Guide to choosing the wheelchair

Guide to choosing the wheelchair

Given the different personal needs of users, choosing the right wheelchair can be difficult.
The main factors to consider when choosing are these three:

  1. adaptation to the person
  2. adaptation to use by the person
  3. usage environment.

Possibility of configuration such as size and position of the seat and backrest, as well as adjustable and removable armrests, side rails and footrests are common in all wheelchairs, but when choosing, other aspects must be considered which, given the large number of products with similar characteristics present on the market, can cause confusion for the buyer.
In order to provide customers with an orientation to the right purchase, we will now deepen the three aspects mentioned above.

1. Adaptation to the person

What characteristics must it possess to adapt to your disability? Aspects such as the ability to move independently from the wheelchair, for example to the car seat, bed or bathroom, as well as any other parameters, such as postural control, should be considered.
Height and weight are also important when choosing a wheelchair. The seat must be a couple of cm wider than the user's hips, another very important element is to check that the wheelchair is approved for the user's weight.

2. Adaptation to use by the person

What are the benefits that your wheelchair should be able to offer you? If you need to fold it often, choose one pram that folds easily and takes up little space. If used in leisure time and in sport, the lighter it is, the better it will be, and if you need to access confined spaces, you will need a wheelchair with folding footrests.
In case of use of other technical aids (anti-decubitus pillow, lifter, crutches holder, etc.) or other accessories, a wheelchair that is compatible with them must be chosen.

3. Use environment

Where is the wheelchair used most? The choice changes a lot in case of indoor or outdoor use, urban or rural.
Another important aspect is the climate of the place of residence, if humid, greater resistance to rust is required, in case of cold weather a little more space will be needed to be comfortable wearing more voluminous clothing.

We now come to other parameters to be evaluated for the purchase of the wheelchair.

Given the great variety of pathologies and situations that require the help of this means, a possible choice could be between one electronic wheelchair and a manual, usually determined by the person's level of autonomy.

Power wheelchairs are normally used by people who, not having sufficient strength in their arms, cannot push themselves, or because for some reason they cannot tolerate that kind of effort. Indoor models are available on the market, compact and easy to handle, and outdoor models, more robust and equipped.

The level of autonomy is also important in the choice of the manual wheelchair: those with self-propulsion, with larger rear wheels, are designed for people with a high level of independence, while manual wheelchairs that are not self-propelled (so-called transit) are narrower than Overall, they have smaller rear wheels and are made to be pushed by another person.
The material of which the wheelchair is made is also of great importance. Manual wheelchairs are normally made of these 3 materials:

  • Steel: the heaviest wheelchairs
  • Aluminum: light or super light wheelchairs
  • Titanium: the lightest wheelchairs

Another important choice is between a rigid or folding frame. The structure of rigid frame wheelchairs is much lighter, as it does not have many joints or hinges, while folding wheelchairs are easier to transport, but have less use of self-propelling energy than rigid wheelchairs.
The choice of the right wheelchair will directly improve the comfort, mobility and quality of life of the user, so it is a decision that must be carefully evaluated. If you need more information or a consultation, we can help you find the solution that's right for you.


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