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Power wheelchair

Wheelchairs were developed for the people who are unable to walk but are otherwise mobile. A power wheelchair is driven by electrical power and is really helpful and convenient to aid people to move about. Electrically propelled wheelchairs provide mobility to those who cannot walk, thereby helping them to partially overcome their physical disabilities. This makes the physically handicapped more productive, and it gives them a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction with life. Powered wheelchairs generally include an electric powered drive assembly having a drive assembly support structure which forms an integral portion of a wheelchair support frame. The drive assembly includes an electric motor and battery, each of which are generally mounted to the drive assembly support structure. Most power wheelchairs utilize two electric drive motors (one on each side) which are coupled to the drive wheels by drives such as pulleys and belts, gears, sprockets and chains, and cog on tire. The powered wheelchairs are differentially steered. Both drive wheels are driven forward when going forward, whereas the inside wheel is slowed, stopped, or even reversed when turning. At least two power driven wheels, supported by the wheelchair support frame, are rotatably coupled to the motor and engage the ground to propel the wheelchair. Both drive wheels are driven in reverse when going backwards. Furthermore, the wheelchair support frame carries a seat support assembly including a seat and a backrest. The drive assembly is usually operably coupled to a joystick which permits the user to control the direction of travel of the powered wheelchair from the user operational position. In a rear wheel drive wheelchair, the wheelchair includes powered wheels that have an axis typically behind the center of gravity of the wheelchair and occupant. In this chair, there are generally two caster wheels that contact the ground located at or near the front of the chair. These front casters provide support and balance for the wheelchair. Rear wheel drive power wheelchairs also have small anti-tip wheels on rigid mountings to the rear which are designed to catch the wheelchair if it should start to tip backwards.

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