A power wheelchair manoeuvres by turning on a fixed, drive-wheel pivot point, creating what is commonly known as the power chair drive system. A rear-wheel drive power chair turns on a pivot point located in the back. When choosing a power wheelchair base, the drive wheel configuration must be considered. Front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive each have their own advantages and a user needs to their needs and how the electric wheelchair will be used when determining a drive wheel configuration. Our MMS team will help you to choose the correct option from our large range of powerchairs.
With a mid-wheel configuration, the drive wheels on a power base are literally in the middle of the power wheelchair. The user’s centre of gravity is almost even with the centred of the drive wheels. The mid-wheel powerchair design creates the tightest turning radius facilitating 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 wheelchair. Delivering great stability, a mid-wheel drive power wheelchair has castor wheels on the front and back of the base, helping to prevent the electric wheelchair from tipping forward or backwards and providing good traction on most surfaces.
