Key Features Of A Wheelchair: Part 1 - The Basic Parts Of Your Wheelchair
If it is time for you to choose a wheelchair as part of your mobility equipment then you may be overwhelmed by the choices and features available.
You will find there is a range of wheelchairs available online, in all shapes and sizes from lightweight to standard and even heavy duty chairs.
To help you choose the right one here is an outline of the key features of a chair and extra features to look for.
Basic Parts of A Wheelchair You will find wheel chairs come in transit, which have small wheels, or manual chairs, which are self propelled.
The basic parts of a chair are as follows: • The handgrips.
These are located at the top of the chair and are used by the person who will push your chair.
• The back and the saddle of the seat.
You can get different sized seats, either 41cm (16 inch) or 46cm (18 inch), to suit your requirements.
Note: 41cm is better for smaller elderly people so you don't have unnecessary movement.
• Seats can come in a range of upholstery and padding for comfort.
• The arm rests.
Look for comfortable padded arm rests and removable arms if you need to work at a desk.
• The push rim, located on the side of the wheel on each side of the chair.
• The wheels.
There should be pneumatic wheels at the rear and solid castor wheels on the front of your chair.
A transit chair will usually have 12 inch wheels at the back, whereas a manual chair will usually have 24 inch wheels.
• Wheel lock.
This is vital for your safety and for those who may be transporting you as they ensure your wheelchair will not roll unintentionally.
Make sure you use both wheel locks; otherwise your chair could tip over.
Do not use the lock as a brake for your wheelchair when moving.
• A calf strap.
When these are placed at the correct height they will keep your legs in an ideal position, to provide comfort and support while you are using your chair.
• Footplates.
These are provided to support your feet and are often removable.
• Lap belt or support strap.
These are not standard on all chairs.
A lap belt, when used correctly, can stop you toppling or sliding forward.
• A harness.
Like the lap belt this is not standard on chairs, but can be used to support your torso for extra security when moving around in the chair.
Heavy Duty Heavy duty wheelchairs are manufactured from heavier-gauge steel tubing, making them ideal for larger persons.
Areas of the chairs under the most stress are usually reinforced, and double cross arms give extra strength.
The upholstery used in heavy duty chairs are also usually double thickness.
Lightweight Chairs Lightweight chairs are made of an aluminium material that makes it light to manoeuvre and lift.
These are excellent chairs for use in hospitals and other care facilities, as they are easy to push and navigate on slopes and around corners.
Like other wheel chairs, check that your lightweight wheelchair has been successfully crash tested for use in a motor vehicle.
Overview When the time comes to purchase a wheelchair make sure you look for quality construction and materials and comfort.
Also check the maximum user weight before purchasing your chair and make sure your chair is easy to fold for transportation.
You will find there is a range of wheelchairs available online, in all shapes and sizes from lightweight to standard and even heavy duty chairs.
To help you choose the right one here is an outline of the key features of a chair and extra features to look for.
Basic Parts of A Wheelchair You will find wheel chairs come in transit, which have small wheels, or manual chairs, which are self propelled.
The basic parts of a chair are as follows: • The handgrips.
These are located at the top of the chair and are used by the person who will push your chair.
• The back and the saddle of the seat.
You can get different sized seats, either 41cm (16 inch) or 46cm (18 inch), to suit your requirements.
Note: 41cm is better for smaller elderly people so you don't have unnecessary movement.
• Seats can come in a range of upholstery and padding for comfort.
• The arm rests.
Look for comfortable padded arm rests and removable arms if you need to work at a desk.
• The push rim, located on the side of the wheel on each side of the chair.
• The wheels.
There should be pneumatic wheels at the rear and solid castor wheels on the front of your chair.
A transit chair will usually have 12 inch wheels at the back, whereas a manual chair will usually have 24 inch wheels.
• Wheel lock.
This is vital for your safety and for those who may be transporting you as they ensure your wheelchair will not roll unintentionally.
Make sure you use both wheel locks; otherwise your chair could tip over.
Do not use the lock as a brake for your wheelchair when moving.
• A calf strap.
When these are placed at the correct height they will keep your legs in an ideal position, to provide comfort and support while you are using your chair.
• Footplates.
These are provided to support your feet and are often removable.
• Lap belt or support strap.
These are not standard on all chairs.
A lap belt, when used correctly, can stop you toppling or sliding forward.
• A harness.
Like the lap belt this is not standard on chairs, but can be used to support your torso for extra security when moving around in the chair.
Heavy Duty Heavy duty wheelchairs are manufactured from heavier-gauge steel tubing, making them ideal for larger persons.
Areas of the chairs under the most stress are usually reinforced, and double cross arms give extra strength.
The upholstery used in heavy duty chairs are also usually double thickness.
Lightweight Chairs Lightweight chairs are made of an aluminium material that makes it light to manoeuvre and lift.
These are excellent chairs for use in hospitals and other care facilities, as they are easy to push and navigate on slopes and around corners.
Like other wheel chairs, check that your lightweight wheelchair has been successfully crash tested for use in a motor vehicle.
Overview When the time comes to purchase a wheelchair make sure you look for quality construction and materials and comfort.
Also check the maximum user weight before purchasing your chair and make sure your chair is easy to fold for transportation.
Source...