There are millions of people around the world who use wheelchairs to stay mobile. These are people who face mobility issues because of an injury, disability, or an illness. With the help of a quality wheelchair, people with limited mobility get to live an active lifestyle. If you are considering to buy a wheelchair for yourself or a loved one, it is essential you think about certain key factors before selecting a wheelchair. In this article, we will tell you in detail what those factors are. Let’s get started.
Powered Or Unpowered Wheelchair
It is great that these days, you can find plenty of options in the market when it comes to wheelchairs. For instance, there are manual, powered, and power assist wheelchairs for sale online. As you might be aware, manual wheelchairs need to be moved forward or backward by the user or a helper. Manual wheelchairs are some of the most widely-used wheelchairs because they are lightweight, foldable, affordable, and require no batteries. Powered wheelchairs, on the other hand, move on their own. The user does not have to use his/her arms and shoulders to bring the chair into motion. These wheelchairs are great at navigating kerbs and varying terrain. Power assist wheelchairs are a great option for those who are confused between manual and powered wheelchairs. In power assist wheelchairs, although you are required to use your arms and shoulders as propellants, there is a power assist motor that helps you travel longer distances with ease. You won’t feel tired using these wheelchairs in spite of using your arms.
Size of The Wheelchair
When buying a wheelchair, you should not forget about the most basic aspect, which is the size of the wheelchair. You want to use a wheelchair that fits you perfectly. If the wheelchair is too big for you, you might slip and fall out. And if it is too small, you won’t feel comfortable using it. So, consider your body type and also the dimensions of the wheelchair before buying it.
Sturdiness of Arm Pads And Foot Rests
As a person with limited mobility, it is obvious that you will spend most of your time on your wheelchair. That is why it is essential to check the quality of a wheelchair’s arm pads and foot rests. They need to be solid because you will be placing your weight on them. So, make sure they are durable. Also, make sure the backrests are comfortable. Some medical conditions require a specific type of backrest. So, look for the back support that is suitable for your needs.
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, some other things you need to consider includes how you can transport and store the wheelchair and how durable its wheels are for dealing with different terrain. If you carefully consider these factors, you will be able to buy the right wheelchair for your needs. If interested, you can check out the wheelchairs available on Living Spinal. At Living Spinal, you can buy top-quality wheelchairs such as E-Motion M15 Power Assist Wheelchair, The Quickie Xtender Power Assist Wheelchair, NaviONE, by Yamaha, and many other wheelchairs.
Author’s Bio: The Author is a blogger. This article is about factors to consider before buying a wheelchair.
