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Most electric wheelchairs can easily reach a top speed of 5 miles per hour (mph). With the advancement of technology, we have seen a lot of new power chairs that can go up to 17 mph. Manual wheelchairs, on the other hand, can easily maintain 3 mph.
Electric wheelchairs are becoming more popular as they provide mobility for those who need them. Not only do they provide mobility, but they also take the weight off the person’s hands and make it easier for them to get around easily. Some people may think this is a luxury item, but it serves as an essential lifeline for those who need it.
That aside, this article will be focusing on the fastest wheelchairs and average speed of some of the most iconic wheelchairs ever created.
At the moment, there is no state law does not regulate the top speed of wheelchairs. However, wheelchairs are used in Pedestrian areas. Going faster than 15 mph may get you penalized or fined for endangering public safety.
Different Speeds On A Wheelchairs
Wheelchair speeds are a consideration in many decisions that a person has to make before buying a new wheelchair. So in this article, we will be reviewing the different speeds on wheelchairs and what’s considered slow, medium, and fast when traveling in a wheelchair.
Type
Description
Slow
Wheelchairs with speeds at or below 4 mph are considered to be slow. Slower wheelchairs [manual chairs] require more effort and energy to push, and it will take longer to get from point A to point B.
Medium
Wheelchairs with speeds at or below 6 mph are considered medium speed. Wheelchairs with speeds at or below 6 mph are considered medium speed. This speed is expected in a typical outdoor wheelchair.
Fast
Wheelchairs with speeds at or above 10 mph are considered to be fast. These chairs generally have increased stability and larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain than medium-speed chairs can handle.
How Fast Can A Manual Wheelchair Go
Manual wheelchairs are traditional wheelchairs that require users to push the wheels with their hands. Regardless, most people who power their chairs will be able to get up to speeds around 4-5 mph.
Manual wheelchairs do not use motors or batteries to propel them. The speed of a manual wheelchair is limited by the speed at which the individual can propel it with their hands, arms, or shoulders.
With that said, a person can easily maintain a 3-5 mph speed on a manual wheelchair. This number varies on many factors like arm strength, weight, chair type, terrain [level ground or an incline].
Electric wheelchairs can travel at a variety of speeds. The average top speed of an electric wheelchair is 6 miles per hour which is just faster than an average healthy person can walk. The speed of an electric wheelchair is dependent on the terrain, the weight of the rider, distance traveled, and battery strength.
There are also electric wheelchairs that have been specially designed for people with disabilities and can be driven at up to 15 mph (24 km/h).
Jason Liversidge broke the world record for the fastest wheelchair in 2013 when his custom-made electric wheelchair reached a top speed of 66.826 mph.
How Fast Can An All-Terrain Wheelchair Go?
An all-terrain wheelchair is a wheelchair capable of traversing most terrains, including sand, snow, mud, and uneven surfaces. Since they are made for outdoor use, it is safe to say that all-terrain wheelchairs were built for speed and not just versatility.
A typical speed for an all-terrain wheelchair is 25mph with an average range of 12 miles per hour.
What Determines the Top Speed of a Wheelchair?
A wheelchair’s top speed is determined by several factors, from terrains to the user’s weight or type of chair. Here are some of the factors that determine the top speed of a wheelchair:
1. Chair Type
Generally, the faster you go, the more energy your wheelchair will need. Wheelchairs are designed for various purposes, so some can be faster than others, depending on the design.
An electric wheelchair is generally faster than a self-propelled manual chair. If you are in the market for a fast chair, it would be better to get an electric modelover a manual one.
2. Wheel Configuration
A wheelchair with two rear wheels is likely to achieve more astonishing speeds than those with three or four wheels because the effort required to propel the wheelchair is lower due to the minor contact patch between the ground and the tires.
3. Weight Distribution
A typical wheelchair has a weight capacity rating that usually falls in the 200-250 pound range. The more weight added to a wheelchair, the slower it will go, as more friction between the tires and the ground will slow down the wheelchair.
In general, if you exceed this weight limit, going faster than 5 mph on a wheelchair may be dangerous.
4. Terrain
If you are using your wheelchair on a hilly surface [incline], the speed will be less than using it on a flat surface. Grass or gravel will slow you down considerably, while rough terrain like sand or mud may stop you altogether. So, depending on which terrain you move on, your wheelchair may go faster than 5 mph.
How To Increase Your Wheelchair’s Speed
To increase your wheelchair’s speed, you will need to focus on a few key areas. The first thing you should do is check the tire pressure. If it is too low, you will need to add air. It would help if you also considered carrying less weight or items in your wheelchair.
You should also check the bearings and ensure they are not dirty or worn out. Ensure that there is enough lubrication on the axles and other moving parts of your chair so that they do not get stuck or cause friction while spinning. Finally, look at your brakes and make sure they are in good working order so that you can come to a quick stop if needed.
Wheelchair mobility is an integral part of independence for many people with disabilities. It can be frustrating when your chair doesn’t move as fast as you want. With all that I’ve said so far, I’m sure that you have a good idea of how fast a wheelchair can go and how to make your wheelchair move faster.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
