Users With Hand Dexterity

• The joystick has been used since the earliest electric wheelchairs came onto the market. These are wonderful for those who still have the use of their right hand. Sometimes custom made chairs have the handle hooked up to the left, but it is rare.
  
  A form of speed control usually accompanies joysticks. These devices are easy to use and take generally little hand movement so even users with partial paralysis can maintain mobility. Because different companies configure these joysticks and other controls in various ways, even though many are similar, they should still be checked out to see which one is more comfortable to the individual who wants to use it.
  
  

Quadraplegic Controls

• Mouth controls are a more recent development in electric wheelchairs. Manufacturer's realized that there was marketing potential in this area because people who can't use their limbs still want to be able to transport themselves without the help of others.
  
  The method entails connecting electrodes to the body of the user to the wheelchair. Through various electric sensors the person makes the machine move in the direction they desire by clenching their teeth in certain ways. The machine moves according to which muscle in the mouth is moved. While it may take some practice, it is a substantial improvement for people with no use or limited use of their limbs.
  
  

Total Paralysis Controls

• Yet another amazing addition to the line of electric wheelchairs is the idea of controlling the device through moving the eyes. People with total paralysis can gain freedom of movement without tiring their jaw muscles, if they can use them.
  
  The wheelchair is equipped with a computer system with sensors and a graphic user interface. The built-in sensor picks up signals from the eye socket to move the wheelchair.