Self Propelled Folding Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are a crucial piece of equipment for a lot of people, and provide independence, health and social benefits. However, they can limit the mobility of an individual and affect their ability to engage in the world.
Self propelled folding wheelchairs are easy to move and require less space. This means that they can be moved in vehicles that are not adapted and stored easily.
The Person
Wheelchairs are available in many different sizes and shapes. The one that is suitable for a particular person has to be chosen holistically, taking into account the person's abilities and activities as well as the environment that it will be used. Consideration should be given to the location of the larger rear wheels in relation to the capacity of the user to hold and push them for long periods of time. It is also essential to assess the environmental aspects of the chair including flooring materials, internal doorway widths and the heights of work surfaces and utilities.
Self-propelled wheelchairs have larger rear wheels and is designed to allow the user to maneuver their own while seated. It does however have handles for a companion/carer to push the chair well. These chairs are lighter than those with attendants, and are great for people who want to retain their independence. They can shop or visit friends at a time that suits them.
It is worth noting that a self-propelled wheelchair may be more tiring for the caregiver than an attendant-propelled wheelchair as they require more upper body strength to operate. A wheelchair is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who is unable to stand or ambulate for prolonged periods of time. It can help them in many ways.
If you're a person who relies on a caregiver or companion to assist you in moving around and is unable to move in a wheelchair, we recommend that you look at our selection of basic transport chairs and wheelchairs. They are light and can be disassembled to make them easier to move between places. They also fit in the majority of car booties.
If you're unsure of which kind of wheelchair is best for you, please get in touch with SpinLife's team SpinLife and we will be happy to discuss your needs. We can help you decide which model is suitable for your needs, and help you purchase it.
The Environment
The environment where the wheelchair will be used is often overlooked. But, this can have an important impact on its ability to help the client's independence and lifestyle. Even the simplest factors such as the width of the doorway, the height and type of work surfaces or utility, and the terrain that a wheelchair is expected traverse on can have a significant impact on the performance of the chair.
Many long-term care facilities only utilize manual wheelchairs in their fleet that are in a specific category (K0001, K002, etc). These chairs tend to be extremely basic, and often have little in the way of seating and self propulsion. It is crucial that a greater variety of manual wheelchairs are part of this collection, so that customers can choose chairs that are more durable and practical.
For a self-propelled wheelchair to be effective, the drive wheels need to be within the user's reach. It is therefore best to select larger diameter front drive- and push-rims. The rear wheel's position must be the best for the wheelchair to be able to climb an incline or step. If the wheelchair is constructed with a rear wheel set too far back, this could cause instability and tipping.
A well-designed chair must include an X-frame beneath the seat to allow for growth. This will ensure that the chair remains comfortable and will be able to adjust to the changing needs of users over time.
A lightweight frame for a self-propelled chair is also important, as this makes the chair overall lighter. This means that one can push the chair using less energy and is also more efficient when it comes to transporting it through vehicles.
The same reason is why an effective and reliable brake system is crucial for both indoor and outdoor use. This will keep the wheelchair from becoming stuck or overturning when it is used on a slope or uneven surface and should also be easy to operate with minimal effort. Other features, like holders or pouches to store personal belongings, and weather guards to shield the chair from the elements, can enhance the comfort and functionality of a chair as well.
The Activity
A person's strength, mobility and muscle tone as well as their the state of their orthopedics will determine if they are able self-propel a manual wheelchair, or require an electric chair. It is also crucial to consider the environment that the wheelchair will be used. This includes the floor, doorways' dimensions, the heights of utilities, work surfaces, etc. It is also important to think about what they intend to do with their environment. Do they require traverse steep ramps or over curbs? Will they be using a wheelchair to explore beaches or national parks?
If wheelchair self propelled has never tried self-propelling before, they may require chairs that are highly adaptable and can be changed after receiving the initial supply. This allows the client to discover their ideal seating configuration and to achieve the best stability.
Many people choose to drive their wheelchair using one hand and one foot. This is usually used after a stroke when one side of the body is affected. In order to do this successfully, the seat-to-floor height must be low enough so that the client can reach both wheels using their hands.
Alternatively, some clients opt to propel their wheelchair in circles, which is a challenge and requires a lot of energy. The seat-to-floor height of the chair should be lower so that the client can grasp both rims and push them together.
Others will push themselves over long distances in their wheelchair using solely their feet. To be able to do this the chair must have a very low floor-to-seat height and a good foot strength. Some clients choose to use a wheelchair with large outdoor tires to enjoy the beach on sand or in national parks. The position of the rear wheel on these chairs is also crucial, because if the rear wheel is too far back it will be difficult to balance and more likely to tip over. If the rear wheel is too far forward, the chair may appear unstable and cause pain on the ankles and shoulders.
The Chair
Self-propelled wheelchairs permit the user to move themselves without the need of someone to push them. They are less heavy and more maneuverable than other types of chairs, which makes them perfect for those who want to keep their independence or find a new lease on life without relying on others.
To choose the right wheelchair for you there are a lot of things to take into consideration. First, you need to think about what you intend to use it for. A lot of users of wheelchairs do so for everyday mobility, while others may only require it on occasion for social events or medical appointments. It's important to take into account the duration of time you'll be in it; you might require a more padded chair for long trips or a chair with padded armrests that will allow you to sit comfortably for longer durations of time.
Another thing to consider is the weight and size of the chair, especially if you'll be transporting it frequently or putting it in the back of a vehicle. Lightweight chairs are more manageable, whereas larger frames are able to support heavier users. To ensure that the seat fits your body take into consideration the size of the chair.
The design of a wheelchair can make a huge differences to its user-friendliness, especially in terms of its turning radius and ability to navigate obstacles. Many of our wheelchairs come with tighter turns, helping you to navigate narrow spaces with ease, while other aspects like the type of tyre (pneumatic or solid) can affect the comfort and smoothness of your ride.
Mobility Shop offers a wide assortment of lightweight, self-propelled folding wheelchairs for any user. Our wheelchairs are built using high-quality materials and have been designed to be sturdy and durable, while remaining comfortable. They can be adjusted to suit your specific needs from the height of the footplates and armrests to the positioning of the axles and wheels. They're also extremely easy to fold and take up less space than other wheelchairs and can be put away in a matter of seconds.