Choosing which specific mobility device is great most especially if it is in accord with your comfort, size and style. More so, if the device you would like to have is durable and reliable enough to support your comfortness most of the time.

Align with what mobility device you will choose, it is very significant to pick as well which wheelchair accessory type you need.

So what type of wheelchair do you need?

People spend a great deal of time searching for the perfect wheelchair, what comes to mind is usually comfort, pricing, and daily needs. A large variety of self-propelled wheelchairs, caregiver propelled wheelchairs, and standing wheelchairs are available in the market.
Choosing the right wheelchair requires having a good strategy and research when you are looking for a specific type of wheelchair.
Following are the list of mobility wheelchairs category you could get to know more about.

Choosing a Category

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual Wheelchairs are the type of device that a person must move themselves without the assistance of a battery. You can choose from self-propel, which requires the user to propel with the use of their limbs, and companion propelled, which means that you must have a person to push you.

Ergonomic Wheelchair

Ergonomic wheelchair provides a high strength lightweight frame, foldable and easy to store, breathable anti-bacterial, anti-staining, removable and machine washable cushion.

Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

This wheelchair accessory type offers a light durable frame and great features. We provide ultra lightweight wheelchairs that are considered folding wheelchairs. This means that the frame can be folded and stored in a small space, such as a vehicle trunk, car garage or storage space.

Transport Wheelchair

Transport foldable wheelchairs are a perfect solution for anyone looking for a lightweight portable frame, which features smaller rear wheel size, to allow more portability.

Since smaller wheels are used with these chairs, they are designed to only be propelled by a caregiver or other individual, which explains why they are referred to as “companion chairs” in the industry.

Standard Wheelchair

Standard manual wheelchairs are the most commonly used type of wheelchair, if you’re searching for a standard wheelchair with a durable frame and long-lasting support, take a look at our standard wheelchairs.

The standard wheelchair usually weighs over 35 lbs, have a seat width between 16 and 20 inches (ca. 51 cm), and feature fixed or detachable armrests. Most are made with steel frames and can be an economical and consistent mobility choice. Almost all standard wheelchairs can support up to 250 lb (0.11 t).

Wheelchair Sizing and Dimensions

Wheelchair Seat Width

The first thing you should look into while searching for wheelchair is the seat width. This is very important as there is a specific size for every person’s need. 16 inches (ca. 41 cm), 18 inches (ca. 46 cm) and 20 inches (ca. 51 cm) are common for most wheelchair models; some only provide an 18 in. seat width.

Pediatric Wheelchairs have an average wheelchair seat width of 14 inches (ca. 36 cm), while the Bariatric wheelchair series provides a seat width of up to 30 in.

Seat Depth

Wheelchair Seat Depth is measured from the front to the back of the wheelchair seat. To find out the right seat depth for your wheelchair, you must measure from the back of the user’s pelvis to the back of their shins when sitting straight.

The easiest way to find out your Seat Depth for your potential new wheelchair, is to measure a previous wheelchair that you used before that you felt comfortable in.

Seat to Floor Height

The right Seat to Floor height is determined by measuring from the floor to the seat. Depending on the user’s need of the wheelchair, it is important to determine if their feet are dangling or if their feet are dragging on the floor, meaning that the seat to floor height is either too high or too low.

If the person is used to propelling themselves by the use of their feet, then it might be a good idea to get a Seat to Floor Height that is lower than their presumed height.

Back Height

The backrest on a wheelchair also has a measurement that you can gauge, from the top of the backrest to the bottom (top of the seat) would be the correct way to measure Back Height. Back height can also be extended with the use of optional accessories, which extend the top of the backrest.

Armrests

Basic armrests can be divided into two categories: desk length and full length. Desk length arms allow easier access to tables and desks. Full length arms provide extra arm support.

Optional features include flip-back or removable arms for easy transfers and adjustable height arms.

Leg Rests

The two basic leg rest styles include swing away and elevating. Swing Away leg rests rotate to the side to allow the user to easily get in or out of the wheelchair.

Elevating leg rests include a calf pad to raise the legs and prevent swelling. Both types of leg rests are removable. Some leg rests include tool-free adjustment to change the length of the leg rest.

Adjustable Backrest

Some wheelchairs include an adjustable backrest height for user comfort. Users who are taller or shorter than average may appreciate this feature.

Dual Axle

A dual axle wheelchair lets you adjust the chair from standard height to hemi height (about 2 inches (ca. 5 cm) lower than standard height). Hemi height allows the user to easily propel the chair with their feet. It also allows the seat height to be lowered for users under 5 feet (1.52 m) tall.

Quick Release Wheels

Some wheelchairs include a quick release button to remove the rear wheels for compact storage and transport. This feature is designed for users looking for an ultra-portable wheelchair.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rollator or Walker

See what makes each of our rollators and walkers unique here, and decide which factors are most important based on your needs.

Walker Types

Standard

Standard walkers offer a more simplistic design, consisting of a metal frame designed to support the user with each step. While they offer a good amount of support, they require upper body strength to use effectively and can slow the user down while walking.

Rolling

For easier mobility, rolling walkers take the stability of a standard walker and add wheels to the front legs. They are slightly less stable, but can be a good choice for those who plan on walking around outside and make it easier to maneuver uneven surfaces. Our folding walker comes with attachable wheels for functionality and mobility of a traditional rolling walker.

Rollator

Rollators are another name for four wheel walkers, and are a great choice for moving around quickly and making maneuverability easier. They often feature seats, baskets, and other accessories that help when out and about.

Folding

Folding walkers offer the stability of standard models but can collapse to a portable size. This makes them great for travel or storage, as they’re able to condense in seconds.

Add-on Accessories

Armrest Pouch

Providing you more accessibility to your belongings in just a hand makes it more convenient for you. That is why we now made it accessible for you to hold all your essential items throughout any journey! So cheer up because with this wheelchair accessory you can have the joy and relief experience you deserve.

Wheelchair Backpack

What doesn’t fit in the side bag, just put it in the wheelchair backpack! Bring both at the same time for longer trips or take only one for shorter trips! Each bag is full of compartments, letting you bring everything you need and more.

Rollator Underseat Bag

A very convenient and a great accessory to add to your walker. Our rollator bag comes with improved space, aesthetics and is incredibly easy to install as rollator bag with your rollator accessories.

Get yours now by Clicking Here!

References

Medical A. Top 10 Wheelchair Accessories | Avacare Medical Blog. Avacare Medical Blog. https://avacaremedical.com/blog/top-10-wheelchair-accessories.html. Published 2016. Accessed February 11, 2020.

Photo courtesy by Avacare Medical Blog