Choosing the right wheelchair is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your mobility, independence, and quality of life. Whether you need a wheelchair temporarily or long-term, it’s important to select one that fits your specific needs.
This guide, brought to you by Mobility Plus, a family-owned and operated small business, will help you understand the different types of wheelchairs available, what features to consider, and how to choose the best wheelchair for your lifestyle.
Types of Wheelchairs
Manual Wheelchairs – Larger Rear Wheels
Manual wheelchairs are equipped with larger rear wheels that allow the user to propel themselves while also offering the option for a caregiver to push. Using a manual wheelchair independently requires upper body strength, as the larger wheels are necessary for self-propulsion. However, because of their size, these wheels can make the wheelchair heavier and more cumbersome to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces, and harder to lift into a car for transport.
Transit Wheelchairs – Smaller Rear Wheels
Transit wheelchairs are designed to be pushed by a caregiver only (unlike manual wheelchairs). They are typically lighter in weight and have smaller rear wheels, making them ideal for easy transport in vehicles and convenient for short trips.
What Type of Wheelchair Should I Buy?
Choosing the right wheelchair depends on several factors, including your mobility needs, where you’ll be using the wheelchair (inside or outside), and the level of independence you require. Consider whether you can push yourself or if you’ll always need to be pushed by a caregiver. Additionally, if the wheelchair needs to be transported in a car, the weight of the wheelchair will be an important factor for your caregiver to manage—the lighter the wheelchair, the easier it will be to transport.
Consider Where It Will Be Used
- Indoors: If you primarily need a wheelchair for indoor use, consider one with a smaller frame and good manoeuvrability. Lightweight manual wheelchairs are well-suited for indoor environments. They are easier to propel on flat surfaces (though less so on carpet), but the large rear wheels can make it more challenging to navigate through tight spaces.
- Outdoors: For outdoor use, look for a wheelchair with a sturdy frame to handle uneven terrain. The larger rear wheels of a manual wheelchair manage lumps and bumps well but tend to be heavier, making them more difficult to transport. Having attendant (caregiver) brakes on the handles provides a safer experience, as the person pushing can control the speed of the wheelchair on descents.
- Both Indoors and Outdoors: If you need a wheelchair that works well in both settings, consider a versatile option with medium-sized wheels and a compact, strong, lightweight frame that can handle various environments. Also, consider whether the person using the wheelchair will ever need to push themselves. If so, a manual wheelchair is the better choice. If not, then a transit wheelchair will suffice and be easier to transport for the caregiver.
Transporting Your Wheelchair
Weight of the Wheelchair:
Lightweight wheelchairs are typically made from aluminium. The quality of this material is crucial for maintaining a strong frame that is safe and will not flex or break during use. As a general guide, look for a wheelchair that weighs under or around 10kg, as this can be managed by most people. Many wheelchairs allow you to remove the footrests and rear wheels (in manual versions), which reduces the overall weight when loading into the car but requires disassembly and reassembly.
Size When Folded:
How your wheelchair folds up is important. Nearly all wheelchairs fold in the centre, which still makes them somewhat bulky for transport, especially manual versions with large rear wheels. Features to look for to ensure compact transport include folding handles, folding or easily removable footrests, and, in manual versions, quick-release rear wheels.
Sizing, Seat Width, and Comfort
When selecting a wheelchair, it’s important to choose one with the right seat width for your comfort. The seat should be wide enough to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, but not so wide that you feel unstable. Ideally, you should be able to fit your hand down either side when seated, which also allows for a blanket to be wrapped around you on colder days.
Adequate cushioning is crucial for supporting long periods of sitting. Since most wheelchairs are designed to fold easily, the seats are typically only lightly padded. To enhance comfort, you can purchase a cushion for your wheelchair. Cushions are available in various shapes and thicknesses, allowing you to choose the level of padding that suits your needs.
Weight Capacity
Always check the maximum weight capacity of the wheelchair to ensure it’s suitable for your needs. Most standard wheelchairs can support up to 120kg, but there are bariatric models available that can handle higher weights, offering extra durability and stability.
Safe Use and Brakes
All wheelchairs are equipped with brakes located at the rear wheels. These function like a handbrake, locking the rear wheels in place. The brakes must always be applied when a person is getting in and out of the wheelchair (transferring). Additionally, some wheelchairs offer the added benefit of brakes located on the handles, allowing the caregiver to control the speed when going down a slope and apply the handbrake when needed. These types of brakes are particularly important if the person pushing the wheelchair is smaller or frailer, as they help prevent the wheelchair from running away from them.
Cheap vs Expensive Wheelchairs
Buying a wheelchair can be an expensive exercise, and it’s understandable that many people start by looking for cheaper options. However, remember that cheap wheelchairs are often cheaper for a reason! At Mobility Plus, we offer great value options but refuse to sell cheap wheelchairs. The reason for this is simple: the build quality and safety of cheap wheelchairs are often compromised, making them too dangerous to recommend.
Our value wheelchairs are a great option for an entry-level chair. These tend to be heavier and may have fewer features, such as attendant brakes (brakes on the handles), and they don't always fold up as compactly as higher-end models. They are great for occasional use and primarily for indoor use.
Our higher-end wheelchairs tend to be lighter and come with many features that make them easier to transport. These wheelchairs are often crafted from advanced materials like aircraft-grade aluminium, which significantly reduces their weight without sacrificing strength. This makes them much easier to lift into a car, navigate through tight spaces, or handle during travel.
In addition to their lightweight design, high-end wheelchairs are equipped with a range of features that enhance both comfort and usability. These may include adjustable seating options, superior cushioning, and customisable components like footrests and armrests, ensuring that the chair can be tailored to the user's specific needs. Many of these models also offer quick-release wheels and folding handles, allowing for more compact storage and effortless transport.
Moreover, high-end wheelchairs are built to withstand daily wear and tear, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Maintenance and Safety Tips from Mobility Plus
- Regularly check the wheelchair for wear and tear. Look out for loose bolts, worn tyres, or damaged upholstery.
- Keep the wheelchair clean. Wipe down the frame and seat regularly to prevent dirt build-up.
- Test the brakes frequently. Ensure they’re working correctly to avoid accidents.
- Replace parts as needed. Having access to spare parts, such as tyres or cushions, ensures your wheelchair remains safe and functional.
Still Not Sure? – Consult with a Healthcare Professional
If you’re unsure about which type of wheelchair is best for you, consult with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or healthcare professional. They can assess your mobility needs and recommend the most suitable option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wheelchair is essential for improving your mobility, safety, and independence. By understanding the different types available and considering your specific needs, you can select the correct wheelchair that will make your daily life easier and more enjoyable.
As a family-owned and operated small business, Mobility Plus is dedicated to helping you find the perfect mobility solution. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us—we’re here to support you every step of the way!