Manual wheelchairs do not require great controls for direction or for stopping.
But electric wheelchairs should have directional control as well as breaking system.
For speed controls, electric chairs should typically have either belts or even gears, and at times both.
Power wheelchairs that are driven by belts are always noiseless.
Gear driven chairs are low in maintenance and are more durable than belt drive chairs.
Electric wheelchairs for indoor use are low-end electric power and with light frames.
Whereas the outdoor electric devices are heavy framed and has high electric power, suitable for rugged use.
Latest types are having several control devices and good suspension, which allow the wheelchair to move like a car giving all the comforts of a luxury vehicle.
Three common variants are prevalent in the market: Rear, Front and Mid wheel driven wheelchairs.
Rear wheel driven chairs are conventional and very popular.
Though they are having poor turning capabilities compared to front wheel and mid wheel drive models, they are quite fast.
Because they tend to turn spontaneously, most of the front drive wheelchairs are designed with lower top speed.
Yet, they are quite popular because of the accurate front wheel guided turning.
Though the mid wheel drive gives good turning radius, they have a tendency to destabilize the wheelchair.
They have good castors in the rear and anti-tip in the front to transact uneven surfaces.
However, they are not that stable while starting and stopping.
These chairs are with additional features like a tilt mechanism that tilts the seat assembly and foot rests upward to an extent of 45 degrees angle.
This eases the user to alight easier.
Reclining facility is in many wheelchairs facilitate to almost a lying position, to give a small nap.
It also raises the leg rests to horizontal position to facilitate the above posture.
Electric wheelchairs are becoming very popular with such added paraphernalia.