Things To Know Before You Buy A Wheelchair

If you or loved one needs to buy a wheelchair, you will find a wide variety of wheelchair types and you need to make the most suitable choice.

It used to be that only type of wheelchair available was the manual wheelchair but the technology today in wheelchair manufacturing has allowed more advanced wheelchair models such as power or motorized wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs.

Before you buy a wheelchair you need to understand the different types of wheelchairs and their features. Below are some important considerations to make when you buy a wheelchair:

First, determine the style of the wheelchair based on the user’s physical condition and need. A standard manual wheelchair is ideal if the user can propel himself or herself easily; or if they have an attendant to push the wheelchair.

If the user has some difficulty in doing this, you may opt to buy a wheelchair with a lightweight construction. These two types are recommended for people who are less than 300 pounds.

For those weighing more than 300 pounds, it is suitable to buy a wheelchair that is heavy duty and extra wide, also known as a bariatric wheelchair.

A reclining wheelchair is recommended for those who use a wheelchair for long hours or those who need to maintain a prone position. A transport wheelchair is for occasional wheelchair use. It is lightweight and can fit in the car’s trunk.

However, it cannot be hand-propelled by the user but instead someone has to push it or the user can move it with his feet.

Seat size is another important thing to consider because you do not want to buy a wheelchair and then later find out that the user cannot fit at all. The depth, width and length of the wheelchair must accommodate the size of the person.

Sitting on a measuring tape is a good way to get the correct seat width. Add 2 inches on both sides.  To get the seat depth, sit upright in a chair and measure from the rear of the seat up to about 2 inches behind your knees.

Lastly, the correct seat height depends on the user’s height. Usually, 20 inches is the average seat height for people 5’4 and above. For those who are below 5’4”, an 18 inch seat height is ideal and for kids or a person below 4’11”, the average seat height is 15 inches.

Armrests and footrests are other things to consider before you buy a wheelchair and you also need to choose the ones appropriate for the user.

You will find more information online to guide you in your selection or, better yet, speak directly with a medical expert or a knowledgeable wheelchair dealer.

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