It’s a fact that wheelchairs can greatly improve the quality of life for people who have physical impairments that make it difficult or impossible to walk or keep balance. With the help of a wheelchair, people with all sorts of mobility problems can perform their daily activities and even engage in some sports. Plus, a mobility wheelchair also helps them lead a more active social life. Being such an important aid, it’s essential to make the right choice when buying a wheelchair.
Depending on their needs and the degree of mobility impairment, people can choose between a manual or a motorised mobility wheelchair. A manual wheelchair is very lightweight and designed to be self-propelled by the user or pushed by a carrier. This type is mostly suitable for hospitals, for short-term use, or for travelling – thanks to the fact that it is foldable and easy to store.
On the other hand, motorised wheelchairs offer a higher degree of independence and ease of use as they are electrically powered. They allow the user to control the speed and direction of movement, and have functions that allow to navigate slopes and ramps safely and without experiencing fatigue . Since a motorised wheelchair can reach a maximum speed of around 5km per hour, the user can easily take part in activities at walking speed. Besides being great for outdoor use, these wheelchairs are much smaller than a mobility scooter which also makes them suitable to be used indoors.
Regardless of which mobility wheelchair you choose, motorised or powered, it’s important to look for features that make using it daily more comfortable and safer. Most importantly, pay attention to how the seat is designed. Since you’ll spend a lot of time seated, a wheelchair with an ergonomic design consisting of a well padded seat, headrest, backrest, armrests and footrest can not only increase comfort, but also offer greater support and reduce the chances of developing pressure sores.
Different wheelchairs are designed to fit different users. Most models come in dimensions that are specifically suited for either children, teenagers, or adults. Some wheelchairs are height adjustable, which means they can accommodate users of different heights. Heavier individuals can use barbaric wheelchairs which have a greater weight and size capacity than standard models and can help properly distribute weight, which helps ease joint problems and prevent pressure sores. Specialized pressure cushions and back support can be additionally used to prevent circulatory problems and increase comfort.
