Things to Keep in Mind While Buying a Wheelchair
Wheelchairs may look alike to some, but they are as different as one consumer product is different from the other. You may be buying this for yourself or for your loved ones and before buying you should know certain things which should be kept in mind. They are used for a long time, sometimes even for 8 - 10 years; so, it tends to become an important investment for you.
The different types of wheelchairs are:
#1. Manual Wheelchairs – The simplest type of all is the manual one. They are designed in such a way, i.e., with large wheels at the back, that they are quite easy for the user to push while he/she is sitting on it. The weight of such wheelchairs can vary from being extremely light to quite heavy. The lightweight ones are easy to push while the heavier ones are bulky but offer greater stability to the user. The manual chairs are easy to use as they can be easily folded and stored in vehicles while travelling. The leg rest of the manual ones come in two different styles; swinging one or the elevating type. The elevating manual wheelchair is used when the user wants to lift his leg up while sitting on it. The swinging one allows the user to move the leg rest to the sides which is convenient to the user while he is moving in or out of the chair.
#2. Transport Wheelchairs – This type of wheelchair is used for transportation purposes. Those who require a caregiver to push them around use this chair. In simpler words, just like a car is used for taking the person from one place to another, transport wheelchairs work on the same lines. The patient can be taken from one place to another with the help of a caretaker. The wheelchair is designed in a way different from the ones used in general. Since this chair is not used for sitting for a long time, the leg and the hand rests are differently designed.
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| Wheelchair |
#3. Electric Wheelchairs and Scooters – Electric Wheelchairs are a modern man’s friend. This allows the patient to drive himself anywhere without physical exertion. The user can drive them anywhere; indoors or outdoors. This is a useful chair because it becomes quite convenient for the user to move from one place to another without getting tired or taking help from others. The function of the chair is quite similar to the manual one except that it is motorized. Scooters, on the other hand, are wheelchairs with 3 or 4 wheels with a basket in the front. This allows the patient to go on shopping with ease.
A few questions need to be answered before buying a wheelchair. The person should be clear about his motives and how he intends to use it? A few things which he should have clarity on are:
#1. Self-Propelled or Transit – Self Propelled Wheelchairs are used in cases when the patient can push himself/herself around. They have bigger wheels and thus become convenient for the user. Transit ones are used in some special cases, where the patient does not have enough strength to push himself/herself around and needs his loved ones or a caretaker to do so.
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| Wheelchair |
#2. Foldable or not – Foldable chairs require less storage space and can be easily used while travelling.
#3. Solid Tires or Pneumatic – Pneumatic tires are used in uneven spaces whereas solid tyres are used in plain and even surfaces.
#4. Electric or not – Electric wheelchairs are heavier to use but are easy to handle as they do not require strength. The manual or non-electric ones are light to use but have to be pushed manually.
These are some of the points a person should know before buying a wheelchair. If possible, it is always advised to try it before purchasing as they help a person move from one place to another.
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