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Nowadays, wheelchairs can be cheap to purchase and are widely available, so choosing a wheelchair can be confusing. Some people will have been prescribed a specific sort of wheelchair by an Occupational Therapist whilst others might want a wheelchair for when an elderly relative comes to stay.

Somebody using the wheelchair independently will require a self propelling (large wheels) model they push themselves. A self propelled, or transit wheelchair (smaller wheels) will be appropriate if the wheelchair will be pushed by an attendant.

A folding wheelchair is a good choice for occasional use as they can easily be dismantled, folded and transported by car. The rear wheels will usually come off, and the back might fold down to save space. These wheelchairs are ideal for those going out for the day in the car, or perhaps for someone who can’t walk as far as they once could, but maybe don’t need to be in a wheelchair all the time. A dedicated motor can be purchased to turn the manual wheelchair into an attendant controlled powerchair making hills much less of a problem. If you are looking at a wheelchair for occasional use, the lighter it is, the easier it will be to dismantle and put in a car boot. As a very rough guide, folding wheelchairs weigh around 33-44lbs / 15-20Kg, which doesn’t sound too heavy, but remember that somebody will be pushing wheelchair, and perhaps getting it in and out of the car.

Folding wheelchairs are available in various sizes, but often do not offer the specialised features that a prescribed wheelchair can offer. For others, the wheelchair will be used more often, perhaps all day, at work, or indoors, for example. For this sort of wheelchair user, the comfort and manoeuvrability is likely to be much more important than how much the wheelchair costs. These wheelchairs are less likely to be folding models, as the performance and weight of the wheelchair is more important than whether it folds. These rigid, self propelled wheelchairs combine a lighter frame and wheels. They might have a more specialised back, seat cushion, foot rests and arm rests.

Wheelchair users who lead an active lifestyle, which might include playing sports such as tennis and basketball as well as driving and day to day living, will require a different sort of wheel chair again. These users are likely to move away from a cumbersome folding wheelchair, to one that is very lightweight, smaller and stronger than a traditional wheelchair. A sport wheelchair might even be constructed from titanium which is stronger and lighter than aluminium. It probably won’t have traditional style foot rests, as these will be incorporated into the frame. It might not have arm rests or handles, as it won’t need to be pushed. It is also likely to have customisable front and rear wheels so that the user has the most appropriate wheels and tyres for their needs. The wheels on some rigid wheelchairs can be pushed inwards so that they lean towards the user to provide more responsiveness. The highly adjustable and customisable nature of these wheelchairs means that the user might only needs one wheelchair for all activities – day to day living and sports. These lightweight chairs are easy to put in a car, and the wheelchair user can put their wheelchair in the car from the driver’s seat. This means that they don’t have to rely on others, and can maintain their independence. These very lightweight wheelchairs are utilising a lot of technology and techniques from mountain bike manufacturers. Indeed, some of these rigid wheelchairs resemble a mountain bike more than a traditional wheelchair, and depending on the model and specifications may only weigh 15-17lbs / 8Kg.

The efficiency of a wheelchair can be measured easily in a non-scientific way. The user can simply see how far they move in a given wheelchair, on a given surface in just one push. Because of the number of joints, and weight of the steel of aluminium, a folding wheelchair loses a lot of energy, so a folding wheelchair won’t move as far as a rigid wheelchair per push. A titanium sport wheelchair weighs roughly a third of the weight of a standard steel folding wheelchair, and so will move much further per push. This is an important consideration when choosing a wheelchair.

The process of choosing a wheelchair can be complicated. The wheelchair manufacturers make this easier by providing a prescription form for some models. This is a step by step method of choosing the right wheelchair, based on the user’s condition, daily activities and any other special requirements. Depending on the complexity of the user’s requirements, the wheelchair manufacturer may offer the service of a trained expert to help with the prescription. All sorts of situations are considered from whether the user needs to cross roads, to the size and width of the front castors.

Whatever style of wheelchair you choose, a wheelchair cushion will be recommended; this improves posture, comfort and can help to prevent pressure sores.

If you require assistance in choosing your wheelchair, why not let an experienced mobility dealer guide you into making the right choice.

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For more information about wheelchairs, please visit Power Wheelchair.

