6 Important Things to Consider To Buy the Best Wheelchair!

Do you know that over 20% of people worldwide have a disability due to injuries or particular health conditions restricting their mobility? Wheelchairs are a ray of hope that provides enhanced freedom in leading an active and independent life.

However, a few things to consider when choosing a high-performance wheelchair based on requirements. Are you confused about what to look for when purchasing a wheelchair? By the end of this article, we ensure you will be in a better position to choose the right chair.

Benefits of Wheelchairs

A wheelchair is more than a disability aid. It enables ensuring proper mobility without any difficulty. Let us go through the various benefits of wheelchairs which are as follows:

• They allow independence – Pace, to an extent, is restricted when disabled. However, that must not limit you from living your life to the fullest. Wheelchairs provide independence in moving and managing the machine on your own.
• It provides comfort – Modern wheelchairs are easy and comfortable to use daily. Powered wheelchairs allow you to move via motor without needing to maneuver using your hand.
• It offers safety – One of the benefits of wheelchairs is assisting in improvising mobility. The main aim of a wheelchair is to safeguard from any harm or injury. It helps in lessening the pain and aids in safer movement.
• It allows you to be more sociable – with a wheelchair, there is no need to hold yourself into a shell and restrict any chance of being social. You can continue seeing your family and friends even if you are restricted from walking.

What are the different types of wheelchairs?

Are you on the lookout for a wheelchair due to limited movement, injury or any disability? Do you know different types of wheelchairs ranging from manual to powered wheelchairs? Let us look through different types of wheelchairs.

• Manual Wheelchair: It is manually operated, wherein the individual must move the wheelchair without being dependent on any motor or battery.
• Powered Wheelchair (Electric): Motorized wheelchairs are electrically powered. Individuals do not need to move the wheelchair. Instead, it is propelled by an electric motor.
• Commode Wheelchair: It is the type of wheelchair for people looking for a commode but also on the lookout for convenience regarding mobility and transportation.
• Pediatric Wheelchair: It is specially designed for kids to accommodate mobility disorders and assist children with technologically assistive independence.
• Sports Wheelchair: Sports wheelchairs are a type of manual wheelchair that is designed for sports people to play tennis, basketball, racing and even rugby. It is a breakthrough in the wheelchair production industry built to assist athletes in bettering their balance, providing upper body movement and protecting them from any injuries on the court.
• Standing power wheelchair: These are sub-set of powered wheelchairs that allow the user to automatically and safely move from sitting to standing. It is designed especially for people unable to maneuver in a standing position due to health conditions.

Understand The Common Issues With Buying A Wheelchair

Buying a wheelchair is a significant investment from the economic point of view and the mobility support and freedom it offers. Assessing the issues plays a critical role in buying a wheelchair which includes:

Lack of expert advice

Mobility support is an integral factor when purchasing a wheelchair. While your local shop may have a wide range of mobility products, if the specialist lacks knowledge of the mobility solution, that is a big downside.

For instance, the wheelchair supplier may be proficient with various products from manual to power wheelchairs but does not know after-care or new battery rules; performance specifications like frame, durability or charging points will not resolve your doubts and choose the wrong product.

Limited choice range for bespoke wheelchairs

Most suppliers tend to stock only one model of wheelchair. A limited choice makes buyers struggle to purchase the best-suited wheelchair for disability.

It isn't reasonably priced

Budgeting is one of the common issues when buying a wheelchair. No matter how impressive the model is, it must meet your financial limits, which aligns with the accurate mobility solution support it provides to your requirements.

How to choose the best wheelchair?

Wheelchairs provide an ideal option for people to manage their mobility issues. Finding the best wheelchair that resolves mobility issues, takes control, and provides independence is imperative.

6 Essential Factors that Help Discover the Best Wheelchair:

Research about the wheelchair

A simple method for choosing an ideal wheelchair is considering the budget and requirements. It follows researching the company, product details, advantages and liability policy. The best wheelchair must be protected in the case of any injury or fault if it catches fire.

Does it provide warranties?

Wheelchair stores online and offline provide warranties in case of damages or breakdown. However, it is imperative to choose a trustworthy supplier who will assist in supporting these scenarios and process the claim under warranty, without which the user will get stuck in extra charges levied to replace damaged and faulty parts.

