Power wheelchairs have two main modules: the base (formed by the batteries, the controller, the wheels and the motors) and the seating system. The wheels configuration will have a direct effect on the wheelchair’s performance in different situations. As we have two types of wheels (drive wheels and castors), depending on how they are positioned and how the weight is distributed, they will be more or less efficient in different situations, environments, terrains, etc. The first critical difference is the centre of rotation, which will be located at the same level the drive wheel is. At the same time, these configurations will have a direct influence on the wheelchair’s turning radius.
• In a front-wheel drive chair, both the drive wheels …show more content…
This means that the majority of the weight will be resting on the wheelchair’s rear part.
Each base configuration has its own advantages and disadvantages, and even though any of them may have perceived advantages over the others, at the end it all depends on user’s personal preferences and they necessarily need to be taken into account. Trialling is key before deciding on any of them.
RWD
Advantages
Rear-wheel drive configuration performs well at high speeds and outdoors, and offers great overall stability, because the user’s centre of mass is positioned between the casters and the drive wheels.
Disadvantages
Rear-wheel drive configuration has the largest turning radius and wheelchair’s footprint. It can be compared to pushing a supermarket cart, where the length in front of the user needs to be taken into account when turning. RWD bases are also less stable and they may need back anti tippers, since most of the weight is located rearwards.
MWD …show more content…
This system helps a MDW chair to drive comfortably and safely in any terrain: allows for a smooth ride reducing the impacts, helps maintaining the users’ horizontal position and avoids roll and pitch when dealing with obstacles and kerbs.
FWD
Advantages
Because of its short front end, a FWD chair deals well with tight corners, although its long back end needs to be taken into account in order to let the complete base to swing around. This wheelchair configuration is considered great at climbing obstacles, since the drive wheels are located in the front of the chair. It also has better weight distribution than the other configurations. This is because batteries are usually located at the back and they balance the weight of the drive wheels at the front. That is why FWD bases are notably stable when being driven on uneven terrains and hills.
Disadvantages
FWD chairs are not considered to function well at high speeds, and due to its long back end, it may cause the casters to fishtail (especially at top speeds). If there are two batteries and one is located at the front, a FWD wheelchair will need front anti
• In a front-wheel drive chair, both the drive wheels …show more content…
This means that the majority of the weight will be resting on the wheelchair’s rear part.
Each base configuration has its own advantages and disadvantages, and even though any of them may have perceived advantages over the others, at the end it all depends on user’s personal preferences and they necessarily need to be taken into account. Trialling is key before deciding on any of them.
RWD
Advantages
Rear-wheel drive configuration performs well at high speeds and outdoors, and offers great overall stability, because the user’s centre of mass is positioned between the casters and the drive wheels.
Disadvantages
Rear-wheel drive configuration has the largest turning radius and wheelchair’s footprint. It can be compared to pushing a supermarket cart, where the length in front of the user needs to be taken into account when turning. RWD bases are also less stable and they may need back anti tippers, since most of the weight is located rearwards.
MWD …show more content…
This system helps a MDW chair to drive comfortably and safely in any terrain: allows for a smooth ride reducing the impacts, helps maintaining the users’ horizontal position and avoids roll and pitch when dealing with obstacles and kerbs.
FWD
Advantages
Because of its short front end, a FWD chair deals well with tight corners, although its long back end needs to be taken into account in order to let the complete base to swing around. This wheelchair configuration is considered great at climbing obstacles, since the drive wheels are located in the front of the chair. It also has better weight distribution than the other configurations. This is because batteries are usually located at the back and they balance the weight of the drive wheels at the front. That is why FWD bases are notably stable when being driven on uneven terrains and hills.
Disadvantages
FWD chairs are not considered to function well at high speeds, and due to its long back end, it may cause the casters to fishtail (especially at top speeds). If there are two batteries and one is located at the front, a FWD wheelchair will need front anti