A Case Study of Lincoln Electric

Nine out of ten new businesses fail within their first year. This is an alarming statistic that may in fact be more of a myth than truth. However, recent data suggests the same trend just not as extreme. According to Brian Headd and data from the U.S. Census, a more realistic figure suggests that 62% of businesses close within the first six years of operation (Headd 2). This raises the question of: What makes a successful business? By analyzing and dissecting the intricacies of Lincoln Electric's consistently stellar performance as well as paying close attention to several interesting financial pitfalls an answer can be found.

Value in the Individual

An organization at its core is made up of individuals and equipment. Now which of these has the most influence over the success of that organization? Most emphasis must be placed on the individual because he is the one that can be creative, motivated, skilled, efficient, and responsive. The proper function of management is to draw out these characteristics and encourage their growth in a productive setting. A large portion of Lincoln Electric's (LE) success can be attributed to this unique and effective management style which ultimately leads to a competitive advantage. No matter the economies of scale a huge corporation such as GE can offer, the increased productivity level of a properly motivated individual production worker can easily compensate for it. This management style is further fostered through a combination of structural, strategic, and cultural norms within LE.

Structurally, Lincoln Electric aims to flatten the hierarchical structure and eliminate nonfunctional middle management positions. To do this, LE has fostered an "open-door" policy between production workers and executives as well as created an Advisory Board that has representatives of the workers who meet with executives twice a month. Strategically, LE pushes for an integrated approach of maximizing output and reducing costs. Though this seems straightforward and simple, the effectiveness is in the details. Cost reduction will be explored at a later time, but to maximize output, Lincoln Electric draws from its motivated employees. However, these employees are not naturally motivated. This is the role of James Lincoln's Incentive Management System. This system provides a tool to motivate all employees through bonuses that redistribute a large portion of the corporation's yearly profits. Two main results stem from this redistribution. First, there is a heightened sense of ownership in the company from top to bottom because if the company as a whole does well, everyone is compensated for it respectively.

Secondly, there is increased personal performance. This performance boost is the result of a sort of quiet competition within each work group. A specific bonus pool dollar amount is allotted to each work group, and the bonuses are then distributed to the members of that group according to their quantified relative performance on the semi-annual Merit Rating. Now the Merit Rating's function is to counteract some of the pitfalls of a strategy based on speed and efficiency. Generally the result of an emphasis on speed is the sacrifice of quality and safety. Each tenet of the Merit Rating (including Dependability, Quality, Output, and Ideas/Cooperation) is a reaction to the common shortcomings of a traditional production worker. By being rewarded for attendance, work quality, and contribution of ideas on top of their piecework output leads to a well-rounded final product that is produced at the proper specifications in record time.

To further the speed of production, LE places a strong emphasis on idea generation and worker input. This allows for creative ideas and suggestions on the production process to be spread over the whole corporation. As a result, there is a strong and steady increase in LE's productivity per worker. The Merit system also serves to increase coordination by rewarding teamwork while at the same time introducing an element that is historically known to be one of the greatest efficiency drivers of all time: competition. Though this seems like teamwork and competition would be in conflict, they are not. Since there are only a certain number of possible Merit Points available, competition over these points between members of the work group exists. However the total payoff at the end of the year is split up based on the profit of the corporation as a whole; therefore encouraging teamwork and idea sharing. This comprehensive Incentive Management System unifies the direction of the workforce and leads to a balanced and efficient set of goals that yields a strong competitive advantage over rival companies. In a commodity industry it is the process, not the product, that must prevail and be differentiated. Lincoln Electric has found the perfect process, but is it a universal process that can apply overseas?

Cost Reduction and Market Expansion

The blind pursuit of profit can easily lead to poor decision-making. That is why the means to creating income is vital. The question is how does a company increase margins? Two simple choices exist: Reduce costs, or increase output through expansion and efficiency. Lincoln Electric has identified this dynamic duo and integrated it into the general business strategy. To reduce costs, LE uses a variety of strong business tactics. There are three shifts on equipment, so it is constantly rotated and allows for no downtime on equipment. This prevents having excess capacity which leads to unnecessary overhead costs. Also, LE has aimed to flatten the structure of the company and eliminate levels of the organization that detract from the established open communication environment between workers and management. This reduces salary expenses and ultimately increases profit margin.

