More Horsepower For The Wheelchair Motor
The use of motorized wheelchairs has become more widespread in modern society. A wheelchair motor is now able to handle rougher terrain and longer run times than previous motors, making it a more worthwhile investment. These motors can power of sidewalk curbs, rocky roads and even grass, and they can perform far more tasks than any old wheelchair motor could ever dream of.
Understanding how these motors work can increase the awareness of the technological advances made in the wheelchair motor industry. Understanding these motors can also lead to a greater appreciation of those who have worked so hard to make life easier for everyone. The original motor was attached to a simple manual wheelchair and turned the wheels, allowing the wheelchair to move forward at a steady rate, without the aid of a person. The older motor was heavy and not very powerful. Going up steps and curbs was viewed as an impossible challenge for those in powered wheelchairs.
Now technology allows the wheelchair operator to go quite the distance in a short period. The new wheelchair motor has the power to go up curbs and over rough terrain without giving out. The new motors are lighter and faster than anything seen in the history of wheelchairs. These motors are even quieter than their forefathers.
The most common wheelchair motor is the two-pole motor. This motor functions by having electricity feed into two points of the motor. This makes for a quiet motor but does not provide a lot of power. This is ideal for smooth, indoor terrain and a lighter person of less than 250 pounds, since anything more can and will cause the motor to fail and burn out. For more rugged use or a heavier person, a four-pole motor is used. This motor runs on the same principle as the two-pole motor, but is twice the size. The latest in motor technology is the gearless and brushless electric motor. This motor allows for the highest level of power and quiet operation. This recent motor technology has very few moving parts and no gears or brushes to fail under pressure, making for a strong, dependable motor. As with cars, the larger and more powerful the motor, the more gas and energy is required to run the motor. The costs of the more powerful motors can push the costs of the wheelchair itself up considerably, not to mention the electric bill in trying to keep the battery charged. Before purchasing a wheelchair motor, individuals must find out how much money is too much to spend and what obstacles the wheelchair will encounter. Having a wheelchair motor that can climb a mountain does no good if the cost of running it is too high. Having a motor that cannot handle a bumpy sidewalk does no good either, if it is just to cut costs. Potential buyers must evaluate their needs and desires for the wheelchair motor before purchasing, and purchase the motor that is right for those needs, not for status.
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