electric wheel chair

Indications

• neurologic disease
  • high-level spinal cord injury
  • multiple sclerosis
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• multiple limb amputations
• electric wheelchairs appropriate for patients cannot adequately self-propel, have insufficient upper extremity function, or require power seat functions for managing pain, spasticity, edema, or pressure relief
• for patients with mobility limitation that impairs toileting eating, dressing, grooming, bathing
• patients with upper extremity disability including weakness, deformities or pain
• patients with ALS, spinal cord disease, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis

Contraindications

• needs met safely with manual wheelchair, cane or walker
• inadequate vision/coordination/cognition
• seizure disorder
• active drug/alcohol abuse
• inadequate home environment
• fails training
  • unable to operate device
  • unable to get on or off device or have someone help

Advantages

• allows community mobility for those with limited ambulatory ability
• controls do not require intact upper extremities

Disadvantages

• may need home modifications

Notes

Features:

• usually joystick operation
• 20 mile/day range
• may options
  • recline
  • tilt in space
  • elevating leg rests

More general terms

• wheel chair (WC, W/C)

More specific terms

• scooter