The drive type of a power wheelchair has an influence on its maneuverability, tracking stability and driving behavior outdoors and indoors. Therefore, the choice of the appropriate drive type is a decisive factor for the user. The respective variant and the equipment should be selected taking into account the physical limitations, the place of use and the usage behavior in order to meet the individual needs in the best possible way.

Ejoy RD

the power wheelchair with Rear-wheel drive

The rear-wheel drive is a proven drive type for power wheelchairs. Even at higher speeds, the rear-wheel drive is characterized by good driving characteristics.

The driving behavior on a side slope, for example a curb, is intuitive because the chair breaks in the direction of the slope. The pivot point is located under the user, so the turning circle is large due to the design. Since the power wheelchair swings out in the front, visible area, it is also very suitable for cognitively impaired users. The center of gravity of the power wheelchair is located between the drive axle and the castor wheels. This ensures only a slight shift in the center of gravity when driving uphill or downhill. When driving uphill, the center of gravity shifts to the drive axle, which improves traction. When driving downhill, on the other hand, the load is taken off the drive wheels, which means that steering and braking are only possible to a limited extent above a certain gradient.

Ejoy MD

the power wheelchair with center-wheel drive

A power wheelchair with center drive has five wheels, one of which is a spring-loaded support wheel in the rear. All wheels are in permanent contact with the ground.

The drive wheels are located in the center of the wheelchair, which means that the user sits with the center of gravity of the body and at the same time with the center of rotation of the body above the center of rotation of the wheelchair. This improves both traction and turning characteristics. Since the swivel range is almost evenly distributed between the front and rear of the power wheelchair, the turning circle is the smallest compared to other drive types. This enables problem-free maneuvering in tight spaces. At the same time, easy, intuitive driving with great driving stability is provided, as is safe driving behavior on inclines and declines. On side slopes such as a curb, the front caster wheels pull the chair downward, the rear wheels pull upward, and the chair remains track stable. However, overcoming obstacles can be disadvantageous, as the front wheels usually only have a medium edge climbing ability

Ejoy FD

the power wheelchair with front-wheel drive

With front-wheel drive, the front wheels are larger than the rear wheels. Obstacles such as curbs can thus be overcome very well. However, this advantage is put into perspective for power wheelchairs with anti-tip castors.

The pivot point of the front-wheel drive power wheelchair is located in front of the user’s pivot point. When turning, the swinging out of the rear must therefore be taken into account, as the power wheelchair turns in an arc behind the user and is therefore less intuitive to drive than, for example, a rear-wheel-drive wheelchair. This type of drive is particularly well suited for outdoor use, as the power wheelchairs can also master gravel or forest paths. They are also easy to drive around obstacles such as tables, and can be used to approach the steering wheel of a car in order to position oneself.