For the user who is unable to stand freely on their own two feet, a wheelchair is a gift. In essence, it serves as a transfer tool for people who are unable to walk due to sickness, injury, or disability. A wheelchair makes it possible for a person with a handicap to travel anywhere and move around independently.
The wheelchair's user sits inside of it and controls it either directly or automatically. When choosing one of the many wheelchair models available, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind since they will use this device continuously throughout your lifespan.
What considerations are therefore necessary when purchasing a new wheelchair? Find out more below.
Wheelchairs: manual or electric?
Your requirements should be the main factor when choosing a wheelchair. The level of health varies from person to person; some may find it easier to manoeuvre their wheelchair by using their hands properly, while others may find it difficult to move their hands due to illness.
A motorised wheelchair will be helpful for people who have trouble controlling themselves, while a manual wheelchair may be more appealing to people who have good upper body control.
When looking for a new wheelchair, it is important to consider your medical needs first.
Your diagnostic criteria and medicinal needs
People who are prone to bedsores and rashes from wheelchair use must consider these aspects when buying a new wheelchair. You must select your equipment in line with the recommendations of your medical advisor. A new wheelchair should have the features your doctor recommended and will assist you in avoiding any long-term problems your sickness may cause.
Size and Shape of Your Body
Consider buying a new wheelchair based on your dimensions and find them in the Adults, Teens, or Children section of your preferred retailer. Find a wheelchair that is 1 to 4 centimetres wider than your pelvis as a general guideline.
The wheelchair's weight
How a wheelchair is handled relies on physical fitness because they come in a variety of sizes and weights. While some people might find a heavier object difficult to control, others might find lighter goods simple to use. It will be beneficial to take the wheelchair's weight into account when making a purchase.
Extra wheelchair amenities
You might need a wheelchair that can be simply transported or stored in a small space. Consider your requirements and abilities when choosing a wheelchair because the features you need from a wheelchair must be available from it. Therefore, it will be easier to choose a new device that can be folded up and stored in a compact space. You should possibly investigate.
Wheelchair accessories
You will eventually require a wheelchair in your existence. Therefore, it must not feel unnatural or ill-fitting when you use it. The four elements listed below are frequently used to make manual wheelchairs:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon Fiber
- Titanium
The most portable and lightweight scooters are made of aluminum, while the more robust and heavier wheelchairs are made of steel. Wheelchairs made of titanium or carbon fibre are preferable choices if you want something that is lighter.
Choosing tyres for wheelchairs
Verify that your wheels can accommodate your need for movement. If you frequently use your wheelchair outside, you may need very strong tyres because they will be exposed to various kinds of terrain.
Think about your environment and popular travel locations
When selecting a wheelchair, your living situation must be taken into consideration. Equipment designed for metropolitan areas might not perform as well in rural ones. If you reside in a humid area, your wheelchair will always be prone to rust, so you should consider the climate when choosing a new one.
Mobility equipment necessities
A wheelchair user might be tempted to add new features and mobility-improving accessories to their existing apparatus. It's crucial that the new wheelchair you select is compatible with the user's quality of life improvements because they may need bags, spoke guards, and other accessories. The ability to customise a new wheelchair is one of its key features.
Maintenance and assistance with the mobility
Whether your new scooter can be repaired at home must be ascertained. Sending this device away for repair would have a significant effect on your daily schedule because you use it for transportation every day.
You frequently use scooters to fulfil your needs. These ten recommendations should be kept in mind when looking for a new scooter. They will assist you in locating the wheelchair that is ideal for your needs.
Both manual and electric wheelchairs can simplify living for you and your loved one. You should consider carefully before renting or purchasing a wheelchair and ask yourself a few key questions. It will ensure that the machinery is suitable and meets your needs in every manner.