First, let’s talk about the electric wheelchair.  Here are some things that this chair can offer you, should you choose it.  

• The electric powered wheelchair will provide you with excellent ability to move around.  There is not a doubt that it will allow you to move from place to place efficiently. 
• The electric wheelchair will also give you freedom.  One of the first and most difficult aspects that people deal with when placed in a wheelchair is the limited amount of freedom they have.  They have to count on someone else to move them.  They feel that they can not move from place to place easily.  They are limited.  But, with the electric wheelchair, this is quite different.  Because you can move from place to place easier, you can gain back some of the freedom you lost.
• One of the main problems with the manual wheelchair is that individuals have to lift themselves from a chair or bed and into the wheelchair.  The problem with this is that many individuals have a very difficult time with this because they have weakened arm and torso muscles as it is.  Moving from place to place is relatively difficult, and sometimes it takes help to get it done.  With the electric powered wheelchair, it is much easier to do this and you get that extra lift to help you.
• And, that brings us to another point.  With the electric wheelchair option, you can move yourself around.  You do not have to count on someone to move you from place to place or have to worry about how tired your arms will become.
• Along with all of this comes the ability to head outside, go for a ride in the park or even to the local store.  You can do this with an electric powered wheelchair but unless you are unbelievably strong you simply will be limited with the manual.

But, the main reason that people use the manual wheelchair over the electric wheelchair is a simple factor of cost.  Unfortunately, the electric wheelchair is quite a bit more and this can often make or break the deal.  But, many times Medicare or health insurance companies do help to defray the costs of purchasing an electric powered wheelchair simply because of all of its benefits. 

The right choice for your needs in the manual or electric wheelchair is really up to you and your abilities.  While it is not what you wanted to hear, being in a wheelchair can seem quite limiting but it can be made just a little better with the use of an electric powered wheelchair.  Make your considerations wisely based on your own personal needs.