Manual vs electric chair for paraplegic

Kiddo uses a manual chair, he also has a Baetec mini (https://batec-mobility.com/en/products/handbikes/batec-mini-2-en ) some/most won't see fitness improvements, for me its about keeping what you already have. Electric chairs are fantastically convenient and have some great features, but thus far everyone I have watched go into one, has lost far more than they have gained.
Fitness comes from hundreds of hours in the gym, not a manual chair.

Jacob,
You raise some interesting points! I think choice of devices is somewhat a matter of personal preferences. But I will share a few reactions to your comments and my own observations from 13+ years as a para.

Like you, I chose a manual chair after my paralysis to maintain fitness. Generally, I think this has benefit. As Nathanau wrote, fitness is relative! But if we don't move our bodies and use what muscles we have, they tend to degrade. If you have been bed-ridden for 6 years with only short trips in your chair, your have probably lost considerable muscular strength. With some targeted exercise, set up by a physical therapist, you could perhaps regain some of this. Even short but regular sessions can produce remarkable improvement. A manual chair allows better/closer access to house areas. You haven't shared your level of injury... Are you able to stand while holding on? This can help maintain bone integrity, improve digestion/elimination, and give you additional access. Manual chairs are usually easier to pop up and down from.

I am concerned that you have not been "in circulation". Covid has had major impact on all of us in that regard, but being isolated is not good for the human condition beyond that. Is a scooter-type device an option for you to allow getting out and around more often? Scooters are often loadable into a van or car, even without additional special equipment. An electric wheelchair requires an adapted vehicle for transport. Loading either can be quite the chore, but then loading a manual wheelchair can be also, depending on extent of injury. Perhaps you could use your manual chair at home, and get a used power chair to go around in your neighborhood? Medicare/Medicaid will only allow one supported device--ask your NP about this.

Besides the disease that caused my paralysis, I have rheumatoid arthritis. My shoulders are not holding up to using my manual chair for neighborhood jaunts. So I bought a used electric chair to visit friends and go to local events on campus (I live in a CCRC), but use my manual chair at home. Unless you are funded for a custom power chair, they are nowhere as supportive as a custom manual chair. I cannot comfortably stay in my non-custom power chair for extended sitting (T9 incomplete).

"Some things that are appealing : having a hand free all the time." Having a hand free is somewhat of a good thing! If you outfit your manual chair with convenient storage, that might make an improvement, at least for carrying things.

"Possibly less being thrown out of the chair practically from running over a pebble/crack on the sidewalk, and easier navigating driveways when the sidewalk dips." Getting a seatbelt for outdoor travel is a must! I recommend BodyPoint seatbelts for comfort and ease of opening. If you have 3" front casters, outdoor travel is hazardous. I use 4" for manual chair that is used primarily indoors (my funded custom chair), and 5" for manual chair I bought used for outdoors. If you change size of casters, manual chair will need to be adjusted to have right "dump" (seating angle). Were you taught in rehab how to wheelie over impediments? This takes some strength and practice in a safe environment until you master it.

"I’m still not sure if I’ll be getting out much." For the sake of your mental health, I am glad you are considering options that will allow you to get out and be with people.

WW

Kizh
Your insurance will likely cover a smart drive, as it is approved by medicare. Medicare practically throws them at people, which is dumb because the FireFly is so much cheaper and solves the problems of uneven ground- there is a large single front wheel that lifts you off your castors.


I have a firefly and like it a lot. it's very easy to attach to my manual, but not so easy to break into pieces for transport. The heaviest piece is heavy for me, but it's fine when I travel with someone else. The latest model of FireFly I'm drooling over because it has variable speed and will go pretty fast if you set it to. Top speed 12 mph.

livingspinal.com/inventoried-products/firefly-2-5-bk-edition-by-rio-mobility/?utm_source=Infusionsoft&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=$200+OFF+Firefly+2.5

I agree you can take your time until you decide what you want. It's a big , beautiful world just cruising to my local grocery store 5 blocks away. me and my firefly go through the door and people smile when they see my rig.