Life on Wheels (53 page)

Manual chairs are lightweight and getting lighter all the time thanks to modern composite materials, the use of titanium,

Lightweight chairs require less strength and energy to push.

Manual chairs have unlimited range, not being limited by the charge capacity of a battery.

Manual chairs cost less to purchase than power chairs. Maintenance costs are also lower, thanks to fewer working parts and freedom from having to replace depleted batteries.

Manual chairs are more discreet than power chairs, being less bulky and, with no motor noise, quieter—assuming the manual chair is well maintained.

Manual chairs are easier to maneuver for slight rotations or small movements.

Manual chairs travel more easily than power chairs, whether on an airplane or stowed in the backseat or trunk of a car. Depending on options, a manual chair can be stored more easily when broken down to its component parts. Swingaway footrests can be removed, as can the wheels by means of the now-common quick-release axles.

Manual chairs can extend mobility. For those with the strength and agility to master the art of the “wheelie,” many curbs and single steps no longer represent an obstacle in a manual chair, as you can safely “jump” a curb or step either going up or down.

A power chair actually extends your mobility, compared with a manual chair, in many ways. Some riders are also finding that they do better in a power chair as they age. Chronic shoulder pain from overuse or weakness from an illness might make it necessary. Here are some of the reasons you might opt for a power chair:

A power chair conserves your energy, allowing you to go whatever distance necessary without exhausting yourself, for work or pleasure activities.

A power chair allows you to handle uphill slopes that would be an unnecessary overexertion or perhaps beyond your ability to climb with a manual chair.

A power chair frees you from the need for assistance when going a considerable distance or on a steep surface.

A power chair leaves one arm free to stabilize an object you might carry in your lap—such as a bag of groceries or books—while operating a joystick control.

A power chair can include powered tilt or recline features, which aid in pressure-sore prevention, respiration, and comfort for quadriplegic riders.

Choosing a power chair can be a tough decision. Despite the advantages listed above, there are mobility restrictions that come along with use of a power chair. They are limited by battery life, are too heavy to be carried up a stairway, and don’t jump curbs easily, if at all. They make more noise and are less able to make fine maneuvers. Pushing a manual chair keeps the upper body in shape, to a degree, so using a power chair can be an invitation to losing strength.

Some people resist choosing a power chair because it makes them feel “too disabled.” But it’s important to ask yourself how much of your daily energy you are willing to invest in pushing a manual chair. If you have marginal upper body strength, you can exhaust yourself just getting where you’re going. Perhaps you are attending a college that is on a sloping site or live in a hilly town. Consider whether you prefer to trade having more energy in the day against your public image as a power chair rider. Lack of energy from pushing a manual chair around might even make a difference in your ability to hold a job.