Self Propelled Folding Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs can be a life-changing piece of equipment that can provide independence as well as health benefits and social benefits to a few people. They can limit mobility and affect the ability of a person to communicate with the world.
Self-propelled folding wheelchairs are simpler to move around and take up less space. wheelchair self propelled can be transported and stored in vehicles that are not adapted for them.
The Person
Wheelchairs come in a range of shapes and sizes. The wheelchair that is 'right for a particular user has to be considered holistically and with particular consideration for the individual's capabilities, activities and environment where they will be employed. Consideration should be given to the position of the rear wheels that are larger in relation to the capability of the user to hold and propel them repeatedly over long periods of time. It is important to consider the surrounding of the chair, for example the flooring type as well as the width of doors inside and the height of utility/work surfaces.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are equipped with larger rear wheels and are designed to permit wheelchair users to move while seated. They also come with handles that let a companion/carer push the chair. These chairs are lighter than attendant driven wheelchairs, and are great for people who wish to maintain their independence. They can shop or visit friends at a time that suits them.
A self-propelled chair can be more demanding for caregivers as it requires greater upper body strength. If a person cannot ambulate or stand for long periods of time a wheelchair is an essential piece of equipment that can help aid in health and well-being in various ways.
If you are a person who relies on a family member or caregiver to assist you in moving around, and cannot propel yourself in a wheelchair, we suggest that you take a look at our selection of basic transport chairs and wheelchairs. These models are typically lightweight and can be disassembled easily to make them easy to transport between locations, and can fit in most car booties.
Contact the SpinLife team SpinLife to discuss your needs. We can advise on what model is most suitable depending on your individual needs, and can even assist with the purchasing process if required.
The Environment
The setting that a wheelchair frequently overlooked, however this can have a significant impact on the chair's ability to help the user's independence and lifestyle choices. Even simple factors like the size of the doorway, the height and type of work surfaces or utilities and the terrain the wheelchair is expected to traverse can have a significant effect on the chair's performance.
A lot of long-term care facilities will only use manual wheelchairs from their fleet that are in a specific category (K0001, K002, etc). These chairs are typically simple, with a limited function in terms of seating and self propulsion. It is essential to advocate for a larger range of manual wheelchairs as a part of this fleet so that clients will have more durable and efficient chairs.
For a self-propelled wheelchair to be efficient, the drive wheels need to be within reach. Therefore, it is recommended to choose larger diameter front drive- and push-rims. Also, for the wheelchair to climb a curb or a single step, it is vital that the rear wheel placement is optimal. If the rear wheel of the wheelchair is placed too far to the left, it could cause instability and tipping.
A well-designed chair will also have an X frame beneath the seat to allow for expansion. This will ensure that the chair will be comfortable throughout its life and can adapt as a person's needs change as they age.
A frame that is light is important for self-propelled chairs, as it allows the chair to be lighter overall. This means that one can propel the chair with less effort, and it is more efficient when it comes to moving it around in vehicles.
A sturdy and reliable brake system is essential for both outdoor and indoor use. This will stop the wheelchair from becoming stuck or overturning when it is used on a uneven or sloped surface, and it should also be able to operate with minimum effort. Other features, like holders or pouches for personal belongings, and weather guards that protect the chair from elements, can enhance a chair's functionality and comfort as well.
The Activity
The strength, range of motion and muscle tone as well as their the state of their orthopedics will determine if they are able to self-propel a manual wheelchair or require an electric chair. It is also important to think about the setting where the wheelchair is going to be utilized. This includes the floor, the internal doorway sizes, levels of utilities or work surfaces, and so on. It is also important to think about what they intend to do with their surroundings. Do they need to traverse steep ramps or curbs? Are they using their wheelchair to explore national parks or beaches?
If a person has never used self-propelling before they may require chairs that are highly adjustable and can be altered after the initial supply. This allows the customer to determine their ideal seating arrangement and to achieve the best stability.
Many people choose to use only one foot and one hand to propel their wheelchair over short distances, typically following a stroke if they suffer from hemiparesis and a side of their body is affected. For this to work it is necessary that the seat to floor height must be low enough to allow the person to reach both rims using their hands.
Some people prefer to push their wheelchairs in circles. This is more challenging and requires more energy. The height from the floor to the seat of the chair should be lower so that the user can grip both rims and push them together.
Others push themselves over long distances in their wheelchairs using only their feet. For this to be effective the chair needs to be of a low seat-to-floor height and strong feet. Some clients will even choose to purchase a wheelchair that has large outdoor tires to enable them to travel over sandy beaches or national parks, for example. The position of the rear wheel on these chairs is crucial, because if the rear wheel is too far back, it will be difficult to balance and more likely to tip over. However, if the rear wheel is placed too forward, it can make the chair feel unstable and be a strain on shoulders and ankles.
The Chair
Self propelled wheelchairs are designed to let the user manoeuvre themselves, removing the need for a caregiver or a friend to push them. They are less heavy and easier to maneuver than other kinds of chairs, making them perfect for those who want to maintain independence or get a fresh start on life, without relying on others.
To determine the ideal wheelchair for you there are a lot of factors to consider. First, you must consider what you will use it for. Many people who use wheelchairs do so for daily mobility, while others may only need it occasionally for social events or medical appointments. It is important to take into account the length of time you'll be sitting in it. You might require a more comfortable chair for long journeys, or a wheelchair with armrests padded to allow you to sit comfortably for longer durations of time.
Another factor to consider is the size and weight of the chair, particularly when you'll be carrying it frequently or putting it in the back of a vehicle. Lightweight models can be much more manageable, whereas larger frames can help to accommodate heavier users. It is also important to consider the dimensions of the seat, taking note of its width, depth, and overall dimensions to ensure it will fit your body comfortably.
The design of a wheelchair can make huge differences to its user-friendliness, especially in regards to its turning radius and ability to maneuver around obstacles. Many of our wheelchairs come with tighter turns, which allows you navigate through narrow spaces more easily. However, other aspects like tyre type (pneumatic or solid) can impact the comfort and smoothness of your ride.
Mobility Shop offers a wide range of lightweight, self-propelled folding wheelchairs that are suitable for any user. Our wheelchairs are all built with high quality materials and have been engineered to be durable and strong, while remaining comfortable. They can be adjusted to fit your unique requirements from the height of the armrests and footplates to the positioning of the wheels and axles. They're also very easy to fold and take up less space than other types of wheelchairs and can be stored away in a matter of seconds.