Front wheel/rear wheel drive convertible wheelchair

Abstract

A powered wheelchair for disabled persons is provided that has a frame that has a first end and a second end. A seat support is coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. A pair of swivel wheels is coupled to the frame proximate the first end and a pair of motor driven wheels is connected to the frame proximate the second end. A motor is coupled to each of the driven wheels. The motors are adapted to allow a change in the rotational direction of the driven wheel to which it is coupled, wherein the rotational direction of the motors may be changed when the wheelchair is converted from a rear wheel drive wheelchair to a front wheel drive wheelchair. At least one battery is coupled to the motors, the battery providing power to the motors. An electronic controller is coupled to the motors and the battery. The controller has a user interface that is used to direct the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A seat assembly is reversibly coupled to the seat support and extends upwardly above the frame. The seat assembly has an extension member coupled thereto that is adapted to be reversed in direction relative to the seat support. The seat assembly further includes a seat base having a front edge. The seat base may thus be located so that the front edge is located generally over the swivel wheels to provide a rear wheel drive wheelchair and may be reversed so that the front edge is located generally over the driven wheels to provide a front wheel drive wheelchair. The rotational direction of the driven wheels may be reversed so that a forward command from the controller results in a different rotation when the wheelchair is in a rear wheel drive configuration as compared to a forward command when the wheelchair is in a front wheel drive configuration.