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Buying The Right 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

Posted on 16. Mar, 2011 by Wheelchairs Mobility.

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Buying The Right 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

Buying The Right 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

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Buying The Right 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

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Advances in mobility aids including mobility scooters, power lift chairs, and electric wheelchairs have returned accessibility, freedom, and independence to many seniors suffering from mobility issues. With technological advances occurring across all mobility options, the problem now exists where there are now so many quality choices that a thorough review of mobility options and needs assessments is an absolute requirement to ensure that a purchase of a mobility product ends up being the best solution for each purchaser. There is a broad spectrum of user options in both the 3 wheel and the 4 wheel categories. The four wheel category has both a regular standard and a heavy duty class of mobility scooter.

The regular standard of four wheel mobility scooters are best suited toward outdoor use due to a much wider turning radius than 3 wheel scooters resulting from two front wheels. Built to heavier standards than 3 wheel mobility scooters, these offer much greater stability, greater top speeds and longer battery life. These mobility scooters are suitable for rougher terrain and inclines due to their even weight distribution and heavier construction. The one drawback to the heavier construction is that these scooters are typically too heavy and bulky for transportation in the trunk of a car and instead require transport via a scooter lift or small trailer.

Heavy duty mobility scooters are designed to carry individuals weighing in the range of 300 to 500 pounds. Like other 4 wheel mobility scooters, the heavy duty scooters are usually transported with a lift or trailer.Typical designs include rear wheel drive to sustain heavier weights, well built suspensions, reinforced frames, anti-tip equipment, a variety of seat options, and more power than lighter versions.

Electric scooters are the next generation of mobility options for people with conditions that restrict their ability to get around. With the wide variety of options, consulting a professional is the best way to ensure that the purchase of a mobility scooter meets the needs of the buyer.

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Power Mobility Scooters: Whether you’re looking for a lift chair, a luxury adjustable bed, a power chair or a mobility scooter, The Mobility Scooters Store is the best place online to shop for all of your mobility products. Visit us online at Electric Mobility Scooter or call (877) 985-7679

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Wheelchair Ramps – Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

Posted on 18. Feb, 2011 by Wheelchairs Mobility.

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Wheelchair Ramps Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

Wheelchair Ramps Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

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Home Page > Health > Disabilities > Wheelchair Ramps Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

Wheelchair Ramps Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

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Posted: Jun 30, 2009 |Comments: 0
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Wheelchair and scooter ramps are essential in making a building easily accessible and it is important to choose the correct one for your requirements. Whether it is for domestic or commercial use there are plenty of wheelchair and scooter ramps to choose from. Ramps can be used to load wheelchairs or scooters into vehicles, put over steps to create a smooth transition and over a doors threshold to enable easy access. Wheelchair ramps can be portable, foldable or with a rail to offer additional support for those who can not walk unaided. Below you will find a complete guide to choosing the right wheelchair and scooter ramp for your home or commercial premises.

Threshold Wheelchair and Scooter Ramps

Threshold ramps are essential ramps for both domestic and commercial use. A threshold ramps purpose is to create a bridge over a threshold for a wheelchair or scooter to roll over. A common threshold would be a door frame or door step to get from outside a building to inside. Threshold wheelchair and scooter ramps come in a range of sizes and can be made from a number of different materials including aluminium and fibreglass. A threshold wheelchair and scooter ramp can be a simple bridge up to a step so the wheelchair or scooter can bridge the distance from the ground to the step. Another choice of wheelchair and scooter threshold ramp is a ramp which runs over a door hinge so the wheelchair or scooter can run smoothly over the hinge into another room. Finally the most flexible kind of Threshold wheelchair and scooter ramp is a channel ramp. These can comprise of both folding and telescopic features making it an easily stored ramp and a ramp that can extend to fit specific building requirements.

Wheelchair and Scooter Vehicle Loading Ramps

These ramps can be used to move a wheelchair or scooter from the ground and into a vehicle. They can also be used to transport wheelchairs up or down steps or over curbs. A vehicle loading ramp tends to be quite long or telescopic, meaning that it is extendable lengthways. Many vehicle loading ramps tend to be foldable and lightweight so the ramp can be stored in the vehicle along with the wheelchair or scooter. The ramps are normally slip resistant to maintain good traction even in wet conditions. Vehicle loading ramps can be either on wide ramp or two narrower channels known as a channel ramp. Both are wide enough to fit wheelchairs and scooters.