The concept of guaranteed employment is another brilliant cost-reducing idea of James F. Lincoln. The cost of retaining employees on payroll is less than the cost to recruit and train motivated and creative workers. As a result, during downturns, LE did not layoff workers but would retrain and deploy them elsewhere in the company. This would encourage loyalty to the company and highly reduce employee turnover, once again reducing cost to Lincoln Electric through a variety of quantitative as well as qualitative means. Lastly, there is the concept of limited benefits enhanced profits. This enhancement reflected back to bonuses and worker's piecework compensation which put more control in the hands of the individual with the allotment of money and compensated for their lack of benefits. LE's approach to maximizing output was explored previously, and the general consensus was a focus on developing a creative, motivated, and efficient production worker who consistently puts out more effort than a similar production worker in another firm. Another option to increase output is expansion into other markets.

Lincoln Electric first expanded to Canada by opening a manufacturing plant in Toronto in 1925. About twenty years later, LE Canada adopted the Incentive Management System (IMS) including its annual bonus and piecework facets. Due to the similar cultural norms between the U.S. and Canada, this adjustment flowed smoothly. However, poor decision-making led to this application of the IMS in other markets, including Europe and South America. Friction resulted because the cultural values of the production worker are different. Also, government regulation in Germany and Brazil led to major adjustments that undermined LE's incentive efforts. In Europe, workers valued benefits such as vacation time over annual bonuses. It was discovered that annual bonuses did little to increase individual production efficiency without the piecework aspect of the IMS. Piecework was in fact illegal in Germany.

Obviously if more planning or research had been done, this crucial fact would have been discovered and LE would have avoided expansion into Germany. The root of Lincoln Electric's troubles began with the quick expansionist mindset of George Willis. The main trouble was the speed of the expansion. LE incurred long-term financial debt for the first time in the corporation's history. The added interest expense and permanent liability hurt future income statements heavily. A study of Lincoln Electric's Consolidated Income Statement as well as the Balance Sheet reveals some interesting financial facts.

Starting in 1987, LE had no long-term debt. This skyrocketed along with the push for expansion in subsequent years to over $220 million in 1992. As the Income Statement suggests, the height of this long-term debt matches with the first net loss of Lincoln Electric. Failure to control spending and keep costs low (the historical competitive advantage of LE) undermined the desire to increase output through expansion. Another interesting fact is that as sales leveled off in 1992 and 1993, general costs and expenses failed to coincide so they continued to rise until 1994 which happens to also be the first posted net income after the losses of 1992-93.

This analysis of cost-reduction and market expansion raises several questions. How can Lincoln Electric prevent similar losses in the future? How closely correlated is the 1992-93 net loss with geographic expansion? What can Lincoln Electric do in the future to maintain its historical rapid growth and competitive advantage?

Recommendations

So decision time has come about Indonesia. Is Indonesia ready and willing to match up with Lincoln Electric's strategy, or will it repel the incentives that are the key competitive differentiators? After analysis of Indonesia's economic and financial situation, I recommend slow expansion into their welding market. The current distribution network of Tira and SSHJ should be altered so that it can be refined and expanded. Though smaller, SSHJ's strategy coincides with LE's more so than Tira's strategy. I suggest using only SSHJ salespeople because they highlight the cost-savings and benefits of Lincoln Electric's products while aiming to draw in new customers via LE's name recognition and reputation for high-quality. LE should utilize cooptation to provide the company with local contacts and recommendations so that previous errors in incentive management can be addressed and altered. Exact details of my recommended Indonesian expansion are specified in the following list:

o Combination of piecework and salary with a salary representing a figure slightly lower than the average Indonesian manufacturing worker wage of 250,000 rupiah.

o No annual bonus because the economy is so shifty and volatile that it would most likely not affect daily effort.

o Guaranteed employment would exist through the understanding that economic change would not threaten a workers job. Job security would encourage intense loyalty and be a strong factor in building a consistent workforce.

