Manual Vs. Electrical Wheelchair
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Manual wheelchair |
Electric wheelchairs |
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Minimum upper limb strength required to propel the wheelchair is necessary to operate a manual wheelchair. |
Very little upper limb strength just enough to operate buttons is required to operate a electric wheelchair |
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Tiresome when used to travel long distances |
Since operated by motor does not tire the user. |
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Manual wheelchair can aid to strengthen the upper limbs and back. |
Because of minimal use of upper limbs, these advantages are lost in an electric wheelchair. |
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Lesser weight making it easier for a manual wheelchair to transport. |
Motors, batteries and body weight make electric wheelchairs heavier and harder for transportation |
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Manual wheelchairs requires less maintenance |
Regular and good maintenance is must for a electric wheelchair because motors, batteries, electronic circuits and delicate components are used |
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Low maintenance costs |
High maintenance costs |
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Easy maneuverability in narrow spaces |
Requires larger spaces for accurate movements |
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Manual wheelchairs are Cheaper |
Electric wheelchairs are Costlier |
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Manual wheelchairs are Easily Foldable |
Electric wheelchairs are Complex to dismantle |
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Learning to operate is simple |
The user needs a little skills to understand the programmed commands |