Access Ramps

Access ramps create an easy access point up to a building for wheelchairs, scooters and for those who are unable to walk up steps unaided. These ramps are normally found on commercial premises, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Access ramps come in a range of sizes to suit a particular buildings requirements. Access ramps are available with or without hand rails.

Whatever kind of ramp you need, Health and Care have a complete range of Wheelchair and Scooter Threshold Ramps, Vehicle Loading Ramps and Access Ramps. Visit http://www.healthandcare.co.uk/Ramps.html to see the full range.

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Wheelchair Education – One is Right for You?

Posted on 19. Aug, 2010 by Wheelchairs Mobility.

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(PRWEB) October 3, 2005

Whether you plan on being in a wheelchair for just a short time or for the duration of your life, it is very important to pick the right one for you.

With so many wheelchairs on the market today, it can be a tough task to undertake; but you can easily purchase the right wheelchair for you by becoming knowledgeable about your choices. Before you buy your new mode of transportation, it is best to have an understanding of the different types of wheelchairs.

Manual wheelchairs are wheelchairs that need to be controlled by the person in the wheelchair, or by somebody pushing the wheelchair. There are a few different types of manual wheelchairs ÂÂ– lightweight or sports chairs that roll easily for those with upper body strength and are designed for every day use; standard manual wheelchairs that have the traditional cross brace frame and added support, child or youth wheelchairs that grow with a child and come in a variety of colors and styles; specialty chairs that are specifically designed for a variety of wheelchair lifestyles and needs and institutional wheelchairs that are the most affordable, but designed only for minimal wheelchair use ÂÂ– commonly used for transporting people in hospitals and nursing homes.

They are most suitable for short-term use, for those who donÂÂ’t use a wheelchair too often or for those who have upper body strength. Those who have limited movement or a weak upper body may need someone to push them, or may want to consider the electric wheelchair.

Electric wheelchairs are wheelchairs powered by a motor. They were created especially for those individuals with limited or no body mobility, or for those who use wheelchairs as their primary source of getting around. They are pricier than manual wheelchairs, but the cost is definitely a wash when considering if your wheelchair needs are substantial.

Electric wheelchairs come in a few styles ÂÂ– the traditional style electric wheelchair resembles a manual wheelchair with the exception of the motor, battery and controls; and the platform electric wheelchair look more like a seat placed on top of the motor encasement.

The motor is often placed below the electric wheelchair in order to minimize any noise. The electric wheelchair controls are usually to the right or left of the arm rests, and can even be repositioned based on your wheelchair needs. People who enjoy outdoor activities regularly may need to be careful in an electric wheelchair ÂÂ– most models are designed for indoor use and can crack or become faulty over time. But, there are some indoor/outdoor models marketed today, and may be the outdoor enthusiastÂÂ’s best electric wheelchair bet.

Sports wheelchairs differ from the traditional manual wheelchair ÂÂ– they are very lightweight and designed to withstand the normal wear and tear that goes along with a number of sporting activities. Sports wheelchairs use lightweight metals that can withstand a beating like titanium, chrome, aluminum and steel tubing.

The base of a sports wheelchair is wider than other traditional wheelchairs in order to support different sporting activities, and the center of gravity can be adjusted for the individual using the sports wheelchair. The sports wheelchair is generally affordable, but the more custom features it contains, the more expensive it will be.

About The Author:

Alan Jason Smith is the owner of Unity Wheelchairs which is a great place to find wheelchair links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.unitywheelchairs.com

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Top Health Tips for the Elderly to Start you Off in the Right Dirction:

Posted on 17. Aug, 2010 by Wheelchairs Mobility.

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Top Health Tips for the Elderly to Start you Off in the Right Dirction:

1. Dont begrudge spending money on your own comfort, health and quality of life. You deserve it!

AND FOR THE OVER-60

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Make the right choice for your wheelchairs

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Buying The Right 4 Wheel Mobility Scooter

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Wheelchair Ramps – Choosing the right Wheelchair & Scooter Ramp from Health and Care

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Wheelchair Education – One is Right for You?

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Top Health Tips for the Elderly to Start you Off in the Right Dirction:

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