Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs revolutionize mobility by giving users the ability to dictate speed, direction and destination without the need for a driver. They can be customized with various accessories to improve the user's comfort and efficiency.
There are many aspects to consider before buying self-propelled chairs. Let's take a look some of the major ones:
Independence
If you suffer from mobility issues losing your independence can be a major concern. The thought of having to rely on others to take you to places, or going out shopping can be a huge stressor. Manual chairs, also referred as self-propelled wheelchairs, can help you regain or retain your independence. These wheelchairs are easy to use and safe and allow you to explore the city without waiting for someone to drive you.
Self-propelled wheelchairs come with large rear wheels that are fitted with hand rims to give you the ability to move forwards and backwards, without the need for an attendant. This makes them suitable for a lot more people than you think, particularly those with strong upper body strength and endurance. They are also ideal for those who have trouble walking long distances, or on rough terrain.
Mobility Shop has a wide range of self-propelled wheelchairs to fit the needs of all users. There's a broad selection of wheelchairs, ranging from lightweight and portable models for everyday use, to crash-tested and transit wheelchairs for travel and storage. For added comfort we also offer a wide range of self-propelled wheelchairs that recline.
All of our self propelled wheelchairs are available for purchase online with next day delivery to the majority of addresses within the UK. You can also use our search box to sort wheelchairs based on the kind of frame, seat, or features you need.
If you have any questions or need help in choosing the best wheelchair for you, don't be afraid to speak with one of our customer service team. 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 need mobility but have enough strength in their upper body to propel their chair. They let users take charge of their own mobility and give them a new outlook on life. They are also ideal for those who wish to stay clear of the expense and hassle of powered chairs.
The maneuverability of a wheelchair is largely determined by the centre of gravity and frame construction. A chair with wheels that are closest to the center of gravity can reduce the force on the turning.
It is also important to take into account the weight of the wheelchair when assessing its maneuverability. Heavy chairs have a higher center of gravity which makes them difficult to maneuver. Conversely, light chairs have a lower center of gravity, which makes them more easy to move and operate.
Many modern self propelled wheelchairs have been designed with ease of manoeuvrability in mind, as shown by their small dimensions and lightweight frames. They are extremely customizable, with features like adjustable backrest angles and seat heights. This lets the user adjust their wheelchair to their requirements, increasing comfort and reducing the chance of developing pressure ulcers and other discomforts.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are available with a wide range of accessories and add ons that can enhance the comfort. For example, a cushion can help to support the user's posture and reduce strain. A wheelchair may also be fitted with a system to monitor the pressure of the tyres in order to reduce the risk.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are also simple to transport and store. Many models come with rear wheels that are quick-release making it easy to remove the chair footplates and front castors. Many models come with half-folding backrests that fold and fold away making them easy to store and transport. Many come with parking brakes that can be operated either by the driver or their attendant. self propelled all terrain wheelchair increases safety and convenience.
Customisation
Self-propelled chairs are an excellent alternative to powered wheelchairs. They offer users control over the chair. They empower independence. use large rear wheels with hand rims to allow users to control the pace and direction - not just encouraging physical activity, but also helping to maintain strength and cardiovascular health.
For active users, these wheelchairs have been designed to be flexible and capable of handling many different environments, from paved roads to steep hills. They're generally lighter than transit chairs and can be folded to fit in small cars. This makes them a practical and useful mobility aid for daily use especially for those who live on their own or with only a small amount of assistance.
Aluminium is the most common frame material but titanium's superior fatigue resistance and durability make it a popular option for those who require the best. Titanium is also known for dampening vibration, which is increasingly important since pushing around can cause a lot of discomfort for those who use wheelchairs. Certain models, like Ki Mobility's Ethos have been specially designed to minimize the impact, resulting in a comfortable ride while allowing the user to stay in the control of their chair.
Wheelchair accessories are becoming more and more popular, with products ranging from simple track wheels that raise your front castors off the ground to improve off road traction, to electric rear wheels (controlled as a powerchair, but without the need for batteries) to handbikes like Triride's Special Compact HT, Rehasense's PAWS City and the Empulse F55. These features can be customised and enable you to ride on more challenging terrains. They also increase your comfort and freedom.
Mobility Shop's lightweight self-propelled chairs offer a range of features that will help you select the best wheelchair for your needs. For instance our Lite 2 can be fitted with power assist, which allows you to transform the manual wheelchair into a powered model by using an attendant control. The power assist can be controlled via the lever on your armrest, or the push handle.
Comfort
There are a variety of wheelchairs available, so finding the best model for your needs could be difficult. You should also discuss your options with a mobility specialist or GP to get the best advice for your specific situation.
If you have strong upper body strength and mobility, self-propelled wheelchairs are a great choice for daily mobility. They have bigger back wheels and an outer 'push-rim' which can be used to propel the chair. They also have a handlebar which you can use to steer and control the wheelchair. Self-propelled wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than transit models.
Attendant-propelled wheelchairs on the other hand, are designed to be pulled from behind by an attendant. They have smaller rear wheels and are much easier to push. However, they can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles, such as curbs. These chairs are also larger and are more difficult to fit into the trunk of your vehicle.
Many organisations, like zoos, parks and gardens, offer wheelchair hire on a daily basis. These are typically light manual wheelchairs, although it's recommended to reserve ahead to avoid disappointment. It is also possible to rent wheelchairs on a longer term basis from specialist mobility shops. It's important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of this option, though it could be more cost-effective in the long run to purchase your own chair.
You can further increase the comfort of a self-propelled wheelchair by adding additional accessories. Some are practical, such as footplates or storage bags. Others assist you in finding the most comfortable position to sit in. For instance, you can add seat cushions to reduce pressure on the thighs and buttocks, or headrests for added support.
You may also opt to have your self-propelled wheelchair fitted with attendant brakes, which are a safety vital feature for those who regularly have to be pushed by someone else. Having these fitted will make stopping, slowing and turning much more simple, especially for heavier users.