The Evolution of the Electric Wheelchair Industry

For many, a wheelchair is an essential part of day-to-day life. Without it, they lose their independence, stability and means to get out and about in the community. The wheelchair industry is one that has long played a significant role is aiding individuals, but is yet to be talked about much in the mainstream media. The electric wheelchair industry is growing at an astonishing rate; expected to reach £2.4 billion in 2022.

Today's electric wheelchair industry

Electric wheelchairs are, essentially, motorised versions of manual wheelchairs. They have greatly improved independence for many people with disabilities, offering the ability to travel long distances and so much more.

Electric wheelchairs are continuing to develop, and have come a long way since their first appearance. Technological advances have led to different positions of wheels – such as rear wheel and mid-wheel electric wheelchairs – for better stability on outdoor terrain.

Similarly, early electric wheelchairs were bulky, slow and clumsy to handle. They were also challenged by hills and made travelling on public transport difficult.

However, they have now evolved so that they are fully integrated, smooth, powerful and packed full of options for greater comfort. They do provide that much needed independence for those with severe disability, as well as people requiring assistance when travelling outdoors.

An answer to injuries from manual chair use

As estimated, over 70% of manual wheelchair users have been injured. This is, typically, due to manual wheelchairs relying on the muscles in the front shoulder and chest. If you happen to use your manual wheelchair everyday, those muscles are, eventually, going to become overworked and feel the strain.

Often, those in wheelchairs that require manual effort also suffer from trapped fingers.

Electric wheelchairs have helped overcome all of these issues, with additional tech also leading to an improved life.

Users who suffer from muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and any spinal cord injury will likely find the gravity assisted positioning of powered wheelchairs almost invaluable. Similarly, new technology is allowing patients to manage heart conditions and other illnesses, such as oedema, with the elevated leg rests raising the legs above the heart. At the same time, folding electric wheelchairs have proved a great option for many, with users able to save space and travel better on public transport.

What does the future hold?

The technologies above, and others, are continuing to develop in the powered wheelchair industry at a greater pace. We are already seeing the first signs of companies attempting to improve independence.

Whill, a Japanese startup, is one such company. The three founders have come together to create the Whill Model C; a sleek, revolutionary wheelchair, designed with their friend in mind. Having recently begun requiring the use of a wheelchair, their friend felt embarrassed by the large chairs available and avoided going outdoors.

So they created the Model C, with aesthetics at the very heart of the project. The armrests and controllers are a little higher than conventional, which helps the rider feel more in control of the chair.

Why choose us

Kunshan Aoshida Electric Technology Co., Ltd, is located in Development Zone, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China. Our company is a high-tech enterprise that combines our wheelchairs and scooters' R&D, manufacture, market and service. Our brand name is FreedomChair. If you are looking for a wheelchair merchandise, please contact us now!