In recent years there has been an increase
in the choice of wheelchairs available in the UK. A wheelchair can
vary in many ways offering different beneficial features depending
on the needs of the user. When selecting a wheelchair it is important
to look at all the options. To make the selection process easier
we have developed this wheelchair buyers guide aimed at giving advice
on what to look for in each of the three main categories of wheelchair;
Self-propelled wheelchairs, transit (attendant) wheelchairs and powered electric
wheelchairs.
Please click on the links below to see our range of transit
wheelchairs and powered electric wheelchair. Transit
wheelchairs are pushed by another person. Electric
wheelchairs are powered by electric motors and recharged from
mains electricity, self propel wheelchairs are propelled by the user. |
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Self-propelled wheelchairs
There are two types of wheelchair within this category. The first is
the active user and the second the standard user wheelchair. The active
user wheelchairs are those that can be adjusted to meet the needs of the
individual user and are typically used most of the day. They tend to have more
options for adjustment and fitting to ensure maximum comfort. The second
type of self-propelled wheelchair is referred to as a standard wheelchair.
These standard wheelchairs are often depended upon on a daily basis being used for most of the day.
We will start by looking at the users basic needs from their self-propelled
wheelchair and the features required. Self-propelled wheelchairs are intended
to be propelled by the occupant and are for everyday use by able users
who appreciate their independence. Generally these wheelchairs are designed
to be more user-friendly so are lighter and easier to store or fold away.
We sell many wheelchair models within this class and are confident that
you can find one that suits your needs whether you are young and sporty
or elderly and infirm. Click on a link here to see our current range of
proven and reliable self-propelled wheelchairs:
Esteem Economic Steel Self Propel
Wheelchair - A most robust and reliable entry level standard model
Esteem Narrow Steel Self Propel
Wheelchair 16" - A narrow entry level standard model for the
smaller user
ROMA 1000 Standard Self Propel
Wheelchair - A luxury model at an affordable price with many features
for the active user
Esteem Steel Self Propel Wheelchair
- A fully featured model well suited for easy folding and storage for
the active user
Esteem Alloy Self Propel Wheelchair
- A very light weight version of the popular Esteem steel model for the
active user
If you feel this type of self propelled wheelchair does not suit your
needs you can always consider the other options of transit wheelchairs
or electric wheelchairs. A wheelchair with large rear wheels is generally believed to be easier
to propel and makes light work of kerbs and rough surfaces. For this reason
some people prefer a self-propelled wheelchair even if it is to be pushed
by an attendant. Typically, transit
wheelchairs are characterised by having smaller wheels. We stock
a wide range of self-propelled wheelchairs ranging in price from the economic
Esteem steel self-propelled chair to the more expensive alloy self-propel
wheelchair also by Esteem. The main advantage of the more expensive performance
models is the light weight construction and the wheel positioning. The
further forward the rear wheels are the easier it is to propel as the
weight is more evenly distributed.
Finally, we also sell a range of electric powered wheelchairs. There
are 2 types: an electric powered
wheelchair to be controlled by the user or an attendant, or attendant assist powerpacks designed to assist the attendant
of the wheelchair. These come in two
wheeled versions and single
wheeled both of which are controlled by the attendant.
In addition to our wheelchair selection
we also sell mobility scooters.
The elderly and infirm make use of mobility scooters on a daily
basis. Many of our customers have opted for a scooter to help them
get out and about. For some users it helps with running day to day
errands like visiting the shops or friends. The freedom a scooter
provides helps may elderly people to retain there independence for
longer.
Mobility scooters are not to be compared with powered wheelchairs
as they lack many of the features required by wheelchair users.
Scooters come in many shapes and sizes but do not cater for the
less abled in the same way. Scooters are generally designed for
short journeys and therefore do not provide the level of customisation
nor adjustment needed by some wheelchairs users. For this reason
they do not offer the same level of support. See our range of mobility
scooters here.