With this comprehensive entry strategy into the Indonesian market, I feel that Lincoln Electric will only be met with success. This strategy encompasses the strongest aspects of LE's Cleveland incentive system while tailoring it to be profit-maximizing in the specific Indonesian environment. Gillespie should have no worries as he presents these plans to his colleagues because the foundations of this plan are rooted in the historically successful traditions of Lincoln Electric, and have been adjusted to compensate for the differences that hindered previous global expansion.

Brian Borton is a BBA student at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a Finance major at the Red McCombs School of Business with an emphasis in Financial Markets/Banking.

Works Cited:

Headd, Brian. Redefining Business Success: Distinguishing Between Closure and Failure. Accessed April 19, 2006.

Do You Need a Wheelchair But Don't Have the Strength For Manual? Consider an Electric Wheelchair

Some people need wheelchairs for the short term in order to recover from an accident, illness or injury. Others are permanently disabled and need assistance getting around all the time. Either way, an electric wheelchair could be the answer for you.

They are very high tech and not only are they powered by a joystick or other device, but you can adjust things like seating position with the touch of a button. They are easy to operate and provide independence from relying on a companion to push the chair, and are easy to use because they are powered by batteries and don't require arm strength to move around. However, there are so options on the market somebody may find the task of choosing one to be rather intense.

Electric wheelchairs are designed for different uses. They are either rear or front wheel driven. They're more maneuverable than electric scooters because they have a smaller turning radius. The additional conveniences over the manual version makes they decidedly more expensive, but you can often get financial assistance either through insurance, medicare or low interest financing. Whomever you purchase your through will run through the various payment options with you. Don't forget, electric wheelchairs are heavier than manual wheelchairs because their frame needs to be strong and stable to hold the motor and battery. This means that getting them in and out of a vehicle is also more difficult due to the added bulk and weight. You may need to consider getting a wheelchair lift if you are frequently in and out of a car or van.

These wheelchairs are available with a range of well over 20 miles and a speed of up to 6mph. They can also come with outdoor style wheels and tires more suitable for outdoor use.

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Electric Wheelchair Travel

Wheelchair users have the right to travel just like any other individuals and see the amazing sights all over the world. Wheelchair travel has come a long way in the past twenty years. With the mass market introduction of electric wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs, wheelchair users and care-givers have an easier time moving around with wheelchairs. The increased public awareness about traveling for the disabled has prompted public establishments such as shopping malls, airports and cruise terminals to be wheelchair friendly in their infrastructure. Tour packages for the wheelchair users have also picked up momentum recently. These packages ensure the welfare of the wheelchair travelers are taken care of properly. Wheelchair users who are apprehensive about traveling to unknown places will feel assured of a quality experience when going for these packages. The agencies will provide the latest information of the destination and assist in the preparation to the actual sight seeing trip.

On the part of the electric wheelchair users, you are advised to visit your therapist for consultation on your travel plans. You need to have a report of any conditions that may warrant attention certified by the therapist. Please keep a copy of the report and pass another to the travel planner. Upon reaching the hotel,which should be wheelchair friendly, remember to inquire the in-house doctors available. Electric wheelchair users should also bring along their medication that can last the entire trip preferably packed into travel friendly cases. Always keep them by your side.

When you reach the hotel counter, request for city guides as these usually consist of information for disabled travelers. You can also check the city's website online prior to your trip for mental preparation.

