Fold Up Wheelchairs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

Fold Up Wheelchairs Fold-up wheelchairs are perfect for those who need to move around every day or for those who want a lightweight chair to take with them on vacation. Frames that are rigid do not move when you push the chair. This could waste energy and lead to a loss of tone. Look for footplates that can be removed or inserted and a switch to change from power to manual that can be turned away from the chair. Rigid Manual Wheelchairs Rigid frame wheelchairs were designed to be used by the user with the stability in mind. They are typically lighter than a foldable custom manual wheelchair, and are more maneuverable in tight spaces such as doors. Using an efficient rigid frame design that is usually inspired by athletic and sports chairs, rigid wheelchairs maximize the energy transferred through the wheels to propel the chair forwards. This means a quicker more comfortable and smoother ride for the person who is riding. Many rigid frame wheelchairs come with swing-away legs, which allow users to transfer into and out of the chair. Additionally, some models have quick release axles to further simplify maintenance and transportation by making the wheelchair for easier loading into vehicles. Some rigid frames can also be constructed using ultralight materials, like titanium. This helps reduce the weight of the chair, while improving its efficiency. This is particularly important for those who require a lightweight chair in order to aid mobility. These wheelchairs are also more durable and resistant to wear than folding models, making them a better option for long-term or frequent use. small folding wheelchair increased durability of the chair can reduce the frequency at which components like seats and footplates need to be replaced, saving time and money for both the user and the caregiver. The rigid chairs that are custom made to measure can offer better support for the spine and a more personalised fit for the user that can increase the comfort of users and reduce pressure sores. This kind of wheelchair is ideal for people who are active and need the right chair to fit their lifestyle. The right wheelchair is essential to maintaining your independence and improving the quality of your life. QUICKIE offers a variety of options for creating a rigid wheelchair or folding chair that fits your lifestyle. It is recommended that, to get the most value from your wheelchair and decrease the chance of injury, you include safety features such as a seatbelt, chair harness with heel loops, anti-tippers and heel loops. Manual Folding Wheelchairs A manual chair that folds is one that can be folded and stored away when not in use. This type of wheelchair is able to be stored in the trunk of your car or in a storage compartment if you are using public transport. This type of wheelchair also tends to be lighter than a rigid one which makes it easier to maneuver and transport. Consider what features and functions you value most when you're thinking about buying a manual folding wheelchair to fulfill your mobility needs. For instance, you could have a certain weight and height requirement, or need a particular kind of seating system. You might also require a lightweight, compact wheelchair that is easy to fold and unfold or an more advanced chair that can be used outdoors. Talk to your doctor or physical therapy to determine the best manual wheelchair for you when you're evaluating your options. They'll be able to advise you on what type of wheelchair is most suitable for your mobility and health needs, as well as offer suggestions for how to use the chair safely and efficiently. To make the most of your new wheelchair, it's essential to learn how fold and unfold it properly. This will ensure that you don't risk getting hurt or damaging the chair especially if you're not comfortable with the process. Create the space in which you plan to fold and unfold your chair. This is essential because it will ensure you have enough space to work with, and that the wheelchair won't accidentally get caught or damaged by any obstructions in your path. It's also recommended that you secure the brakes of your wheelchair prior to attempting to fold it. this will stop any sudden movements that could cause injury to anyone else who is in the vicinity. Grab the front and back handles of the chair (or the seat tube handles, in the case that your chair does not include armrests) to begin folding. Pull the handles gently and steadily. This will cause the chair to slowly unfold, making it easier to move into the position after you've finished. Rigid Folding Frames Rigid frame wheelchairs are known for their robustness and are a good option for those looking to get the most out of your chair. They are also more efficient than folding frame chairs, because they don't carry the extra weight of folding mechanisms to hinder their use. You can select from a wide range of materials for rigid frames, such as aluminum, titanium and carbon fibre. They are also lighter than a conventional or custom wheelchair because their sleek design reduces the amount of materials that are used to construct them. If you're not sure if a rigid frame wheelchair is suitable for you, ask your healthcare provider to arrange an assessment. Finding a chair that is suitable well is important, as the position of your feet and your backrest can make a huge difference in how comfortable it makes you feel. It's also worth checking that the hoist-point is located in a position that will allow you to utilize it with your selected vehicle and whether there are any quick release axles that can be fitted to reduce the dimensions of the frame when taking it off and on a car lift or other similar device. Another advantage of rigid wheelchairs is that it doesn't fold side-to-side, which could sometimes be a problem with folding frames that must be able to flex to fit into vehicles. This can cause the wheels to move forward from the footplate. This can have a negative impact on your driving experience, as it can make pushing more difficult because of the increased drag. A rigid wheelchair can also be made to taper between the hips and knees, or the aluminum can be made narrower between the footrest and the knees. This can make it be more affixed to your body and make it more comfortable. This isn't always feasible in a folding wheelchair as the X mechanism required to allow them to fold could limit their configurations and adjustments. A rigid frame wheelchair offers additional features, including strap-based backrests, as well as fully-fitted backrests. Folding Rigid Frames Rigid frame chairs are light and offer an energy-efficient propulsion. The one-piece frames do not have a cross-brace which helps to reduce the overall weight and eliminates side-toside folding. This allows the user to concentrate more energy on moving the wheelchair forward, thereby increasing its efficiency. The rigid frame of a wheelchair can also be made from lightweight materials like titanium. It is stronger and lighter than aluminium, but it is also more resistant to corrosion. Some rigid frame wheelchairs also include footplates that fold to expand the user's mobility. These features can increase the overall comfort of the wheelchair and help in guiding the user over rough surfaces. The rigid wheelchairs are also less susceptible to flexing, which can reduce the efficiency of the propulsion system. The frame of the chair will transfer less energy to move because it is moving. The ability to customize rigid wheelchairs to meet the needs of each particular user is a further benefit. The seat widths, depths and angles, as well as the heights, can all be adjusted to suit the requirements of the user. This flexibility lets the user find the ideal wheelchair and to adjust it as they grow. Although rigid frame wheelchairs are more durable, they can also be heavier to transport and store. They generally require a larger vehicle such as vans to transport them from one location to the next and could require to be disassembled before being put into the vehicle. It is essential to test a few different types of rigid wheelchairs before making a decision. These chairs are not for everyone, and they could be difficult to use for those who are new particularly in the event that they don't have the upper body strength and trunk balance to maneuver the chair. If you decide to purchase a rigid wheelchair look for a model that has back canes that fold down to reduce the size of the frame when it is not in use. Also, look for “quick release axles” to enable the wheels to be removed, thereby reducing the size of the frame when stored.