Using a power wheelchair (electric wheelchair) saves on energy- your own! The physical exertion associated with using a manual wheelchair for extended distances can be avoided with the convenience of a power wheelchair. Sometimes a wheelchair bound individual does not have a choice between an electric or manual chair. They may be too weak in the arms and upper body to be able to propel a manual wheelchair, and so their only option is an electric power wheelchair. Other times, it's budgeting concerns that help you choose whether or not you'll have an electric or manual chair. Power wheelchairs are definitely more expensive than the standard, manually powered chair. It your budget constraints are of concern, don't forget that there are a few options for getting an electric wheelchair. For instance, you could buy a used chair, or see if Medicare can assist you in purchasing an electric chair. Some places allow you to purchase a wheelchair on a payment plan, which reduces the amount you have to have all at once, and allows people to pay on the chair over a long period of time- making it possible for people who otherwise would not be able to afford a power wheelchair to buy one. An electric wheelchair is powered by a motor, which is most often powered by a battery supply. Just as a person is in control of a car, the wheelchair bound individual is in control of the operation of the power wheelchair. There is usually a joystick or push button controls on an arm that is sometimes called a "control panel". This control panel is located right in front of the rider, so he or she can easily control the movements of the chair. If a person has been using a manual chair and makes the upgrade to an electric one, it may take some practice to learn how to operate it, but in no time at all everyone from the elderly to the young child should be able to maneuver their chair. If the wheelchair bound individual is unable to move their hands, power wheelchairs can also be purchased that can be operated with a mouthpiece or perhaps a foot pedal located on the footrest. Someone without use of their upper body at all would never be able to operate a manual wheelchair on their own, so an electric wheelchair gives them more independence. Advantages of using power wheelchairs include the obvious- ease of moving from place to place and saving on your own energy supply, as well as the tight turning radius of many of the new models of electric chairs. Some of them are able to rotate a full circle on an axis, which would allow a chair to make a complete turn inside of a narrow hallway! Power wheelchairs are great for apartment dwellers, or people who live in smaller homes, as they can get in and out of doorways easily, and around tight corners. The seating of a power wheelchair rivals that of your favorite armchair! With all the great advantages offered by the power wheelchairs, it's important to note some of the disadvantages as well. Many electric chairs are unable to fold up for storage or for transporting in the trunk of a car. This means you may want to have a manual wheelchair that folds up for trips if you don't have a wheelchair accessible van or vehicle. Power wheelchairs also have more parts that could break and need replacement or servicing. When choosing between a power wheelchair or a manual wheelchair, be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both. Understanding your options makes the decision easier.