Most people, before needing one for themselves or a loved one, view wheelchairs as a simple product with little to understand. However, when confronted with the many options available, the simple product suddenly begins to appear complicated. Below, the Able-Aid team has broken down some of the considerations one needs to make when buying.
All wheelchairs fall into the two primary categories of transit (sometimes referred to as attendant) or self-propelled. Self-propelled wheelchairs are equipped with the distinctive, larger rear wheels that most people will be familiar with. These wheels will be fitted with a circular grab bar that allows the user to propel themselves forward.
This makes self-propelled wheelchairs the ideal solution for those who suffer from mobility problems, yet still have the upper body strength and wherewithal to navigate for themselves. A transit wheelchair, on the other hand, is typically equipped with smaller rear wheels that are missing the familiar grab bar. This means that to navigate, the user will require a carer, loved one, or attendant.
Breaking System – The two primary kinds of brake types you will find on most wheelchairs. These are the hand brake and the attendant brake. The hand brake is on the side of the chair and provides a lever that presses into the wheel, locking it in place. This also makes it a suitable parking brake. Due to its placement, this lever is accessible to both the user and a potential attendant. Attendant brakes are, as the name suggests, solely for the use of the attendant. They are pressure-based breaks located on the push handles. They are designed to slow the wheelchair, stop it, and grant greater control to the attendant.
For example, when buying a chair, user comfort is vital. Most wheelchairs come in a variety of seat widths designed to accommodate different users for little to no extra cost. Back support is another vital piece of the puzzle. For taller users, a higher back may provide greater comfort; most wheelchairs will advertise their seat height and back height under their specifications.
Something to look out for – Some wheelchairs may proudly boast of their ergonomic design. These features may be reflected in the price.
It’s worth keeping in mind that every wheelchair, no matter how it is built or what it is built from, will have a weight limit. Continued use of a wheelchair while exceeding the weight capacity risks damage to the chair and potential accidents.
The majority of modern wheelchairs are fully foldable and can collapse down to a fraction of their width. Some may also have fold-away handles and removable foot plates, making them very easy to store when not in use. Many are built with lightweight aluminium, allowing them to be reliable and strong while maximising ease of handling. These lightweight options are perfect for transporting in cars and on public transportation.
There are several extra features, while not always vital, that can provide several quality of life benefits for both user and attendant.
Safety Straps – A variety of safety equipment can be found for wheelchairs, most commonly, straps that hold the user in place.
Walking Stick Holder – Easy to miss, but some wheelchairs may come equipped with a small cup at the bottom of the chair, designed for users to pop in their walking stick. This handy feature makes for a simple transition from sitting to standing.
Storage – Some wheelchairs will come with pockets built into the sides or the rear. For extra storage, wheelchair bags make shopping trips easier.
Though more expensive, those facing many years of chair-bound mobility often look to powerchairs. They offer users the ability to be independent even on longer and more frequent journeys. While each will have its own unique control system, they most often come with a simple, intuitive joystick or equivalent. Designed for ease of use. They may also sport a selection of unique extras such as Bluetooth, USB ports, and more. Power Chairs come in their own varieties, the specifics of which require their own advice post to address.
If you need any further clarity on how to select the right wheelchair for you, contact our team using our online contact form or directly using any of our other contact details. We have both sale and hire options available, with the option of either self-propelled or transit.
