Self Propelled Folding Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can be a life-changing piece equipment that offers independence as well as health and social benefits to some people. However, they can limit the mobility of a person and limit their ability to engage in the world.
mymobilityscooters -propelled folding wheelchairs are more convenient and take up less space to transport. This means that they can be transported in non-adapted vehicles and be stored easily.
The Person
Wheelchairs are available in different sizes and shapes. The wheelchair that is 'right' for a user needs to be viewed holistically and with specific consideration to the person's abilities, activities and environment where they will be utilized. The ability of the user to hold and move the large rear wheels over a long period of time should be taken into consideration when determining the positioning of the rear wheel that is larger. It is essential to think about the environment of the chair, for example the type of flooring, the width of internal doorways and the height of work/utility surfaces.
Self-propelled wheelchairs have larger rear wheels and is designed to allow the user to maneuver their own while seated. It has handles for carers or a companion to push the chair well. These chairs are often much lighter than attendant driven wheelchairs and are perfect for those who want to retain their independence and can go shopping or out to meet friends on their own when they are able to do so at their own time.
It is important to note that a self propelled wheelchair could be more exhausting for the caregiver than an attendant-propelled wheelchair as they require more upper body strength to operate. A wheelchair is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who is unable to stand or walk for long periods of time. It can assist people in many ways.
If a person relies on the assistance of a caregiver/companion to get them around, and cannot propel themselves in a wheelchair then we recommend looking into our range of basic wheelchairs and transport chairs. These chairs are lightweight and can be easily disassembled to transport between locations. They also fit into most car booties.
If you aren't sure which kind of wheelchair is best for you, then contact SpinLife's team at SpinLife and we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements. We will be able to advise you on which model is most suitable based on your personal requirements and even assist with the purchasing process should you require.
The Environment
The environment where a wheelchair will be used is often overlooked. However, this can have an important impact on the ability of a wheelchair to support a client's independence and lifestyle. Even simple considerations like the width of doorways or the height of work surfaces, and the terrain that which a wheelchair is required to traverse can affect the performance of a chair.
A lot of long-term care facilities will only utilize manual wheelchairs that are in a certain category (K0001, K002, etc). These chairs are often very basic and offer little in terms of seating or self-propulsion. It is important to promote a greater range of manual wheelchairs as part of this fleet so that clients can receive far more durable and functional chairs.
To make a self-propelled chair effective the drive wheels have to be within the user's reach. Therefore, it is recommended to choose larger diameter front drive- and push-rims. Also, for the wheelchair to climb a curb or single step it is vital that the rear wheel placement is optimal. If the rear wheel of the wheelchair is set too far forward, it can cause instability and tipping.
Additionally, a well-designed and comfortable chair will have an X frame under the seat to allow for expansion. This will ensure that the chair is comfortable throughout its lifetime and can adapt as a person's needs change in time.
A lightweight frame for self-propelled chair is also important, as this makes the chair overall lighter. This means that one can propel the chair with less effort and is more efficient when it comes to transporting it in vehicles.
For the same reason, an effective and reliable brake system is critical for both indoor and outdoor use. This will stop your chair from flipping over or getting stuck on slopes or uneven surfaces. It should also be easy to use with minimal effort. Other features like pouches and holders for personal items, and weather guards to protect the chair from elements can also boost the functionality and comfort of a wheelchair.
The Activity
A person's strength, range of movement and muscle tone, as well as their orthopedic status are going to determine whether they can self-propel a manual wheelchair, or require a power chair. It is also crucial to evaluate the environment they will be using the wheelchair in. This includes flooring, the width of the doorway, height of utilities and work surfaces, etc. It is also important to consider what they would like to do with their surroundings. Do they require cross steep ramps or curbs? Are they using their wheelchair to explore beaches or national parks?
If a person is new to self-propelling they'll usually require an extremely adjustable entry-level chair with a high degree of post supply adjustments. This lets the user determine their ideal seating arrangement and achieve optimal stability.
Many clients choose to propel their wheelchair with one hand and one foot. This is typically used after a stroke when one side of the body is affected. To be able to do this, the seat to floor height should be low enough to allow the person to be able to reach both the rims of the chair with their hands.
Some clients choose to propel their wheelchair in circles, which is challenging and requires much more energy. The seat-to-floor height of the chair must be lower in order for the user to grip both rims with their hands and push them in a unified way.
Some people make use of their feet to push their wheelchairs over long distances. To be able to do this it is necessary for the chair to be of a low seat-to-floor height and sturdy feet. Some customers opt to use a wheelchair with large outdoor tires so they can enjoy the beach on sand or in national parks. The position of the rear wheel on these chairs is very important, as when the rear wheel is far back, it is difficult to balance and more likely to tip over. If the rear wheel is too far forward, the chair may appear unstable and cause pain on the shoulders and ankles.
The Chair
Self-propelled wheelchairs are designed to allow the user to maneuver themselves, removing the need for a caregiver or a friend to push them. They tend to be lighter and easier to maneuver than other types of wheelchairs, making them perfect for those who want to preserve their independence or enjoy the freedom of living without having to rely on others.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right wheelchair. The first is to be aware of what you will be using it for. Some people use wheelchairs for their daily mobility while others only need wheelchairs for social occasions or medical visits. You must also think about how long you'll be using it. For example you may require an extra-supportive chair for long trips, or one with padded armrests that provide comfort.
Another factor to consider is the size and weight of the chair, especially if you'll be transporting it often or putting it in the back of a vehicle. The lighter models are easier to handle and the larger frames are able to support heavier users. You should also consider the size of the seat, taking note of its width, depth and overall dimensions to ensure it fits your body comfortably.
The design of a chair can influence its ability to be used. This is especially true in terms of its ability to turn and maneuver around obstacles. A lot of our wheelchairs have tighter turns, which allows you navigate through narrow spaces with ease, while other aspects like tyre type (pneumatic or solid) can impact the comfort and smoothness of your ride.
If you're in search of a lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair, Mobility Shop has a fantastic range of options to suit every user. Our wheelchairs are constructed with top quality materials and are designed to be strong and durable and comfortable. The wheelchairs can be adapted to meet your individual requirements including the height and placement of the armrests and footplates to the wheel and axle positions. They're also extremely easy to fold, taking up less space than other wheelchairs and can be stored away in seconds.