HX302 foldable electric wheelchair (PG controller, original Panasonic lithium battery, 320W motor, hardened frame)

How to choose an electric wheelchair

There are hundreds of electric wheelchairs on the market. They may look similar, but their prices can vary thousands of miles. Those with similar prices may have very different specifications. Faced with dozens of electric wheelchairs, how should consumers choose? Hoho Medical Limited is here for you. Summarize the key points and teach you how to choose an electric wheelchair.

Generally speaking, users only need normal cognitive abilities, vision and hand movement coordination to operate an electric wheelchair. If you are not sure whether the user's physical condition is suitable, it is recommended to check with a medical professional first.

Electric wheelchairs can generally be divided into three categories: lightweight folding type , full-function folding type , and stable and durable type . Choosing the most suitable type mainly depends on the user's body shape and usage requirements.

Electric wheelchairs are based on manual wheelchairs, plus batteries, motors and controllers. Electric wheelchairs are heavier than manual wheelchairs because in addition to the battery, motor and controller, their brackets, tires and wheels also need to be strengthened to withstand heavier forces.

Latest developments in 2023
In the past, electric wheelchairs used lead-acid batteries, and more recently, lithium batteries have been used; from very heavy brushed motors to recent brushless motors; and recently, there are even electric wheelchairs with carbon fiber frames . As times change, electric wheelchairs gradually become lighter and lighter.

Once you know the type of electric wheelchair the user needs, you can then filter based on your budget or requirements.

Electric wheelchairs are more expensive, mainly because of the combination of three main electric parts (motor, battery and controller). Even if electric wheelchairs use the same motor data, there will be significant differences due to different controllers or batteries. .

Main factors affecting electric wheelchairs:

· Motor horsepower and types (brushed vs. brushless)

Brushed motor is the more common type of motors. Its advantages are cheap price, fast starting and braking, and high horsepower , but its disadvantages are heavy weight and low efficiency . And brushed motors are not suitable for working at high temperatures , because high temperatures cause the connection

The springs in the carbon brushes "temper" and become soft, thereby reducing their effectiveness over time .

Carbon wipes used in electric wheelchairs:

Most of the time, the electric wheelchair motor has worn out and the user feels powerless, so the carbon brush has to be replaced.

Brushless motors are motors without carbon brushes for phase change. The advantage is that there is no carbon brush as a current phase changer, so there is no need to clean the carbon brushes due to friction. Maintenance is simpler, and the life span and efficiency are higher. It is long and only uses thin magnets and coils, so it is also lighter and less bulky . It is more expensive because it is difficult and costly to produce.

Performance competition:

The efficiency of brushless motor is about 65-80% , and the efficiency of brushless motor is about 80-90% . For example, with a 20Ah battery, an electric wheelchair with a brushed motor can run for 4 hours; on the other hand, an electric wheelchair with a brushless motor can run for 6 hours.

· Lithium battery or lead-acid battery, capacity, whether it can be boarded on an airplane, etc.

Lithium batteries weigh only one-third of lead-acid batteries, but their lifespan is three times longer than ordinary lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are also almost three times more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

1. Lead-acid batteries (cheap, but heavy)

2. Domestic lithium batteries (lightweight, cheap, but may not have BMS control)

3. Dual independent lithium batteries (often said that they can be used on airplanes, but are dangerous. Accidents with this type of model are common in the news)

4. Imported lithium batteries (usually with BMS)

The BMS system Battery Managment System can calculate and stabilize the current and improve performance. It can be charged quickly, and has a longer and stable life.

5. Independent lithium battery that can be used on airplanes (the most stable, ultra-safe, can be used on airplanes, and has evidence)

Battery type article details

· Controllers and smart programs

On the market, the most famous and durable brands are PG and Dynamic. The PG control current is relatively stable, the shell is durable, relatively stable and flexible, and it is suitable for medium to large electric wheelchairs. Dynamic is easier to detect fine-tuning programs and is suitable for new design models. There are also domestic controllers, which are cheaper.

· Frame design, material and material thickness 

· Wheel size and type

·Manufacturer, brand, origin

· Safety certificate and maintenance

If you have any questions, whether it's choosing a wheelchair, price, size, rental or trying it out at home, we have experts to assist you +852 35680755 / WhatsApp +852 57170820 . Welcome to inquire or make an appointment.

There are wheelchair companies selling inferior products on the market . The most common method is to replace the chair controller or modify the program .

Therefore, the following controller article is specially proposed.

Real controller vs fake controller (seems to be the same, but the actual control safety is much worse)

The cost of genuine British PG controllers is high , while the cost of domestic counterfeit controllers is low ( usually found on Taobao ). Merchants profit from the price difference and sell wheelchairs at low prices, using modified and inferior controllers, endangering user safety . The characteristics of genuine British PG controllers are: fast response, stable current and control, and durable and sturdy design; on the contrary, the quality of domestic inferior controllers is questionable.

The controller is one of the most important parts of the electric wheelchair, because it is the brain hub of the electric wheelchair, controlling the wheelchair switch, forward, backward and direction, and battery control and monitoring. A program error or malfunction may put the user's life at risk. Genuine and original controllers are not only flexible, but more importantly, safe and stable.

To distinguish the controllers, when purchasing a wheelchair, you can pay attention to whether the controller indicator light is clear, the printing color is clear, the orange speed switch is orange not yellow , and has an orange ( ) bracket-shaped print, and whether the response is immediate and stable, etc. Of course, the best way to distinguish is through real trial comparison.

Here are some differences that can be illustrated graphically:

The controller can still be distinguished with eyes, but if the battery or motor is replaced, it cannot be easily recognized. There is no point in looking for a technician to modify the electric wheelchair. It is recommended to try an electric wheelchair before purchasing it, especially if you are going up and down slopes and choose a company that can take on long-term maintenance .

related articles:

Is the electric wheelchair suitable for users? (with test)

How to use an electric wheelchair and precautions

Electric Wheelchair - Controller

Electric Wheelchair - Lithium Battery

Electric wheelchair - charger

Brushless motor VS brushed motor

Genuine controller and its packaging

Steps for getting on an airplane with an electric wheelchair

Electric wheelchair on board UN38.3

How to choose a battery

How to improve lithium battery performance

Single battery vs dual battery

Things to know when using a wheelchair

Teaching skills of ascending and descending

How to properly transfer a wheelchair user

How to choose the right size

Regulations and legislation regarding electric wheelchairs

Good quality assurance of medical supplies

  How to clean wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs during Covid

Should you choose an electric wheelchair or a manual wheelchair?

Professional engineers and industry technical team members

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