Seat elevation in a power wheelchair is a lift of the seat pan on the vertical plane. For Power wheelchair users Seat elevation raises and lowers the height of the seating system, without changing seat to back or seat to floor angles.  The Seat Elevator with the actuator, or motor, raises and lowers the seat pan in response to commands given by the driver of the wheelchair through the input device, such as a joystick. In the photo below, the scissor mechanism raises and lowers the seat pan to the desired height.

Benefits of Seat Elevation for the users is numerous. Power wheelchair users with the elevation feature are now able to reach and access higher levels. This includes things like light switches, higher cupboards, shelves above clothing rods, and upper shelves in your kitchen. Using the seat elevaor can help with bed transfers, bath bench transfer or toilet transfers.

Shopping becomes easer when reaching for items on a higher shelf.

For users who have the elevate feature on their power wheelchair they are able to reach and lift from a height that is below the shoulders, which offers better  advantage and reduces the risk of injury.

Seat elevation also is beneficial for performing transfers. Sliding board transfers are easier when done from a higher level to a lower level as gravity assists with the transfer. The users would now be able to position the height of the wheelchair to enable the transfer to be most optimal – from a higher level to a lower level – possibly reducing the risk of strain or injury over the long-term.

Social interaction and communication are other benefits of power seat elevation. When an individual seated in a wheelchair communicates with an individual who is standing, neck extension is required to maintain eye contact. Using the elevator feature can help

Another benefit of seat elevation relates to safety and visibility. When the user of the power wheelchair is crossing streets, driving a power wheelchair in an elevated position may allow an individual to be seen more easily by drivers in vehicles because of the increased stature.