new powerchair

[jayne601]

hi everyone
my son has just got his new powerchair (at last) and i was wondering if the battery would last a full day in the parks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

I would suggest reading the manual; it should give an expected distance on a battery charge. At WDW most people walk in the 8 to 12 mile per day range. It would be extremely rate, unless it is defective or wearing out, for a power chair's battery to not last a full day at WDW.

One thing to consider is when stationary in a line (as waiting for a show) or in a theater or when eating turn the entire chair off; there is always some power drain when the chair is on even if there is no movement.

 

[SueM in MN]

When looking at the distance your manual says the wheelchair will go, keep in mind that some things will affect the power consumption:
- going up and down hills or ramps uses more power than being on level
- driving on rough surface uses more power
- a heavier load (either the driver or things being carried) will use more power
- if the wheelchair is capable of climbing curbs, that takes more power than going up/down a curb cut

On the other hand, my tiny 90 pound DD can go a lot longer between charges on her power wheelchair because she is so small compared to the 'average' weight they use for figuring out power consumption on her wheelchair.

 

[pixie08]

Hi and welcome!

It all depended on the day for my brother. I know not what you wanted to hear If we were in the parks all day it would lose juice toward the end. We came up with 2 solutions. The first was that during thhe day we would take a break and head back to the hotel for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. Then my brother woukld charge his chair and we would all relax.

Also we always carried the battery with us and left it in the van just in case it lost juice....it never fully did though. That way if it did we could find some where asnd charge it for a little. Also in the past when he was younger he wasn't as aware of his battery levels and we would have to put it on manual...not optimal since those chairs are heavy- but it works in a bind! Good luck and have a blast

 

[SueM in MN]

There are also places where you can plug it in.
If he needs a rest during the day, you could stop at First Aid. He could plug it in there while he lays on a cot to rest or stretch. There is a First Aid station in each park. Some people also plug in while they are eating - just ask a CM where you can find an outlet.

Some power wheelchairs have an odometer, so you can keep track of the distance he goes. If his has an odometer, charge the battery fully and then keep track of how far it goes before it needs a recharge. Also keep track of what kind of terrain he was using it in - was it flat or hills, smooth or bumpy. The average WDW tourist goes between 3 and 9 miles a day. If his battery can do 9, you probably don't need to worry, but should bring the charger along anyway. You can store the charger either in First Aid or in a locker.