Today's power wheelchairs are structurally similar but the multi-functional options offered by manufacturers make every unit unique. However, every power wheelchair has four working components: 1. motor 2. battery 3. drive 4. wheelchair controller Lightweight power chairs use a two-pole motor. Heavy-duty power chairs use a four-pole motor. The two-pole motor can reliably transport a maximum weight of about 250 pounds. The for-pole motor not only provides more carrying power but also allows for more important options. As the planet is suffering from excessive weight gain, the heavy-duty chairs are becoming more popular. In the United States alone, 3.8 million people weigh more than 300 pounds. At some point, the majority of those individuals will require power wheelchairs. Typically, heavy-duty wheelchairs require extra design to provide reinforced stability. Basically, the frame, axle, suspension, wheels, engine and battery all need extra strength. However, with heavy-duty wheelchairs the most common problem is the motor, which if not properly designed will fail under the increased weight. The batteries in power wheelchairs are sealed lead acid batteries (SLA). The batteries are either wet or dry cell batteries and provide four to five amps of power. These batteries are usually charged by using a standard electrical outlet when the chair is not in use. Power wheelchairs can be purchased in front-wheel, rear-wheel, center-wheel of four-wheel drive. For flat terrains, rear-wheel and center-wheel drive is most effective. If the chair is to be used outdoors, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is recommended. To steer the electric wheelchair, a handle or joystick are most common. For seriously disabled users, a motion sensitive tube, a head-to-chin controller or an eye-to-computer screen controller can be selected. With computerized steering devices, the computer controls the speed, amperage and turning action. The computer interface uses the battery power to operate. The computer also advises the user when the battery needs recharging. In addition to its primary speed and steering uses, the controller manages the tilt, the lift and recline functions. Tailoring your electric wheelchair begins by selecting the two-pole or four-pole motor and then adding the necessary options. While heavy-duty wheelchairs are significantly more durable than lightweight chairs, they are also quite a bit more expensive. Paying attention to every detail is likely to assure the user that the chair will last for years. Where do they come from? China, Taiwan and Canada are the world's leading manufacturers of power wheelchairs. Amazingly, Canada exported $1.9 billion in electric wheelchairs to the United States in 2004. In 2008, Canada showed a 114.1% gain by exporting electric wheelchairs worth $4.1 billion to the U.S. Discover the best deals and information on a power wheelchair. Visit us at PowerWheelchair.org to find out more about how a power wheelchair can benefit you!

Below is a couple website that give exercise for people in wheelchairs. Hope that helps. It is important for people to exercise, especially people in wheelchairs, to prevent the body from wearing down.

well the wheelchair foundation did a survey last year and the results were a milion and one.hope that helps!

It does depend on the model and brand and level of disability of the person using the chair . I am a private duty nurses aide . I have a client that has an electric motorized wheelchair . The chair has FIVE speeds from which my client may choose . The speeds on THIS chair range from 1 mph to about 5 mph . There are many brands of chairs in various qualities and speeds ,not unlike cars - except that most are customized from the BASIC FRAME up , better ones are custom fitted with computerized measurements to make sure someone that spends most if not all of their time in the chair do not developed skin irritations , and ulcers as well as spinal deformities (SCOLIOSIS) through the use of gel-cushions and various types of bolsters . THESE ARE NON -GENERIC WHEELCHAIRS AND MAY REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION. They range in price from about $5000.00 up to as much as $30,000.00+ plus. There are also generic units(SCOOTER IS ONE POPULAR BRAND) that are for folks that can walk , but not for long distances (similar to the ones you see in the supermarkets ) they are designed for getting FROM POINT A TO POINT B in a reasonable amount of time and may have speeds of 10 or so miles per hour which is the average brisk walking speed , hope that helps explain a little (very little for there is much more) about these fascinating devices that have helped given many disabled folks a new lease on life .

Water Ballon Toss- this is great because it's hot outside now and they will have fun with it (whether they drop it or not). You could also do a rally race to a finish line.....maybe basketball, not sure how much access you have to these kinds of facilities but most organizations will help you out with things like this for free.

High population of retirees