The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Light Wheelchair
There are millions of people worldwide who are using wheelchairs. These are the best tools that assist people with mobility issues. And because of their significant importance, it makes sense to be very careful and precise when shopping for the right wheelchair.
As technology and the medical device industry get more innovative and advanced, there are now light wheelchairs available to provide more convenience and comfort to wheelchair users. They offer unparalleled support and long-term comfort that may have been otherwise unavailable from old-fashioned wheelchairs.
If you’re planning to upgrade to a light wheelchair, use this guide in your shopping journey.
Ensure That It’s Indeed Lightweight
Modern wheelchair designs should be lightweight if you want them to be suited to modern living. It takes less energy to move a lightweight wheelchair than a standard design. It makes it easier for the user or the other person to maneuver. Whether you want to move it around or have someone assist you, ultra light wheelchairs are easy to control and move on any surface.
Whether you go for an electrically powered or a manual one, the lightweight feature is an important consideration. This is because it’s also helpful in transporting the wheelchair from one location to another. If you intend to travel far using a car, train, or plane, you can benefit from lightweight wheelchairs. They are usually easy to fold and keep in the compartment.
There are no batteries in the lightest models. But you can still find lightweight versions for the energy-operated ones. The key is to thoroughly research what weight is ideal for you.
Prioritize Comfort
One can never argue about the importance of comfort when choosing the best lightweight wheelchair. It’s crucial to go for a comfortable one. After all, it’s something you’ll use most of the time. The first step is to ensure the dimensions and fit of the chair are accurate. Many other factors lead to its overall comfortability.
To mention some, you should consider that the backrest is high enough to provide support for your entire back. Your seat should also be padded enough, so your buttocks remain comfortable no matter how long you sit in the wheelchair. Also, you should consider comfortable footrests and armrests.
Check The Right Wheelchair Size
Finding the best wheelchair is one way to help someone with mobility issues. The proper size of wheelchairs plays an important role in both comfort and propulsion mechanisms.
Thus, here are the variables that you need to check and estimate to see if it’s the right size for you:
Seat Width
Wheelchair seat width affects both comfort and performance. It’s important that the seat width is wide enough to distribute weight evenly. There should be enough room for you to scoop on the right or the left. Having narrow seat width will make it hard for you to be comfortable. However, ensure that it’s not too wide, too, as this can lead to bad posture.
Seat Depth
The comfort and biomechanics of the wheelchair are equally dependent on the seat depth of the wheelchair. Hence, it’s an important detail to be considered. The seat depth is usually dependent on how tall the user is. Having a seat that’s too short will overload the buttocks, which will result in increased pressure care risks. Hence, choose a wheelchair with an appropriate seat depth size suitable to your legs.
Seat Height
Seat height should be high enough to support the user’s feet but low enough to fit comfortably under the table. It’s something that can’t be compromised since it will also impact comfort level. When deciding on the seat height, don’t forget to factor in how thick or thin the cushion is, as this can impact the height.
Inspect The Wheel Quality
The wheelchair wheels should be reliable and robust to last a long time. After all, you need to rely on them to work in whatever terrain. They should easily glide into your wheelchair ramp if you have any. You’ll have a few different options when it comes to lightweight wheelchair wheels. There are standard wheels and more expensive ones that are heavy-duty.
Depending on budget and usage, you should look for high-quality and durable wheels if you’re planning to use your wheelchair frequently. Find the best rubber quality that comes with easy maneuverability.
Factor In The Usage Frequency
Finally, you should factor in the usage frequency of the wheelchair. Some wheelchairs are designed for occasional usage, while others are for continuous and regular. Your first decision is to determine how often you’ll use your lightweight wheelchair. Based on that, you can select durable and high-quality wheelchairs built for long-term use. While they may be more expensive, they’re mostly worth it.
Conclusion
There you have it; this guide has provided insights on what to look for in a lightweight wheelchair. With many choices and selections available in the market today, you can easily narrow down the candidates based on this list. While there’s not a standard wheelchair that fits anyone’s needs, it’s crucial to customize all features based on your own needs and wants.
