Mobility is the key to our quality of life - more than ever in old age. Appropriate assistance is therefore essential. But how do you find the right, trustworthy partner and what distinguishes them?
"Mobility determines our existence", they say. This becomes particularly clear when and where it is restricted: in old age, for example. This can be counteracted with technical solutions, including foldable electric wheelchairs.
However, those affected are usually at a loss when faced with a huge selection of similar offers and providers: Each of them seems to have everything and offer everything. This does not help to spontaneously build trust in one of the competitors. But trust is extremely important, because trust means security - for everyone involved and for the future.
It is difficult to find the optimal solution for your own situation among the many products on offer. Here are a few starting points for recognizing "the right one".
Compare - experience - be convinced: Three steps to the perfect e-wheelchair
The first tip: Start with what you can see, grasp and measure to see the differences! In other words: What are the dimensions of the individual electric wheelchair, both folded and unfolded? Does it offer comfortable space when unfolded and is it particularly handy when folded?
What material is it made of? Is it robust and yet not too heavy? Is it stable and safe to drive, with non-tipping, non-slip tires? Can the e-wheelchair be used both indoors and outdoors? If the worst comes to the worst, can it be taken on trips by boat or plane? We recommend, for example, a sturdy aluminum design as used in aircraft construction, a weight of less than 30 kg and dimensions that do not exceed 65 x 80 x 35 cm when folded.
Be sure to test your new e-wheelchair "live"! Is it comfortable to sit on, does the upholstery provide a pleasant feeling? Do the seat width and depth fit? Are you happy with the backrest height and tilt?
What about the equipment? Which functions are available as standard and which can be upgraded or retrofitted according to your specific requirements? Proven features include fully retractable footrests with an anti-slip design, fold-up armrests, control panels that can be mounted on the left or right and practical storage compartments - all equipment details that significantly increase comfort.
Let's stay with the measurable values for a moment. In addition to the equipment, the performance data are decisive in everyday life. What turning circle does your new e-wheelchair have and (more importantly) what range? Can it be recharged quickly or does it take its time? Excellent values are a charging time of approx. 3.5 hours and a range of 30 km or more.
Advice, service, feedback: What you should also look out for
You may even have the opportunity to talk to a provider 's staff on the phone or in person. If so, you should look out for fair, open and transparent advice that also considers and identifies potential obstacles and thinks outside the box, i.e. beyond the wheelchair itself. Do you experience advice at eye level, with competence, friendliness and time for all the essentials? One of the few things you can't judge for yourself in advance is whether delivery, assembly and instruction are carried out by experienced, customer-oriented, professionally trained and, above all, the company's own staff.
A look at the company itself could also help you find your bearings: Is it a very experienced provider, a proven technology, an established system, a team of its own permanent employees?
To use the comparable figures again: verifiable reports of thousands of satisfied customers, low complaint rates, above-average speed of resolution or possibly also an excellent satisfaction index in surveys are an advantage. (Success) figures create trust!
If you then look to the future: Is there a reliable, fast and competent service? Is it easily accessible, friendly and accommodating at almost all times?
On the way to YOUR ideal folding power wheelchair!
To find all this out, do some research in specialist stores, on the pages of brochures and on the Internet - it's definitely worth the effort, because you will have to live with your decision for a long time.
You should also ask those affected who have already had their own experiences. And, very importantly, take a look at the comments and ratings on the Internet: Are all the points I just mentioned mentioned and praised?
Then you are already a lot closer to your solution: a solution that earns your trust with many, many plus points and thus gives you a great deal of security.