Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs revolutionise mobility by giving users the ability to dictate speed, direction and destination without the need for an assistant. They can be customized with a variety of accessories to enhance the user's comfort and efficiency.
From frame materials to dimensions of the seats There are a lot of aspects to consider when buying a self-propelled chair. Here are a few of the most important ones:
Independence
Losing your independence is a concern when you have mobility problems. It can be a traumatic experience to be dependent on another person to take you to places or to go shopping. Self propelled wheelchairs (also called manual chairs) can help you maintain or regain your independence. These are safe and easy to push, so you can go out and about without having to wait for someone else to get you where you need to be.
Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels and hand rims that give you the strength to propel yourself forwards and backwards without the need of a companion. This makes them suitable for more people than you may think, especially those who have good upper body strength and endurance. They are also suitable for anyone who has difficulty walking long distances, or over difficult terrain.
Mobility Shop has a wide range of self-propelled chairs to fit the needs of all users. There's a variety of wheelchairs, from light and portable models for everyday use to crash-tested wheelchairs that are suitable for storage and transport. We also offer a wide choice of reclining wheelchairs to provide extra comfort.
You can order our self-propelled wheelchairs online and get them delivered the following day to the majority of UK addresses. You can also use the search box to sort wheelchairs according to the type of frame, seat or features you require.
Contact our customer service team if you have any questions about wheelchairs or require assistance in selecting the best one for your requirements. We are always happy to help and can be reached on 01278 764454 or email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you! All rights reserved. (c) 2024 The Mobility Outlet, formerly Webster Wheelchairs. Registered company in England & Wales no 07004640. Registered office: Harben House Harben Parade Finchley Road London NW3 6LH.
Manoeuvrability and ease of use
Self-propelled wheelchairs are ideal for those who wish to move around freely, but do not have enough strength in their upper bodies to propel the chair. They provide users with a new lease of life and the ability to manage their own mobility. They are also great for those looking to avoid the cost and hassle of powered wheelchairs.
self propelled wheelchair with suspension and centre of gravity of a wheelchair are largely responsible for its manoeuvrability. A chair with wheels that are as close as is possible to the center of gravity can reduce the force on the turning.
Furthermore, it is crucial to take into account the weight of the user when assessing a wheelchair's manoeuvrability. Heavy chairs tend to have a higher centre of gravity, which makes them more difficult to maneuver. Light chairs, on the other hand, have a lower center of gravity. This makes them easier to move and operate.
A lot of modern self-propelled wheelchairs have been designed with ease of manoeuvrability in mind, which is reflected by their small dimensions and lightweight frames. They are highly customizable with features like adjustable seat heights and angles for the backrest. This allows the user to modify their wheelchair to their needs, improving the comfort and decreasing the risk of pressure ulcers and other discomforts.
Self-propelled wheelchairs come with a wide range of accessories and add ons that can improve comfort. For instance, a cushion can help to improve the user's posture and reduce strain. A wheelchair can also be fitted with a system to monitor the pressure of the tyres in order to reduce the risk of.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are also simple to transport and store. Many models come with quick-release rear wheel designs making it easy to remove the footplates of the chair and front castors. Some also come with folding seats and half-folding backrests, which make them smaller to store and transport. Many come with parking brakes that can be operated either by the driver or their attendant. This adds additional security and convenience.
Customisation
Powered wheelchairs aren't always the best option for every individual and self-propelled chairs give control back to the hands of the user. These chairs boost independence by giving the user the ability to control the pace and direction. They also help maintain the strength of muscles and cardiovascular fitness.
These wheelchairs are designed for active people and are able to handle various environments, including roads that are paved and steep hills. They are typically lighter than transit chairs and are easily foldable to be stored in cars with small trunks. They are a practical and practical mobility aid, especially for those who live alone or have very little assistance.
The most common frame material is aluminium, but titanium offers superior fatigue resistance and durability, making it a popular alternative for more demanding users. Titanium is also renowned for its ability to reduce vibration, which is becoming increasingly crucial as moving around can cause significant discomfort for those who use wheelchairs. Ki Mobility's Ethos is one model which has been developed to minimize the impact. It offers a comfortable ride while allowing the wheelchair user remain in control.
Wheelchair add-ons have become more popular. They range from basic track wheels, which raise your front castors off the ground for better off-road traction, to powered wheels (controlled just like the powerchair, but with no batteries), to handbikes such as Triride’s Special Compact, Rehasense's PAWS City, and the Empulse F55. These features can be customized and enable you to ride on more challenging terrains. They also improve your comfort and freedom.
The lightweight, self-propelled wheelchairs from Mobility Shop offer a variety of extra features to assist you in finding the ideal wheelchair for your needs. For instance, our Lite 2 can be fitted with power assist which allows you to convert the manual wheelchair into a powered model using an attendant control. This can be operated using a lever on the armrest or by utilising the push handle - depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Comfort
It can be confusing to select the best wheelchair for your needs. It is also recommended to discuss your options with a mobility specialist or GP to get the best advice for your specific needs.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are an excellent choice for daily mobility if you have good upper-body strength and mobility. These wheelchairs have larger back wheels as well as an outer 'push-rim' that you can use to propel the chair. The wheelchairs are also equipped with an adjustable handlebar that can be used to control and steer the chair. Self-propelled wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than transit models.
Attendant-propelled wheelchairs on the contrary are designed to be pushed from behind by an attendant. They have smaller rear wheels and are much easier to push. However they can be a challenge to navigate around obstacles like curbs. They are also typically bulkier to pack into the car's boot, so they're not ideal for transport.
Many organisations offer wheelchair rental on a regular basis, including zoos and parks. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. You can also rent wheelchairs for a longer amount of time from mobility stores. It is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this option, however it may be more cost effective in the long run to buy your own chair.
Accessories for your wheelchair can enhance the comfort of your wheelchair. Some are useful, such as storage bags or footplates. Others help you find the most comfortable position to sit in. You can also add seats or headrests to give you extra support and reduce pressure on your thighs and buttocks.
You may also decide to have brakes that are incorporated on your self-propelled wheelchair. This is a security feature that is essential for people who are frequently pushed. The presence of these brakes will make stopping, slowing and turning much simpler, especially for heavier users.