Just like any other traveling people, try to pack as light as possible heavy luggage can pose a problem and a hazard for wheelchair travelers. If electric wheelchair users are traveling by plane, you need to tie a name tag to the wheelchair before storage. The name tag should include your contact number,destination and travel agency. Remove loose sections of the electric wheelchairs such as cushions and bags.Lastly, put the brakes on. The idea is to keep the electric wheelchair as compact as possible without things falling off easily. Check for scratches and damages at the destination airport. More importantly for electric wheelchairs, check for possible leakages of the batteries and loose wiring as these may pose a danger later in the trip.

Scheduling your itinerary is also important to ensure a satisfied travel experience. Understanding the extra time it takes for wheelchair users in transportation, it is best to make a provision of 20-30 minutes for every item. There is always time for everything if you plan well. If a tourist site has multiple entries, you should find out where is the entry point for wheelchairs as they have ramps or lifts installed there.

Used electric wheelchairs users should conserve your energy well and distribute them over the duration of the trip. Prevent yourself from over exertion in the initial days. Have back up plans to your itinerary as weather and people can be unpredictable. The hotel should be surrounded by basic amenities such as restaurants and pharmacies. Places which are wheelchair friendly are identified by a internationally known icon on the city map. Electric Wheelchair users do require a lot more attention when traveling and the least one can do is to be well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Electric wheelchair users are encouraged to travel and open your eyes to this wonderful world.

Read more at electric wheelchairs

Electric Wheelchair Ramps For Home and Building

Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes which allow wheeled equipments to be transported between different heights. Though initially built for wheelchairs' use, people with strollers, trolleys and carts can also make use of these wheelchair ramps. The multiple benefits of having a wheelchair ramp has made it a common sight inside publicly accessible buildings such as shopping malls and government agencies.In fact, some countries such as America has passed an act that dictates every building should be accessible by wheelchair users. Therefore, most buildings will choose a multipurpose wheelchair ramp over wheelchair lifts.

Most buildings will choose to have the permanent wheelchair ramp installed, this is done by bolting the ramp's handrail to the ground or cementing the whole structure to the ground. Permanent wheelchair ramps are for buildings which are have already identified the access point for the wheelchair users. Ramps are adjusted differently depending on vertical distance it needs to clear. If the stairs were to have a few steps only, a straight gently inclined wheelchair will be suitable. However, if the stairs are steep, a snaking wheelchair ramp will be more suitable as it will be unsightly to see a wheelchair ramp stretching all the way out to the main road outside the building. Moreover, the wheelchair ramp must adhere to international standards in terms of its steepness. It must not be steeper than 1 inch for 12 inches of distance. A gentle sloped wheelchair ramp is definitely the safest way for a wheelchair to ascend.

The traditional way of making wheelchair ramp is to use mainly concrete, however, there is a recent shift towards using steel and aluminum to build the ramp. The reason is that these metals are lighter than concrete and more importantly, they are constructed in a modular way. Sections can be welded together at the joints. It is also easy to remove and sell as used wheelchair ramps to other buildings.

The other type of ramp is the semi-permanent wheelchair ramp. These are structures which need a few strong men to carry into place and commonly used for events where manual and electric wheelchair users are expected. They are temporary set up and usually rented by the event organizers.

The last type of ramp is the portable type. This is usually made of aluminum and carried by the side of the wheelchair user. The lightweight of the portable wheelchair ramps makes it easy to bring around. They are also durable compared to other less desired materials such as wood.

As portable wheelchair ramps are quite personal to the manual electric wheelchair users, it is important the user considers what type of wheelchair is he using and the corresponding safest incline required of the portable wheelchair ramp.You should also know the length of the portable ramp and where will it be deployed most of the time. I will discuss a few of the portable wheelchair ramps available in the market: Roll up ramps can be unrolled into short ramps of 3 or 5 feet. Their light weight makes this kind the lightest of all wheelchair ramps and easiest to carry around. However, they are limited to use for lower steps.
Single fold ramps are sturdy and slightly heavier than roll up ramps.They can easily negotiate mid level inclines with ease. The only drawback is that single-fold ramp does not become smaller when folded, it still takes up a considerable volume to the wheelchair user. Hence, it will troublesome to bring this along your travels. Multiple fold ramps come in 4 sections which are folded to form a heavy 12 feet portable wheelchair ramp. For their robustness, it can handle the heaviest of wheelchairs and steep steps, it can be used to enter vehicles too.

