Front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive

Drive wheel configurations

When selecting a powerchair base, one of the most important factors to consider is drive wheel configuration. Front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive each have their own advantages. A wheelchair user should consider his or her medical needs, as well as how their motorized wheelchair will be used when selecting a base and drive wheel configuration.

Q6 Edge Z

Up to 10 km/h The Q6 Edge® Z Power Chair utilizes powerful 4-pole motors for maximum torque and Mid-Wheel 6® Design for aggressive outdoor performance and precision indoor maneuverability. Available with optional iLevel® power adjustable seat height, the Q6 Edge® Z Power Wheelchair accepts a broad range of exclusive seating and electronics options for unmatched adaptability and rehab capability.

Mid-wheel 6

With a mid-wheel configuration, the drive wheels on a power base are literally in the middle of the powerchair. The user’s center of gravity is almost even with the center of the drive wheels. This design creates the tightest turning radius. Mid-wheel drive powerchairs can do a complete 360-degree turn. This maneuverability is extremely beneficial when using an electric wheelchair in the home. Navigating doorways and narrow spaces is much easier with a mid-wheel drive powerchair.

In terms of stability, mid-wheel drive powerchairs are the most stable. These powerchairs have six wheels on the ground, including two drive wheels and four caster wheels. This configuration provides greater stability to the base. A mid-wheel drive powerchair has caster wheels on the front and back of the base, helping to prevent the powerchair from tipping forward or backward.

Motorized wheelchairs with mid-wheel drive also have good traction on most surfaces, inclines and side slopes. Plus, mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs climb obstacles well, such as curbs and small bumps. Mid-wheel drive motorized wheelchairs are the most intuitive, offering a shorter learning curve, particularly for new powerchair users.

Mid-wheel drive powerchairs offer many advantages and are a great choice for users who need more stability or will mostly use the powerchair in the home.

Front-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive is extremely beneficial for many reasons. One of the biggest advantages is there is more force distributed to each of the four tires, because there are two fewer tires in contact with the ground, unlike with other drive wheel configurations. The greater force increases traction, enabling the front-wheel drive powerchair to perform well when driving over soft terrain, grass or uneven gravel. In addition, the drive wheels are the first to encounter an obstacle. The large tires “grab” an obstacle like a curb or a step and go over it, pulling the rest of the chair with them.

Another benefit of front-wheel drive is that a powerchair user’s feet can be positioned easily because there are no front caster wheels on the powerchair. The user’s feet can be closer to his or her body for comfort. Plus, 90-degree footrests can be added.

Front-wheel drive powerchairs have a lower seat-to-floor height. This allows powerchair users to fit more easily under standard size tables and desks, enhancing their inclusion and social interaction. A front-wheel drive design is also beneficial indoors. It can easily navigate tight corners within the home.

With so many advantages, front-wheel drive powerchairs can truly benefit many individuals.

4Front® 2

Up to 10 km/h The 4Front® 2 is the next generation of the 4Front® Power Chair! New Smart Traction Control (STC), along with Smooth Ride Suspension (SRS), provide stability for smooth obstacle transitions and unmatched driving performance.

Aspen

Up to 10 km/h The Aspen rear-wheel drive power chair boasts a compact frame, making it more manoeuvrable than other rear-wheel drive power chairs. The Aspen provides improved obstacle climbing performance and a tighter turning radius. It has a tubular design frame available in new color options and is compatible with rehab seating and electronics, making it a great power chair choice at an affordable price.

Rear-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive motorized wheelchairs offer many benefits to users. Rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are equipped with two large drive wheels on the back of the base, and two casters on the front of the wheelchair base. The placement of the drive wheels is the source of the electric wheelchair’s power. This extra power is ideal for more aggressive outdoor terrain. Plus, rear-wheel drive has more power to propel the wheelchair forward in softer terrain. A rear-wheel powerchairs handles grade changes more easily to provide a smoother ride. Typically, rear-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are equipped with independent suspension or shock absorbers on all wheels to ensure a more comfortable ride experience.

Another advantage of a rear-wheel electric wheelchair is that it provides excellent control. With a rear-wheel drive configuration, powerchairs turn slower, giving the user ample time to adjust their joystick to successfully complete the turn.

Rear-wheel drive configuration provides excellent stability. The base on a rear-wheel drive powerchairs is larger, and the weight of the chair is focused where the drive wheels are located.

With enhanced control, a smoother ride and greater stability, rear-wheel drive powerchairs can benefit many individuals.