Many of us are old enough to remember the days when turntables were how we listened to our music. That was before mp3 players, cd players, cassette decks – even eight track and reel to reel. Those of us that are technically inclined were familiar with the two basic types of record players - Direct Drive and Belt Drive. Direct drive systems had an electric motor that directly spun the platter through gears. In belt drive systems, the motor was connected to the platter by means of a belt. Direct drive systems were and are still considered preferable for DJ use because of their quicker start up and spin down times.

Both of these technologies made their way into power wheelchairs. However, most power chairs sold today are direct drive. The advantages of direct drive are many. There are fewer moving parts and are therefore more reliable. There are no belts that need to be replaced which eventually wear out and start slipping and breaking. Belts can also slip when they get wet. In direct drive chairs, control is much more precise and starting and stopping is not as sluggish.

One problem with direct drive systems is a loss of flexibility. Unlike a belt which can move around while maintaining contact, the gears in a direct drive system must maintain direct contact at all times. This can pose a problem over uneven terrain where wheels cannot flex independently. Some power wheelchairs solve this problem by having independent suspension for each wheel, and even separate motors.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase a folding or a rigid frame manual wheelchair. One of the many important considerations is that of energy efficiency.

When propelling a folding wheelchair, a lot of the energy is lost in the flexibility of the frame. It’s just one of those laws of physics. Rigid chairs, on the other hand, are indeed quite “rigid”. More of the energy exerted by the rider translates into forward motion. But because the frame is less flexible, the ride is less comfortable and can even be unstable on uneven terrain.

Some manufacturers now sell rigid chairs with shock absorbers to address these issues.. That would seem to be defeating the efficiency advantage as energy is now wasted on the up and down motion of the shock absorbers, rather than the forward motion. While it is true that there is some energy loss, in reality it is much less when compared to what is wasted on a folding frame.

Additionally rigid frame wheelchairs are lighter than their folding counterparts. The reduced weight requires less energy to propel. Folding chairs have a more complex frame and are therefore bulkier and heavier.

It is now well know that Franklin D. Roosevelt suffered from a paralytic illness. (It was thought to be Polio, but now many experts believe it was Guillain-Barre syndrome). Although he was paralyzed from the waist down, the public was unaware of the fact! There are only two known photographs of Roosevelt in a wheelchair.

Roosevelt took great pains to insure that his disability would remain as inconspicuous as possible. His primary wheelchair was one that he built himself by modifying a standard kitchen chair. He was able to stand using leg braces, and was even able to walk somewhat by swiveling himself with a cane. When appearing in public he was often supported by an aide or was able to support himself by holding on to the lectern. Although he was extremely loathe to be seen in a wheelchair, he could sometimes be seen with crutches.

Roosevelt refused to accept the fact that he was permanently paralyzed, and sought out all sorts of remedies. In 1926 he got hooked on to hydrotherapy and founded a hydrotherapy center in Warm Springs, Georgia.

To be sure, the general public knew that the president had a disability, but the extent of his disability was effectively masked. People did not realize that in truth he was unable to walk. Roosevelt felt that he must maintain that image if he was to be effective as President of the United States. This was probably true at the time.

Ironically, today at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, there is a statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt depicting him sitting in a wheelchair! The statue seems dishonorable as he personally did not want to be seen in a wheelchair. Perhaps, it is not a contradiction nor improper. Today, thanks to increased public awareness and acceptance, Roosevelt would more likely be depicted as a hero for overcoming his paralysis and becoming President of the USA. His embarrassment was largely due to his correct assessment of the then popular public perception of people with severe disabilities.

Another interesting thing to consider is how media coverage has changed over the years. Roosevelt asked news reporters not to ever show him in a wheelchair – and they all complied! No way would that be possible today. How times have changed.

The industry tends to call them “Power Wheelchairs”. At first glance, it seems like an odd name. Battery powered cars are not called “Power Cars”. Actually, that may be a poor example as the word “Power” in that case doesn’t differentiate between gasoline and battery power. In truth, battery driven tools are often described as “Power Tools”. But that is probably more for the macho implication – as in POWERFUL.

By far, the more common term when referring to an item that has a non-battery powered counterpart is the prefix “Electric”: Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Electric Toothbrush, Electric Shaver, Electric Knife, etc..

Well, here is the reason why. When discussing wheelchairs, people generally refer to them simply as chairs. So Electric Wheelchair suddenly becomes an Electric Chair, which does not have a pleasant connotation...

Scooters are a great option for some. They are substantially cheaper than power wheelchairs, yet still offer reliable motorized transportation. They are very popular with seniors who are capable of walking to some degree. Good upper-body strength and control are a must.

Unlike power wheelchairs which are controlled by a joystick, scooters are steered by turning the handlebar or “tiller”. This requires the rider to have sufficient arm strength and dexterity.

Acceleration is controlled by thumb levers (forward and reverse). They are usually no brake controls – braking is automatic. As soon as the acceleration levers are released, the scooter automatically brakes.

Scooters are generally available in three or four wheel designs. Four wheels offer greater stability, but are more difficult to turn and therefore require more physical strength.

Unlike power wheelchairs, scooters are not intended to be sat in all day. They generally don’t have the sophisticated seating and support systems of a wheelchair. Think of them as more of a vehicle that is used for mobility.

For some, a power wheelchair is the only option. Their lack of arm strength or limited motor skills eliminates the possibility of using a manual.

There are many people who could benefit from using a power chair, but refrain feeling that it will make them feel too “disabled”. Also, they are concerned that the use of a power chair will forgo the opportunity for proper exercise of the upper body.

The ideal solution for most is actually a combination approach. For indoor mobility as well as traveling shorter distances, a manual chair is preferable when possible. Besides for keeping body muscles in shape, manual chairs are more maneuverable and are easier to transport. This is especially true when being lifted up stairs or when transporting the chair in a vehicle.

When traveling long distances, it is advisable to use a power chair. There is simply no sense in exhausting oneself trying to get from point A to point B, leaving no strength for actually performing the activity that was meant to be accomplished at the destination!

Another consideration is long term health ramifications. People who have used manual wheelchairs for many years often find that their shoulders begin to give out from overuse. A distinction has to be drawn between healthy exercise and detrimental abuse. As always, a doctor should be consulted regarding the best practices to be implemented.

Regarding the “disabled” look, for those that have adequate upper body balance, a scooter may be a better option. Not only is a scooter more aesthetically pleasing, they are also a lot cheaper. Again, a doctor must always be consulted to help determine if a scooter is appropriate.