Electric wheelchairs, also known as motorized wheelchairs or powerchairs, are wheelchairs powered by an electric-based power source like batteries or motors and have smaller wheels than manual wheelchairs. While many people might confuse them with electric scooters, you operate a motorized wheelchair using a joystick while you operate the scooter using handlebars and a tiller. The wheelchair has six or more wheels, while a scooter has three or four.

Motorized wheelchairs have two big wheels for movement and four smaller ones for balance. You can choose a from, mid, or rear-wheel drive.

Front-wheel drive wheelchairs have the drive system in front of your seat, the caster wheels at the back, and the drive wheels in the front. These can go over bumps up to two inches high and maneuver better around tight corners.

The mid-wheel drive wheelchairs, also known as center drive, have the drive system in the middle. They have the tightest turning radius, making them most suitable for small spaces or crowded areas like malls and apartments. They're not great for rough terrains, however.

Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs, on the other hand, have their drive system at the back, casters at the front, and drive wheels at the back. This gives them excellent maneuverability even when going at high speeds, but they don't have a great turning radius. They also have directional stability, making them less sensitive to oversteering.

Electric wheelchairs are the best choice for people who can't move a manual wheelchair due to age or other mobility issues.

One of the main advantages of these wheelchairs is that they give you the independence to move around and do daily activities. Many wheelchair users might suffer from anxiety and depression because of dependence on others, but this restores a sense of normalcy. The use of a joystick to move it makes it easy to use for everybody.

Many people with mobility issues spend their time indoors, especially when alone or because they don't want to bother their caregivers. With a motorized wheelchair, you can go out for strolls, and depending on your wheelchair, you can cover a distance of 8-20 miles on one charge.

Their stability makes it hard to fall off, minimizing the risk of injuries. You also don't have to worry about the fatigue of pushing a manual wheelchair that might cause shoulder and backaches. Motorized wheelchairs also have more comfortable seats and offer better back support.

Before buying an electric wheelchair, research different brands, compare prices, battery life, whether they work well outdoors, and the weight they can support.