Track ramps is the last variation of portable wheelchair ramps. The length is adjustable depending on the steps and steepness it needs to overcome. Track ramps are sold in pairs. Each ramp forms a track to keep the movement of the wheelchair in a straight manner up and down the ramp. Wheelchair users will not have the danger of veering off the track. Sometimes, stair lifts for building are used as replacement for ramps.

Used electric wheelchair ramps have different specifications depending on the use of it within the environment. In the case of home use, it recommended to use a 3:12 slope that denotes one foot of ramp for every 3 inches vertical rise. As for business use, the ratio will be 1:12 which is a gentler slope than residential use.

Electric wheelchair ramp for building

A Review of Popular Electric Wheelchair Products

Several brands of electric wheelchairs are available both on and offline. With so many options to choose from, it is helpful to distinguish between the various features that each manufacturer and product offers. The following list of product and manufacturer reviews

Hoveround Electric Wheelchairs

Hoveround Corporation, founded in April 1992, is one of the leading Mobility device companies in the U.S. Hoveround designs, manufactures, sells, and services personal mobility vehicles like electric and manual wheelchairs, electric scooters and electric lifts. The company operates at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which has received the ISO 9001 certification for design, manufacturing procedures and distribution.

Hoveround supplies mobility devices directly to customers, insurers and other public and private entities. The company handles every aspect of the client's mobility needs, right from evaluation to prescription and provider approval, delivery, training and service. The company employs therapists, nurses, rehab technology suppliers and assisting technology practitioners to cater to all needs of the customers. The most popular of Hoveround's products are the highly maneuverable MP4 and the powerful Teknique XHD, which can carry up to 500 pounds.

Pride Electric Wheelchair

Pride Mobility is a leading provider of mobility equipment. Pride
Mobility is well known for its Pride and Jazzy lines of electric
wheelchairs, which are the most popular electric wheelchairs on the
market.

Pride Mobility Scooters include the Sundancer, Rally, Celebrity, Maxima, Victory and Legend models.

Pride Mobility Jazzy is the most popular brand of electric wheelchair from Pride Mobility. The Jazzy range is known for its patented mid-wheel drive system, exceptional maneuverability and trendy designs. Available in many different models, the Jazzy range promises maximum performance with standard active-track suspension and enables easy assembling and disassembling. Powered with motors, and having a speed range of up to 4 mph, the Jazzy electric wheelchairs offer exceptional maneuverability control. They are also extremely user-friendly and convenient, having been designed with a patented mid-wheel drive design.

Quantum Rehab is a line of customized power positioning systems and mobility products. It includes Power Recline, Power Elevating and Power Articulating Legrest options.

Lift Chairs are designed to fit into the home's decor and are available in luxury, gentle and casual lift modes.

Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) have great mileage (up to 25 miles before recharge) and can be used for long rides -- even for golf.

The Hercules 3000 Lift is a power lift for wheelchairs with easy assembly and disassembly operations. The Hercules has a dynamic braking system and is provided with various docking devices that are suitable for any scooter or Jazzy.

Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

How To Sell Your Used Electric Wheelchair

Wheelchairs are a boon to the physically disabled people who cannot walk or move. With the help of these wheelchairs they can move around anywhere and everywhere. They are free to go wherever they want with the support of wheelchairs. The wheelchair is a chair like thing with wheels under it which helps the movement of the chair when the gear is moved. But today the movement of wheelchairs has been made easier by the manufacturing of electric wheelchairs. These electric wheelchairs are powered by electricity and hydraulic power and have a power button. By pressing the power button one can move around easily.

