When purchasing or renting wheelchairs several considerations should be thought about prior to deciding this is the right one for you. Various models are available which range from motorized, manual, sports, paediatric, bariatric and many others by various manufacturers.
Manual wheelchairs may be a transit chair which has four smaller wheels and requires someone to push the person or could be self propelled which has two larger wheels at the back and two smaller wheels at the front. Self propelled chairs provide the user the ability to steer and turn by using the wheel rims on the back wheels.
Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors and tend to be more expensive than manual chairs. Sports wheelchairs are available and specialized depending upon which sport you wish to partake in. Paediatric chairs tend to generally be used for children or smaller adults. Bariatric tend to be used for heavier weight people.
Wheelchairs may either have a rigid or a folding frame. Rigid frames are static and cannot reduce in size, whereas folding chairs have the flexibility to drop down the back, remove wheels and push the sides close together making it easy to transport and store away if applicable.
The weight of a chair needs to be addressed, particularly if carer or family members need to lift the chair into an automobile for instance. Steel framed chairs are heavier whereas aluminium chairs are a lot lighter than steel.
The size of the seat on a wheelchair does vary dependent upon the type and the model. Ensure that the seat is the right size for the person who will be using it as this, along with the weight of a person will contribute towards the comfort factor of the user. Sometimes padded cushions are part of the purchase and sometimes not so consider this as an option prior to your purchase.
Another item to be aware of is the tyres as these may be either puncture proof or pneumatic. Should the pneumatic option be sought then do not forget to buy a pump to go with the tyres. Choosing the puncture proof option provides you will a solid rubber tyre which is not susceptible to punctures.
Accessories can be purchased separately. Types of items which you could buy are umbrellas, cup holders, lap trays, blankets and various types of bags which can be clipped on the back, side or underneath the chair. Think about when you are using the chair and what additional items you may need.
Many other questions and queries may arise when looking into the purchase or renting of wheelchairs but with a little more knowledge provided here you can make a start on assessing the right option suitable.
Learn more about electric wheelchairs. Stop by Manage At Home’s site where you can find out all about disability aids and what they can do for you.