People gladly sing "Count Your Blessings" but barely take time to appreciate the many gifts they have. For instance, being born with the ability to move around unaided is a blessing that should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen, and a person who could walk on his own is forced to rely on others. It is usually a life-changing experience which can lower one's self-esteem, but the good news is one can achieve that feeling of independence with the use of wheelchairs. Still, knowing which one is suitable can be hectic for a buyer who doesn't have all the information regarding the many types on the market. This guide is intended to provide a little taste of information when it comes to some of the main forms of wheelchairs on the market.
Manual Self-Propelled Wheelchairs
When shopping for a wheelchair for someone who will be traveling a lot, the manual self-propelled wheelchair is an excellent option. It is easy to transport because it can be folded to fit in a vehicle's trunk. Additionally, it is lightweight. This means it can be lifted when one encounters a flight of stairs. It does not need batteries to operate; hence no fear of being rendered immobile when running errands.
However, it requires the user to have enough upper body strength to push it around, thus always consider the user's physical condition. Moreover, since it is self-propelling, it can be exhausting when used over long distances. Going up slopes is also an uphill task regardless of one's strength. Although they have the advantage of a few moving parts thus require less maintenance, self-propelled wheelchairs need to have their tires regularly inflated, depending on how frequently they are used.
Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs have an electric motor that facilitates movement; thus, the user does not need to have any minimum upper body strength to operate them. They afford the user maneuverability thanks to a joystick that enables moving backwards, forwards and sideways. They also allow easier navigation of rough terrains and slopes. Electric wheelchairs have a height adjustment option to allow the user to reach certain areas without the need of another person. When pressure mounts, the user can push the button to enable recline or tilt options.
Unfortunately, these products do not come cheap; they range from $1500 to 4000 with high-end wheelchairs going for as much as $15,000. They need to be maintained regularly, meaning that one's mobility suffers for the period the wheelchair is being serviced. Such wheelchairs are heavy and large, thus transporting and storing them can be a challenge. Besides, they need a charged battery to operate so if the power runs out during an errand, the user is stuck. That being said, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
Specialty Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs are mainly designed for those who cannot perform leisure activities using the standard wheelchair. Sports wheelchairs, for instance, are customized to help the user gain a competitive edge and to meet unique needs. They usually have lightweight frames and wheels; wheels have to be cambered to make them fast and stable.
Some specialty wheelchairs are made to cater to the users' size; bariatric wheelchairs are for those who weigh between 500 and 1000 pounds. Such have footrests and high-quality cushioning. Pediatric wheelchairs, on the other hand, are for children, and they can be made bigger as the child grows.
Due to the customization process that goes into designing each specialty wheelchair to suit the user's specific needs, they are costly. High-end pediatric wheelchairs go for $12,000 while bariatric wheelchairs will have the buyer parting with $5,000 or more. Furthermore, those with rigid frames make transportation harder because they cannot be folded. Sports wheelchairs with cambered wheels are also at risk of uneven tread wear which results in loss of traction and problems with self-propulsion.
How to Choose the Best Wheelchair?
If the user is going to need a wheelchair for a short while before he is back on his feet again, a self-propelled wheelchair is an excellent option because it is cheaper. A person who has been injured such that she does not have the strength to push herself around will have no choice but to get an electric wheelchair. The type of support the body needs will play a role since some need high-backs and extra cushioning that can only be found in certain wheelchairs. Additionally, the user's body size and height have to be considered; for one who can't reach most surfaces yet does not have a person to help out, a wheelchair with a height-adjustment option is ideal.