Electric wheelchairs can be purchased from any showroom selling such wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs also come with a wheelchair lift which is also powered with the similar mechanism as the wheelchair itself. This wheelchair lift allows the disabled person to rise above the surface of the ground. The person places the wheelchair on the platform of the wheelchair lift and then by pressing the power button raises the wheelchair above the surface. This is very helpful in going up in elevated places. The only factor about the electric wheelchair which acts as a negative point is that is far too costly and most of the people are unable to afford it.

Electric wheelchair might cost up to a few thousands of dollars. So it is not so easy for a middle class man to buy the electric wheelchair which is otherwise so much advantageous. But a solution to this problem is purchasing used electric wheelchairs. There are showrooms which sell used electric wheelchair but in good condition.

It is seen that used electric wheelchairs are bought to save money; similarly used electric wheelchair can be sold to have a money return. People can sell their electric wheelchairs once they have finished with the use of it. Electric wheelchairs cost more so to get back at least the half price of the wheelchair will be enough. If the electric wheelchair is almost new and is in a very good condition then the price given may rise up. There are many showrooms and places where they buy the electric wheelchairs. The condition for selling these used wheelchairs is that it must be in excellent condition to be most of the showrooms do not buy wheelchairs which are more than three years old. But the prices given by different showrooms vary; the prices also vary on the condition in which the wheelchair is.

To sell the wheelchair one must take few steps. To initiate the selling process the person concerned might give advertisements in the classified pages of a daily newspaper or at the bulletin boards of a supermarket. One might also try the website for featuring the advertisement, but these unprofessional methods must be avoided as much as possible because these companies seldom match the proper equipment with the user.

The reliable resources for selling used wheelchairs are the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) which will match the equipment with the needy through newsletters, word of mouth or notices. The state rehabilitation department can be contacted to see whether they can connect the seller with a therapist who can help him finding a new user.

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Electric Wheelchair Batteries - Selecting the Right Battery For Your Wheelchair

When choosing a new electric wheelchair battery, it is important to understand how that choice will affect your chair, and to purchase the right kind of battery for how you use your wheelchair. Choosing the wrong kind of wheelchair battery can leave you without power, due to the battery running out, or being insufficient for heavy use over rough terrain. Consider the characteristics of each kind of battery, look at how you typically use your wheelchair, and then choose the best one for you.

First, let us take a brief look at two of the major types of electric wheelchair batteries and their characteristics. Both are considered to be "deep cycle", meaning they are designed to be fully depleted almost fully with each discharge cycle, using nearly all of the battery's available capacity (unlike the battery for, say, an automobile which is a "starter battery", meant only to provide large bursts of energy over a short period of time).

The first type of wheelchair battery is a wet-cell lead-acid battery. Wet-cell batteries usually have a larger capacity, meaning they can travel a longer distance on a single charge, can provide more power for moving over obstacles and rough terrain, and usually are the least expensive choice.

Many wet-cell batteries require you to add distilled water every few months: this can prove to be difficult as the batteries are quite heavy and can be hard to reach. In addition, the user has the potential to become exposed to chemical burns, through acidic spills if the battery boils over or the battery case becomes damaged. Wet-cell batteries are not allowed on airlines.

The second type of electric wheelchair battery is a gel-cell lead-acid battery. This type of battery never needs water, so it is maintenance free. As a result, there is no potential for chemical spills, and is the only kind of lead-acid battery approved for airline travel. The main disadvantage to gel-cell batteries is that they typically have 10-20% less capacity than wet batteries. If you are a wheelchair user that tends to travel long distances in your chair, this can be an important consideration in your battery choice.

How long an electric wheelchair battery lasts will greatly depend on how the chair is used. Most batteries can last about a year, and for a user who mostly travels indoors, the battery may last up to 2 years. A good rule of thumb to determine if the wheelchair battery is becoming weak, is if you notice the wheelchair slowing down at the end of trips that were not a problem when the battery was new.

Another factor in how long your battery lasts is having the right kind of battery charger. Correctly charging your wheelchair battery using the recommended type of battery charger will extend the life of the battery and increase it's performance.

