There are many people dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions that weaken, damage, or destroy the bones and joints. If you know anyone like in a situation like this, then they have probably discussed with you their concerns about mobility. Surely these conditions can be very debilitating, and could result in the need of special assistance, like electric wheelchairs.

For example, traditional wheelchairs required that you push yourself in order to move around. This is why they were constructed in the bulky manner that they were, with huge wheels on either side of the chair. While you could control the acceleration, these chairs were not very agile and required that you have some muscle endurance.

Secondly, wheel chairs were not very pleasing to the eye. Although it should be quite obvious that these tools were more about function than form, it doesn't make it easier to classify them as beautiful works of art. They did serve a purpose, and they served it well, as they supported patients who sat while nurses pushed through the hospital to get them where they needed to go.

Obviously, technology provided many opportunities to advance wheelchair design. One such advancement came in the form of electronics, which allowed people with greater disabilities to use wheel chairs. This really helped to change the way people saw wheel chairs and the people who need them.

Of course, other advancements made them more comfortable and customizable. The seats started to resemble the bucket seats of automobile chassis, with similar head rests, cushioning and upholstery as well. Also, arms were added to provide more comfort and familiarity, but also made it easier to access the controls, which in many cases are like a joystick.

When it comes to purchasing these machines, you need to remember to find the right combination of form and function that suits you (or the person it is for). Smaller wheels help make them more agile while softer seats make them easier to use in general. Perhaps those aren't as important as the ease of use of the control panel.

When it comes time to shop for electric wheelchairs there is no better place to look than online. The Internet provides access to a wide catalog of brands and styles all with different benefits. This should make it easier to reach a decision.