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The following guidelines apply to both transit wheelchairs and self
propelled wheelchairs
Wheelchair comfort
Perhaps the most important feature of a wheelchair is comfort. Users
of standard and active user wheelchairs are likely to spend many hours
a day seated in their chair. A stable comfortable seat is therefore important.
The more stable the seat base is, the easier everyday tasks become making
independence more achievable. Moving from the wheelchair to a bed or another
chair becomes less difficult when the seat base is more stable. Please
see our selection of transfer boards that assist greatly when making these
moves: We sell both short transfer
boards and longer self glide
transfer boards.
Wheelchair seat size
The wheelchairs users body should fit well within the seat for maximum
comfort and stability. If the user feels cramped then it is likely that
the chair is not suitable and may even be unstable and can cause pressure
sores. If the seat is too wide then the user will tend to lean to one
side or the other to get support. The length of the seat is also important
to ensure that the legs are supported. Too long a seat will cause increased
pressure and discomfort behind the knee, if it is too short, the thighs
will not receive sufficient support causing increased pressure on the
buttocks. For this reason we supply wheelchairs with varying dimensions.
If you are looking for a wheelchair for the larger user then please look
at our extra wide version, the Esteem
Bariatric Steel Self Propel Wheelchair.
Seat angle and seat shape
The shape and angle of the seat affect the amount of support the wheelchair
user gets. For maximum comfort a 90 degree angle between the thighs and
torso is considered optimal. Our wheelchair
seat cushion can be used to help achieve this posture whilst maintaining
comfort. Good posture within the wheelchair will also help to reduce the
chance of discomfort and pressure sores. Once the trunk of the body is
at right angles to the thighs, the support of the feet has to be addressed.
Wheelchair footrest length
Wheelchair footrests can be adjusted to suit the height of the user.
For most the best position is for the feet to be at 90 degrees to the
knees, this ensures maximum comfort and reduces pressure on the underside
of the thighs and buttocks. If the footrests are too high or too low pressure
can develop around the buttocks or under the thighs. The angle of the
footplate itself can be adjusted on some models to further increase the
users comfort.
Backrest height
The wheelchair backrest is intended to give support to the users upper
lumbar region helping to maximise comfort. For this reason a good degree
of padding is also desirable. The angle of the backrest can also be adjusted
on some wheelchairs to suit the user. Both of these adjustments will also
affect the setting of the arm supports.
Arm supports or armrests
Arm rests or arm supports are particularly useful for users who have
limited upper body strength of tire easily. Again the 90 degree angle
is considered best, by raising or lowering the wheelchair armrest height,
90 degrees can be achieved between the upper and lower arm for maximum
comfort. If the rests are too low the user may slump in the chair, if
too high discomfort can occur due to hunching of the shoulders. Although
comfort is the main consideration, many users will rely on the armrests
as a surface to push down on when standing. Armrests may not suit all
users and on many wheelchairs they can be removed.
Wheelchair versatility
Self propelled wheelchair users are often independent and are able to
come and go without assistance. Others may require assistance when entering
or leaving buildings, cars or other forms of transport. For this reason
we finally look at other aspects of the wheelchair to ensure it is suitable
for both the user and their friends, carers or family. Wheelchair weight
is a big consideration. If a wheelchair is to be folded and stored in
a vehicle frequently then a simple folding action and light weight are
important. If the user frequently receives help by being pushed it is
important to check that the pushing handles are of a suitable height or
are adjustable. Please check the specification of each wheelchair for
these details.
We aim to provide a wheelchair for all types if users, not only that,
but we try to provide wheelchairs that are both functional and visually
appealing as our experience tells us that if the user is comfortable with
the look and feel of their wheelchair then their quality of life is enhanced
and their confidence boosted. If you have any questions regarding this
guide or feel that we can be of assistance on the selection of a suitable
wheelchair, then please contact us and we will be very pleased to help.
We hope that you have found this wheelchair guide helpful. Please click
here to see our range of wheelchair accessories intended to make life
easier.
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