So how do you ultimately decide the right type of electric wheelchair battery for you? Most manufacturers seem to recommend gel-cell batteries due to environmental and maintenance concerns. However, if you require more power and range for your wheelchair than a gel-cell typically provides, you might consider having both types, using the wet-cell for daily use, and the gel-cell for travel, or light indoor use. For most wheelchair users who do not have extreme needs for power or range, the gel-cell lead-acid battery will probably be just fine for regular everyday use.

N. Bobby was the caregiver and advocate for her elderly parents for nearly a decade. In that time, she personally experienced first hand, many of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of adult children who care for their aging parents. She discusses many of the issues related to caring for the elderly and disabled on her blog, Aging Parent Conversations. She also provides additional information and resources related to electric wheelchair batteries, wheelchair parts, and simple wheelchair repair.

Electric Powered Wheelchair For Maximum Luxury

Electric mobility chairs are a bit expensive compared to the standard types of chair but is a good deal because of the excellent features it can give you. If you are still in the thought of knowing which equipment to choose, you have the preference of picking out a device that would best fit your needs in everyday living.

Health care professionals are a good source of information regarding your decision in picking out a mobility device. After your consultation with them regarding your current situation they will be able to advocate certain types of mobility device fit for your requirements. More or less suggestions are like procuring an electric powered chair is on the list when the equipment is for long term use.

When you already have a wheelchair but you are thinking of obtaining another due to restrictions in your daily task, then you have to be sure to research first for the best chair available in the market. Make a record of your specifications to avoid unnecessary dilemma in the future. Things that you need to consider are the right specifications, comfort, easiness and speed of movement.

Recommended for individuals on mobility chairs who travel a lot are usually the chairs which have the ability to be folded and kept at small areas at your means of transportation. This type of chair is composed of very light materials that it can also be carried easily by an individual. If you have your own car that is spacious enough, then you can be able to choose other types of chair even those bulky ones. The verdict is really up to you.

For custom made chairs the good thing is you have a precise specification especially made for you. Things such as back rest can be tilted backwards and a diverse kind of sitting area can be chosen from. To make your bottoms cozy and stress free, extra pad for protection against blisters from sitting on your wheelchair for the longest time is a preference. For the trendy type you can also have a wide range of shade to pick from. Anything you can imagine to add-on on your custom made mobility chair for your ease is given a thought.

When it comes to maximum luxury, superior maneuverability and discretionary performance electric types of chair is unmatched.

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Electric Wheelchair or Powerchair - Which Should You Choose?

Electric wheelchairs are either rear or front wheel driven. Some of them are center driven or four wheel driven. These powerchairs come in many varieties like small portable models, foldable models, and models that can be dis-assembled. Large, full-featured electric wheelchairs that are called rehab chairs are also available. Powerchairs are designed for persons who have arm and leg disablement. Such people would find the operations of hand propelled wheelchairs quite difficult.

Electric wheelchairs are fitted with electric motors that are powered by 4 to 5 ampere rechargeable batteries. These motors are outboard boat engine types. The batteries come in dry or wet types. Dry type batteries are the most preferred ones due to ease of operation and maintenance. Electric wheelchairs are also fitted with battery chargers so that plugging into standard wall outlets is easy.

Operating either a joystick or a controller usually controls electric wheelchairs. Hand controllers, chin controllers, puff/sack controllers are specifically designed for persons with varying degrees of operational difficulty. The controller is the most expensive part of powerchairs and is quite delicate. Electric wheelchairs come with several optional functions like tilting, reclining seat and leg elevators, etc. to facilitate healthy and functional operations.

Electric wheelchairs for kids are generally those used by mentally disabled children or children affected by polio. These wheelchairs are custom made to suit the age of the child as well as the usage like indoors or outdoors or both. Polio affected kids and paraplegics were using hand supports till a few decades ago. Such hand supports normally resulted in severe body strain to the kids. The advent of electric wheelchair for kids has greatly relieved such kids of their suffering.

