Face it. America’s waistlines are growing. With busy schedules and long work hours, many
people have gotten used to eating on the go or eating processed food. In the end, many more obese people are in
existence. Discrimination isn’t allowed,
so all companies are developing motorized wheelchairs specifically developed
for obese people.
What few people
realize is that wheelchairs in general are designed to hold no more than 250
pounds. That’s right! The wheelchairs you see in hospitals and
doctors’ offices are designed for people who weigh less than 250 pounds. This can mean that finding a motorized
wheelchair for an obese person becomes a challenge.
If you are
shopping for a motorized wheelchair for an obese person, begin by looking for
motorized wheelchair manufacturers who sell heavy-duty models. Generally heavy-duty motorized wheelchairs
can handle up to 400 pounds. If the
intended user is more than 400 pounds, it becomes extremely tricky to find a
model that will work. Those that can
handle the additional weight will cost double or triple the amount for a
regular motorized wheelchair.
To make a
motorized wheelchair sturdy enough, the axle, tires, suspension, and
motor/engine must be strengthened for the excessive load. The problem with a motorized wheelchair
carrying heavier weights is not so much the framing, but the motor burns out
quickly due to the strain of carrying the additional weight. Motor replacements are expensive and difficult. Therefore, many manufacturers do not attempt
to tap into the necessary market for motorized wheelchairs for morbidly obese
people.
Invacare, a
leading manufacturer of home health products, does make a model (Pronto M94)
that can handle a person weighing up to 500 pounds. PaceSaver’s “The Boss” is the only remaining
chair that can handle an obese person.
“The Boss” can take up to 600 pounds of weight. Beyond that, there is no motorized wheelchair
strong enough. These two companies
realized the need and tapped into a market.
While the prices are higher than an average motorized wheelchair, the
heavy-duty chairs are the best on the market.
Trust in them without worry when you are looking for a wheelchair for
obese people.
