The power wheelchair
When does an electric wheelchair make sense for children and young adults?
An electric wheelchair, also known as an e-wheelchair, can provide valuable support for children and young adults with limited mobility. But when is an electric wheelchair the right choice? What models are available and what costs are covered by health insurance?
When is an e-wheelchair a useful aid?
An e-wheelchair can be useful if the conventional mobility aid, such as a manual wheelchair, is not sufficient to cope with everyday life without any problems. For children and young adults with severe mobility impairments or those who need greater support over longer distances, an e-wheelchair can be an enormous relief. The electric drives make it possible to move around comfortably without much effort, thus promoting independence and quality of life.
If the child or young adult has difficulty getting around under their own steam or tires quickly, an e-wheelchair can be an important aid in everyday life. Particularly with increasing age and longer journeys, such as to school or leisure activities, an e-wheelchair can help them to move around independently.
What models are available?
There are various models of electric scooters that are tailored to the needs of children and young adults. Some models offer additional functions that make life even more comfortable:
- Standing function: e-wheelers with a standing function allow the user to switch between sitting and standing. Not only can this provide health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and muscle function, but it can also enhance the social experience by allowing the user to stand at eye level with others. These models are particularly useful for people with limited mobility in their legs.
- Compact indoor models: For smaller spaces or for use at school, there are compact e-wheelers that offer good maneuverability and are easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Outdoor models: Some e-wheelers are specially designed for outdoor use and have more robust wheels and suspension to ensure a stable ride even on uneven terrain.
- Customizable models: Many e-wheelers offer the option of adjusting the seat position, footrests and backrests to suit the user's individual needs. This is particularly important for children, as they can grow with the wheelchair.
What costs are covered by health insurance?
The cost of an e-wheelchair can vary greatly depending on the model and equipment. In many cases, statutory health insurance will cover the costs of an e-wheelchair if it is medically necessary. The prerequisite is usually that the attending physician issues a prescription confirming the need for an electric wheelchair.
It is checked whether the e-wheelchair improves the user's mobility and enables an improvement in quality of life. Models with special functions, such as the standing function or adaptation options, can also be accepted if they are demonstrably necessary.
It is advisable to obtain information from the health insurance company at an early stage and, if necessary, apply for the costs to be covered. The insurance company will then decide which model and which equipment will be granted in each individual case.
Experiences from the community:
E-drive
We don't use a classic e-wheelchair but have equipped our normal wheelchair with an e-drive. A great solution for us.
Karma Kameleon special design
Murielle had mini-strokes, which left the right side of her body temporarily weaker and she can no longer use an active wheelchair. We applied for it when she was 3.5 years old and it arrived shortly before her 4th birthday. After some struggle, the health insurance company finally paid for it.