Wheelchairs are a necessity, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. From folding chairs to ergonomic wheelchairs and everything in between, there are plenty of options out there for wheelchair owners looking to spice up their lives a little bit. If you’re new to the world of wheelchairs, or just don’t know where to start when it comes to shopping around, this beginner’s guide will give you some helpful tips on what kinds of wheelchairs exist and how to pick the best one for your lifestyle and your needs!
What Are the Advantages of Lightweight Wheelchairs?
When you’re shopping for a wheelchair, one of your main concerns will be finding one that fits well and is comfortable. The last thing you want is to have a wheelchair that has issues with comfort, stability or durability. Lightweight wheelchairs and active wheelchairs solve all of these problems because they tend to have less parts and material than standard wheelchairs. This leads to lower weight overall, which means it won’t cause issues for users who need assistance in transferring into or out of their chair. Many lightweight wheelchairs also come with easily adjustable features that allow users to move them between multiple settings so they can find the right fit and positioning without having trouble while they’re using it. You don’t need someone else there to help if you use a lightweight wheelchair!
What Are the Disadvantages of Standard Steel Chairs?
The most obvious disadvantage is their weight. An aluminium or steel chair weighs between 15-20kg (33lb) whereas some of our lightweight chairs weigh as little as 2kg (4.5lb). If you have to lift a lot of weight, an aluminium or steel chair can be almost impossible to move around, whereas a lightweight version is easier and safer to manoeuvre. However, if you use mobility equipment regularly then it’s likely that you will have developed strong upper body muscles so moving heavy chairs should not be a problem for you. If not, they are certainly much easier to lift and move in comparison with standard steel chairs with large casters that are often supplied with hospitals as standard equipment for many patients who need them.
How Do I Choose Between an Umbrella, Folding or Rollator?
If you’re planning to purchase a lightweight wheelchair, it may seem like choosing between an umbrella, folding or rollator is straightforward. However, each model has its own benefits and drawbacks that are worth considering carefully. For example, an umbrella style chair can be folded in under a minute and is portable—which makes it ideal for use at home or when traveling. On the other hand, it is likely to be heavier than a standard wheelchair and there will be some limitations on how you are able to transport it (especially if you’re planning to fly). A folding wheelchair works much like an umbrella chair but doesn’t have as many features and might not hold up as well over time.
Is There Anything Else I Should Consider Before Buying a Lightweight Wheelchair?
We hope that you’ve found all of these tips helpful. That said, there are other things to consider before buying a lightweight wheelchair; for example, what about accessibility and care? If you want to enjoy your active lifestyle as much as possible, you need a wheelchair that can accompany you almost anywhere and one that will be safe to use. For most people, electric wheelchairs, fes bikes tend to fit that bill well. Cyclone Mobility specializes in offering some of highest-quality wheelchairs.
