Featured Wheelchair Models
The following wheelchairs are a selection of our most popular models that offer unbeatable features and value for money. If you want to browse through our full range of manual or electric models, click your category selection on the left side navigation menu.
Reclining Back Wheelchair
* Many first time wheelchair users have only one wheelchair even though it cannot meet all their mobility needs.
* It's quite common for long term users to aquire several different types of wheelchair to cater for their various needs. * There is no single wheelchair that can cater for all the mobility needs a disabled person will require. * Manual models are available in many different configurations to function adequately in varying environments and situations. * Some are designed to be propelled by the user while others are made to be pushed by a companion or carer. * Wheelchairs that are designed to be pushed by someone other than the rider, are sometimes called dependent wheelchairs. * Those designed for transporting disabled people ( e.g at airports ) are very basic and need to be pushed by someone. * Transport type wheelchairs are classified as dependent as they need to be pushed by a companion. Sport Wheelchair
* Transport model wheelchairs are very light and compact to enable them to be easily folded and packed into the trunk of the car.
* Transport chairs are not designed for comfort because the rider only sits in them for short periods of time while being transported. * A secondary use for transport chairs is to act as a spare / back-up in case the primary wheelchair is not available for any reason. * The major benefit of transport wheelchairs is their compact design that enables them to be easily stored when they are not in use. * Unlike power wheelchairs, manual ones usually do not have flexible seating and reclining options. * Devices are available for fitting to manual wheelchairs that enable the seats to tilt and recline. These positioning bases add quite a lot of weight to the wheelchair but do provide more comfort. * A feature of transport chairs is that they normally have very small rear wheels. * Bear in mind that heavier models are difficult to propel and transport. They are also more likely to need to be pushed by a companion. Heavy Duty Wheelchair
* Prior to purchasing a wheelchair, users should carefully research the models available and match the features against their requirements.
* Self propelled models generally have large wheels to assist the rider to propel the wheelchair. * The way in which users propel their chairs is dependent to a large extent on their physical disabilities. * Some riders use their arms to propel the chair while others may use their legs or both. * If you use your legs to propel your wheelchair, it's very important to adjust the height between the seat and floor correctly. * Experienced users develop the ability to perform advanced maneuvers that greatly improves their mobility. * Compared to power models, manual designs are much lighter in weight. * Another feature of manual wheelchairs is that they are very reliable due to the basic features employed. Transport Wheelchair
* Another benefit associated with manual wheelchairs is that they are much easier to transport.
* If you are on a limited budget, a manual model would be ideal as they are very much cheaper than the power models. * Using a manual chair requires a high degree of physical effort and therefore provides the user with a certain amount of beneficial physical exercise. * Lighter manual designs can be manipulated by the rider to overcome accessibility obstacles that cannot be done with heavier power models. * Users with limited upper body strength should consider a power model unless they have a companion to propel the chair for them. * Disabled people value their independence highly and will always prefer to operate their wheelchairs without any outside assistance. * Long term use of manual chairs may result in a certain amount of physical pain / soreness in the arms, hand or shoulders due to the repetitive use of certain muscle groups. * Do not make an uninformed decision on your purchase as you could end up with a model that doesn't meet your most important needs. Standard Weight Wheelchair
* Choosing a wheelchair is a fairly complex task as you need to take into account many factors including seating, wheels, styles, weight capacity, cushions and armrests.
* There are many different types of manual wheelchair, each of which has it's own special advantages and weaknesses when used in different environments. * Transport chairs typically weigh between 20 and 25lbs, making it relatively easy store them in the trunk of your car or van. * Two of the better known manufacturers of manual models are Drive and Invacare, who both have thousands of satisfied wheelchair users. * Weight is one of the most important factors to consider when making your selection. * Standard weight wheelchairs typically weigh between 35 and 45 lbs and are capable of carrying loads up up to 575 lbs or more. * If you want a self propelled model, one of your options is the standard weight type. * If you are not going to be sitting in your chair all day then you should consider a standard weight type. Light Weight Wheelchair
* Some models of standard weight chairs have frames that fold plus swingaway footrests and armrests making it possible to use them as transport chairs.
* Light weight models typically weigh less than 35 lbs and are ideal for more frequent use than standard weight designs. * A feature of lightweight wheelchairs is that they can be configured to meet many of the users special requirements. * Lightweight versions can also be customized with options such as color, size , wheels, casters, upholstery and footrests. * Standard features on most lightweight designs include removable footrests, full length armrests and foldable frames. * Top suppliers of lightweight wheelchairs include manufacturers such as Pride, Invacare and Sunrise, to name just a few. * If you are looking for maximum performance then you may need an ultra lightweight type. * Wheelchairs that are classified as ultra lightweight are available with weights as low as 13 lbs. Ultra Light Weight Wheelchair
* Ultra lightweight wheelchairs are supplied with either rigid frames or folding versions.
* An ultra lightweight model is also ideal for users who will spend very long periods of time in their chairs. * A big benefit of ultra lightweight wheelchairs is that they lend themselves to extensive amounts of customization. * Travel chairs are similar to transport chairs but are generally very light and weigh between 14 and 22 lbs. * Travel chairs are designed to be ultra compact and light, making them ideal for users who travel by air. * In common with transport chairs, travel chairs need to be propelled by a companion. * A common feature of travel chairs is their light weight and ability to be folded and carried in a travel bag. * Most travel chairs are supplied as standard with flip-back armrests and a fixed foot platform. Travel Wheelchair
* Although many wheelchairs have fixed backs, there are models than come with reclining backs as standard.
* Reclining back models offer users a range of comfortable sitting positions with up to 90 degree recline possible. * The downside of reclining back designs is that they cannot be folded and therefore are difficult to transport. * Large users should choose a heavy duty duty wheelchair capable of carrying loads of up to 700 lbs. * Bariatric wheelchairs have carrying capacities of over 600 lbs and seat sizes of up to 30 inches. * Most heavy duty versions can be folded and are supplied with armrests and swingaway footrests. * Sporting activities are not just for abled bodied people. Wheelchairs are available that have been designed especially for this purpose. * Users that are interested in beach, court or track activities can select from a variety of specialized sport models. * As you would expect, sports versions are more expensive due to the special demands placed on the wheelchair. * Users who are serious about their sporting activities often have their sport models custom made for them. Return to Mobility Aid Home Page Top of Wheelchairs
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