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SCI - Parese - Juvo - Pierre
SCI - Parese - Juvo - Pierre
SCI - Parese - Juvo - Pierre
Solutions

Power wheelchairs

Who can benefit from a power wheelchair? Why is the type of drive important and what do you need to consider when purchasing? Find out more about power wheelchairs and what Ottobock offers.

Who can benefit from a power wheelchair? Why is the type of drive important and what do you need to consider when purchasing? Find out more about power wheelchairs and what Ottobock offers.

Summary

Power wheelchairs – a custom solution for many users*

A power wheelchair can bring more mobility and freedom in everyday life for both younger and older people. If mobility with manual wheelchairs is restricted or impossible, power wheelchairs may be an alternative and help expand the patient’s daily range of movement.

The broad range of models with different drive types and power options make it possible to adapt the power wheelchairs to the users' individual needs and life situations. This depends on the challenges that need to be overcome in everyday life. Important aspects need to be taken into account here: Will the power wheelchair be used mostly in the home – i.e. indoors – or possibly more outdoors? Are different positioning or placement options needed, or, for example, special support while standing up? What control device is possible for the user? Specialist dealers, such as medical supply companies, offer consultation and sell power wheelchairs. Trained, qualified personnel will advise and support you with every step – from selecting the right power wheelchair via the necessary options to submitting your application to the respective paying party.

Wingus | Harald | Park DE-DE
Definition

What is a power wheelchair and who can benefit from it?

An electric wheelchair or power wheelchair is a wheelchair that is propelled by an electric motor. Power wheelchairs are suitable for people for whom manual wheelchairs are limited or unusable due to limited or lack of strength and/or mobility in the shoulder or arm area. The goal of a motor wheelchair is to provide the user with a mobile life and to expand the range of movement. That’s why power wheelchairs are designed to be durable, everyday companions, tailored to individual requirements and wishes. Important questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing are:

  • Are you completely dependent on the power wheelchair or just for covering longer distances, for example?

  • Do you want to use the power wheelchair indoors only or should it also be usable outdoors?

  • For what purposes is the power wheelchair needed, both indoors and outdoors?

Depending on the degree of disability, the power wheelchair can also be controlled manually with a joystick or special control with chin or mouth. A custom power wheelchair may include specially adapted bearing and stabilising aids. They range from head supports to torso pads for a secure support for the upper body to complete seating shells.

SCI - Rückenmarksverletzung - Anja - Juvo DE-DE
All-rounders

What is the difference between a wheelchair for indoor and one for outdoor use?

Most wheelchairs today are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, so they can be used equally in any environment.

Wheelchairs for indoor and outdoor use differ fundamentally in terms of their designs. Power wheelchairs for indoor use generally have a lower motor power, a narrower and more compact design, smaller caster wheels, and a narrow steering radius. Wheelchairs for outdoor use, on the other hand, are of a more solid construction and feature a more robust design and stronger motors to make inclines easier to negotiate. The caster wheels are usually larger as well so that obstacles can be crossed more easily. To ensure navigation safely even in poor visibility, wheelchairs for outdoor use are also equipped with appropriate lighting.

The Ottobock power wheelchairs in the Juvo line and theWingus model can be adapted to the individual requirements of a wide variety of users, such as adolescents, adults, and seniors. In addition, all Ottobock power wheelchairs are designed to be equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The picture presents Anja, Anja, and Tobias sitting in their Juvo B4, B5, and B7 wheelchairs, enjoying Berlin and laughing together.
Drive types

What type of drive do Ottobock power wheelchairs use?

The Ottobock Juvo power wheelchairs are available with three different drive types. This means that the right drive is available for every need.

  • Front-wheel drive: This drive type of Juvo power wheelchairs stands out because it can easily negotiate obstacles and climb curbs. This makes mastering curbs effortless. The front-wheel drive ensures highly manoeuvrability indoors, making it just as easy to go around tight corners as driving up close to desks or other furniture.

  • Mid-wheel drive: The mid-wheel drive is also designed for indoor and outdoor use. A central pivot point allows users to move about intuitively. In addition, the manoeuvrable Juvo with mid-wheel drive is distinguished by its optimal weight distribution. The low centrifugal force also ensures a high level of stability against tipping, which ensures easy movement on roads and in the city.

  • Rear-wheel drive: This classic drive type for Juvo power wheelchairs scores with good drive wheel traction when driving up or down slopes. Since the caster wheels are in the user’s field of view, this makes steering of the wheelchair easier. Furthermore, optimal force distribution and directional stability ensure enhanced safety on various surfaces, even at higher speeds. This drive type can therefore be used equally indoors as well as outdoors.

Power wheelchair user Anja is in Ottobock Juvo B5, in front of a blue photo studio background.

I enjoy the good things in life.

- Harald, Wingus user

The Wingus power wheelchair is an entry-level model equipped with a folding back support for easy transport and a rear-wheel drive. The correct sitting position can be individually adjusted via the seat depth adjustment, and the swing-away arm supports also make it easy to get in and out via the sides. Thanks to these features, this model offers a comfortable ride both indoors and outdoors, while its features include an innovative cantilever frame design.

Harald kann sich auf den Wingus im Alltag verlassen.
FAQ

Other frequently asked questions about power wheelchairs

Solutions

Ottobock power wheelchairs

The products shown represent fitting examples and a selection of Ottobock products. Many different factors determine whether a product is actually suitable for you and whether you are capable of taking full advantage of the functionality of the product. Key aspects include your physical condition, fitness, and a detailed medical examination. Ask your medical supply dealer to explain the treatment, contraindications and potential risks to you in detail. Please read the product information and instructions for use.

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* The male form chosen on this website always refers to female, male and non-binary persons. The use of multiple designations is avoided to improve readability.