

Power lever and speed control: Most have a key or plug that turns the scooter off and on. Use a meter to indicate the charge level of the batteries; most meters have a needle that is inaccessible to wheelchair users with visual impairments.

Most scooters do not have mode settings like electric wheelchairs. Speed controls are usually on a number (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) or picture (e.g., turtle and rabbit) dial. Consumers can also use the relative dial position to indicate speed. The consumer may need to mark the dial to indicate where it is set.

The throttle control levers stick out to either side of the handlebars. Squeezing or pressing forward on the right side of the throttle control lever causes the scooter to move forward. Pulling the right side of the lever backward, toward the driver, causes the scooter to move backward. Pulling the left side of the throttle control lever backward causes the scooter to move forward. Squeezing the left side of the lever or pushing it forward causes the scooter to move backward. The two halves of the throttle control lever are actually one lever, so pressing one side creates the opposite movement in the other side of the lever.

Horn: Scooter horns are usually not very loud. They draw the attention of pedestrians who may be blocking a path.

Watch video CFS12k: Chair Features and Selection: Scooter controls.

Headlights, taillights, and turn signals: Headlights and taillights are very helpful for night travel. The turn signals seem silly, but they help to make the chair more visible at night. The headlights point forward and do not illuminate the areas to the sides of the chair, so the consumer may want to carry a flashlight to navigate turns.

Key/lock: Another advantage of scooters is that they lock with a key. Consumers with limited stamina may choose to drive the scooter to a public place, remove the key from their scooter, and get off the scooter at their destination.

Automatic brake releases: As mentioned earlier, scooters have brakes that function in a similar manner to electric wheelchairs when one releases the throttle control. See the automatic brake release section in Electric Wheelchairs.

Assembly and disassembly: Consumers should know how to assemble and disassemble their scooters. The consumer may be unable to complete the process alone, but should be able to describe it to the person helping her. At the time of purchase, the consumer should ask what the heaviest piece of the chair is.

Watch video CFS12l: Chair Features and Selection: Scooter disassembly and assembly.

Seats: Seats may recline or fold, and they are usually removable. Height adjustment is similar to height adjustment on office chairs. Most will rotate so the consumer can turn the seat sideways to get in or out of the chair. She may also choose to pull up to a table and turn the chair to face the table.

Tiller adjustment: Adjust the handlebars of electric scooters, referred to as tillers, to the position that is most comfortable for the consumer. A knob or lever at the front of the tiller allows it to lean forward or back. Position the tiller far enough back so that the consumer can reach comfortably forward and grasp the handles. If the tiller is too far forward, the consumer may not be able to maintain her grasp with the right hand while turning the tiller left or with the left hand while turning the tiller right. This is important for navigation of tight spaces. If the tiller is too close to the consumer, the handles will hit the consumer’s torso when she makes sharp turns. If the tiller is too close or too far away, the consumer may have a hard time working the throttle control lever. When one disassembles a scooter, the tiller folds down to the foot platform to facilitate storage.

Watch video CFS12m: Chair Features and Selection: Tiller adjustment on a scooter.

Throttle control lever: The throttle control lever may be a continuous metal bar, separate levers for left and right sides, or rotating handles similar to motorcycles. Ideally, the consumer will acquire a scooter that she can drive with either hand.

Charging/Batteries: Scooters may have onboard or external chargers. Onboard chargers make the scooter heavier. The consumer only needs to carry the cord to charge the chair away from home. External chargers make the scooter lighter, but the consumer may need to carry the charger with her on longer trips. See comments on batteries in the section above. A set of lights or a meter indicates the battery charge level.

Number of wheels: Scooters may come in 3- or 4-wheel varieties. For outdoor travel, 4-wheel scooters are preferred; the 3-wheel versions are more likely to turn over. It is easier to navigate tight spaces with a 3-wheel scooter.

Anti-tippers: Scooters may have anti-tippers on the rear or on the side of the chair. The side anti-tippers reduce the chances of the scooter turning over sideways during a sharp turn. The anti-tippers on scooters are not adjustable.

Baskets: Baskets attach to the front or the back of the scooter. They are helpful to carry things, but increase the overall length of the scooter. Consumers must learn not to hit things with the basket as they turn. Baskets on the front can interfere with cane usage. Some students have taken the basket and set it on the platform between their feet or between their feet and the seat.

Non credited photos in chapter 12 are from Shutterstock.

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