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There are three types of wheelchairs - manual wheelchairs, transport chairs and electric or power wheelchairs. With a manual wheelchair the person has to move the wheelchair, as it is self-propelled. Power wheelchairs however, are normally powered by batteries.

Power wheelchairs offer a number of leg, arm and seating options to accommodate a wide range of user needs. The different types of Power wheelchairs are as follows:

- Transportable Power Wheelchairs:

A transportable power wheelchair generally weights less than 100 lbs, making transportation fairly easy. Its component parts, which can be quickly assembled, allows its easy transfer in and out of ones car trunk. This type of electric wheelchairs have a compact size that fit in spaces like narrow doorways. These lightweight frames can easily be folded or disassembled into manageable pieces which have made them the easiest and lightest among the powerchairs.

- Powerbase Power Wheelchairs:

These types of wheelchairs are identified by their motor and wheel placement. Powerbase power wheelchairs also provide a comfortable ride with a wide battery range. Powerbase powerchairs also offer suspension, driving, seating and handling easily and effectively. Generally, the center of gravity of these chairs is low, thus making ones ride smooth, stable and safe. The suspension packages in some chairs make them ideal for outdoor use while others are designed with small turning radius and are perfect for indoor use only. These types of powerchairs require transportation using lifts and ramps as they generally don’t fold or disassemble.

- Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs:

This type of heavy duty power wheelchairs are built mainly for outdoor use. These power wheelchairs are capable of handling almost any surface very easily. There is rear, front and mid wheel drive options in heavy duty powerchairs. It has larger wheels and is designed to provide a smooth ride over rough surfaces and terrain. The torque of theses heavy power wheelchairs can be increased over standard power wheelchairs by the help of large motors and long frames.

The certain advantages of Power Wheelchairs over Manual Wheelchairs are:

-Power wheelchairs are generally powered with a set of batteries that provides the required power to move the wheelchair causing less physical exertion.

-Power wheelchairs can move uphill very easily whereas in case of manual wheelchairs there are several difficulties.

-In the case of power wheelchairs, the handicapped person needs nobodies help and so has the freedom.