What is the design you are looking for?

Wheelchairs are available in different designs, from recliner wheelchairs to upright designs. While a reclining wheelchair enables patients flexibility in spending time for extended periods, a standing wheelchair benefits users unable to stand upright due to health conditions and benefits in performing various activities safely.

The level of support required with a wheelchair

The type of wheelchair depends on the patient's vital support. A patient with compromised motor control or disabled upper body may consider a high-back wheelchair with lateral stabilizers, safety belts and headrests.

On the other hand, if you require less support, a lightweight wheelchair that combines a manual wheelchair and an ultra-supportive high-back chair will provide better comfort.

Does the wheelchair provide your independence in movement?

While some wheelchairs are self-propelled, others require the user to push the wheelchair 100% of the time. If you like to push the wheelchair independently, a manual wheelchair is the best fit. On the other hand, if you cannot mobilize it on your own, a power wheelchair is the best-suited solution.

Patient's body size, shape and height

Considering the patient's body size and weight are extremely important. It helps ensure they are correctly fitted into the chair, providing posture support and maintaining comfort. For instance, pediatric wheelchairs and bariatric wheelchairs are available in different configurations designed to comfortably accommodate kids and people who are heavier and larger than average move with safety.

How to Select the Right Size Wheelchair?

Wheelchair size depends on the width of the seat. The wheelchair seat width determines the layout and size of the wheel. It ranges between 16 to 20 inches with an average length of 18 inches.

To select the correct size of wheelchair, make the user sit straight and measure the depth of the seat, which is the distance from the seat's back to the front edge. The seat size will help to calculate the wheelchair's overall size and understand how you can navigate the doorways, tight spaces and hallways. Besides, it will also help to understand if your wheelchair can turn 180 degrees.

Choose A Wheelchair Aligning With Your Lifestyle

When choosing a wheelchair, there is no one-size fits all solution. It depends on various factors such as lifestyle, level of disability and body size. Thus, it can be challenging to find the best-suited wheelchair.

For instance, lightweight wheelchairs are easily foldable and transportable. It includes a removable and adjustable component that allows easy accessibility. A manual wheelchair is independently pushed by the user by applying force. On the other hand, an electric wheelchair moves based on motor components.

Suppose an individual has undergone recent surgery and is restricted mobility a wheelchair that is the middle way between manual and electric wheelchair suits best. On the other hand, for individuals who are gravely disabled and suffer from health conditions that restrict independent movement, a power wheelchair is the best choice.

FAQs to Ask When Buying a Wheelchair

• How to decide on Manual or Electric (Power)?
• There are different factors to consider when buying power or manual wheelchairs online. These include comfort, ease of mobility, whether you can fold and transport, cost and maintenance.
• Best deals on wheelchairs in Qatar?
• Care n Cure is a renowned supplier to buy wheelchairs online in Qatar, providing a wide range of products from manual, power (electric), and sports to recline wheelchairs.
• What are the best features of a power wheelchair?
• Its rear, mid, and front-wheel drive, depending on the location of the wheel propelling the chair.
• It provides reclining based on the angle and movement of the individual's body
• It provides flexibility in movement
• It has a turning radius and is easy to move within tight spaces and at home
• It provides good stability
• What is the difference between a tilt and recline wheelchair?
• A tilt wheelchair does not change the angle of the user's body. On the other hand, a reclining wheelchair will change as per the person's body posture.
• How long can electric wheelchairs(power wheelchair) last?
• Power wheelchairs (electric wheelchairs) are long-lasting and highly durable, depending on their usage and endurance. A well-maintained electric wheelchair lasts approximately five or more years.
• What are the cons of a manual wheelchair?
• Manual wheelchairs may require constant assistance to move around
• It requires strength to push the wheelchair
• Repetitive push can lead to strain in the shoulder
• It can lead to spine injuries, irritate your skin and put pressure on the ulcers
• Not ideal for inclines or moving long distances
• Limitations in the availability of accessories
• How often should we charge a power wheelchair?
• A power wheelchair battery requires to be recharged for at least 8 to 14 hours daily after use. If you use it less frequently, an 8 to 14-hour charge twice a week is recommended.