Travel had been on the rise and persons using wheelchairs are no exception. Traveling on vacation, travel for education, employment or participation in sports meets and general commuting for shopping, etc. have become indispensable for persons using electric wheelchairs. Portable and foldable models of wheelchairs require storage space, when not being used. As such, public transports like buses, trains and airplanes specifically provide electric wheelchair carriers. Buses with low boarding platforms that can literally lift wheelchairs into the buses have also been designed to serve such people. Such platforms are electrically or hydraulically operated.

Nowadays, in the United States, sales and service facilities for electric wheelchairs are quite widespread. You do not have to go too far to buy an electric wheelchair of your choice. As these powerchairs are made-to-order types, deliveries take some time but are normally very reliable. Electric wheelchair parts repair has also become quite easy, reliable and economical due to the healthy competition between the various electric wheelchair manufacturers.

Operation of an electric wheelchair by patients or disabled persons carries a certain amount of risk. Accidents could not be avoided at one time or another. Such accidents could be minor or major. Hence, insurance companies provide both accident/life insurance policies, as well as medicare policies to cover such risks. It is always advisable to take suitable insurance policies for physical and financial protection. Electric wheelchairs and Medicare go hand-in-hand for persons confined to wheelchairs.

Electric power scooters, or mobility scooters as they are called, are normally fitted with two rear wheels, a seat with a flat area to place the feet and a handlebar in the front to operate one or two steerable front wheels. Swiveling seats are also available. Electric power scooters are invariably electric powered by rechargeable batteries that could be charged from standard electric outlets. Certain models of mobile scooters are gasoline-powered. Such electric power scooters have been most welcome for persons confined to wheelchairs. They find such scooters handy for commuting to schools and colleges as well as to workplaces and shopping. Electric power scooters are normally cheaper than powerchairs. Insurance companies and healthcare agencies like Medicare prefer to insure or extend Medicare facilities for people using such scooters.

Eric Comforth is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics. There is more wheelchair information at Wheelchairs For You.

Electric Wheel Chair Lift - What Are the Options?

Electric wheel chair lifts are essentially motor-driven lifts. These lifts are installed at the back of one's vehicle. The lifts are powerful, and are capable of lifting your wheel chair and mobility chair right from the ground into your vehicle.

Using an electric wheel chair lift is easy. All that you have to do is to place the object that you want to lift on the platform of the lifting system. Then at the touch of a single button, the motor will elevate the object to the desired height. Thus you shall be able to solve your problem of getting heavy objects inside your vehicle with utmost ease.

There are two primary options for you to install and store an electric wheel chair lift in your car or truck. In the one that is better to look at, you shall have an electronic fold system installed. This fold system will get folded inside your vehicle. For a car, it will go inside the boot trunk. In case of a van or a truck, it will move up on the backside and go in. In any case, none would be able to spot the folded system from outside.

The other option is where the electric wheel chair lift is attached flatly to the rear side of the van, truck or car. In this case, the lift system will be visible from outside. As a result of this, many people tend to prefer the first type over the second. The second one is said to be more robust, but for all practical purposes both of these systems function well.

Electric wheel chair lifts are available to fit most of the ordinary circumstances. You should not find it difficult to locate models that look good, as well as fit perfectly with your car, van or truck. In fact, there are retailers who help you locate the model that goes the best with your vehicle. It may not be difficult for many of us to fit the electric wheel chair lift on our vehicles. However, if you want to make sure that the fitting is good and there is no chance of any accidental lapses, you may still want to consider getting this done by a professional.

It is interesting to note that medical companies and most of the insurance companies do not cover these lifts. However, if you are going for a new vehicle either for purchase or for lease, many automobile companies would offer you a handsome reimbursement that will cover a significant portion of the cost of buying the electric wheel chair lift. So do make sure that you double-check with the automobile dealer at the time of purchase of your vehicle.

People with back and leg pain can use an electric lift chair to make their days a bit more comfortable. For wheelchair users, an electric wheel chair lift provides even greater mobility outside the home.