Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that are lightweight let you move comfortably and with confidence giving you freedom and autonomy. Ideal for full-time use they can help reduce stress for both the user and the caregiver.
It is essential to select a chair that has seating components that are light and that meet the posture needs of the user.
Comfort
Our ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are designed to provide superior comfort to users, reducing the stress on their bodies and caregivers. Features include movable footrests which can be folded inwards or moved out of the way to facilitate safer and easier transfers in and out of the chair. The ergonomically designed chair provides support and posture, while the soft-touch fabric panels on the side panels provide the user with a comfortable grip. You can also personalise your wheelchair by selecting from a variety of upholstery colours that complement your style and personality.
A wheelchair is a crucial mobility aid that can help you remain independent and to enjoy your favourite activities. It is essential to choose the correct wheelchair for your needs. If you're unsure our team of mobility experts will be available to help you navigate the possibilities.
Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes to meet your individual needs and are usually constructed of durable materials to ensure lasting performance. A basic wheelchair is perfect for people who weigh between 300 and 400 pounds. It can be self-propelled or driven by a caregiver when the energy levels are low.
Standard wheelchairs come with two large rear wheels and four smaller front wheels. These wheels are used to ensure stability and steering. These wheelchairs are difficult to push, and can cause stress for both the caregiver and user. This is why they're more suited for temporary use or travel.
The lightweight wheelchairs are made from lighter materials, like aluminum. They are also more maneuverable than their heavier counterparts. This makes them easier to push by caregivers and users. They're also designed to fold compactly and can be easily transported in vehicles, making them a convenient solution for everyday use or travel.
self propelled wheelchair uk of the frame of the wheelchair also makes it easier for users to get into and out of the chair, removing the frustration that is a common issue for many. To make it easier to use there are features such as adjustable brake controls, a simple seat height adjustment, and a simple folding mechanism that allows for the wheelchair to fold in just a few seconds.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair comes equipped with several features that make it easier to move and transport. The front wheels can be raised by a caregiver with two stepper tubes. Long reach brakes on the rear tyres are easily activated by the user or caretaker to slow down speed and facilitate stable parking. The solid Polyurethane (PU) 20cm (8") front tyres last for a long time and are low maintenance, allowing for easy manoeuvrability over a range of surfaces.
In our research we discovered that the new rigid ultra-lightweight frame has a higher propulsion efficiency compared to folding wheelchairs when measured on concrete and carpet. The performance of a wheelchair can be affected by its components such as the casters, tires and the environment. The environment in which a wheelchair is located can cause vibrational loads, torques and loads that impact when it is in use. These forces aren't apparent in current wheelchair failure tests.
Real-world mobility is characterized by short, slow bouts of wheeling, with frequent stops, starts, and turning maneuvers. This type of mobility is typically not evident in current wheelchair failure testing, as it is seldom performed on the same ground at the same period of time. We equipped a convenience sample with a seat switch to assess the occupant's level of occupancy and an accelerometer to record their daily movements.
The study found that the majority of participants travelled 1.7 km every day, and rapid (>1 milliseconds) and lengthy (>2 minutes) periods of wheeling were not common. This study is a strong argument for focusing on mobility in wheelchair prescription and training.
The results also revealed that a wheelchair could improve its overall efficiency by using lighter tires and frames, but that further weight reductions won't increase its propulsion efficiency significantly. This is because weight increases metabolic costs due to frame flexion and vibration, and the relative motion of removable, loosely attached parts like footrests. Adding 5 kg to the frame's mass will not significantly alter its energetic efficiency when measured over concrete.
Easy of Use
The convenience of using an ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is an important element in its appeal. Being reliant on others to take your places can be very difficult for a lot of wheelchair users and being able to go wherever and whenever you want is essential to keep your independence. You can shop and visit your friends or engage in your passions and hobbies without having someone else take you there.
Wheel size is a key factor in determining the ease of moving in a wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs for adults have two large rear wheels, which are often 20 to 26 inches in diameter and are designed to propel the user, while the front casters are typically smaller and are responsible for steering and stability. The smaller front wheels are simpler to push than the larger rear wheels, because they require less effort to push the same distance.
These advantages are for those who opt for a lightweight wheelchair. They are more maneuverable and can be used in tight areas. This lets you navigate bridges, kerbs, and other obstacles that would normally cause problems for standard wheelchairs. This also means you can access areas of your community or home which were previously not accessible, like cobbled or grassed areas.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether you'll be using the wheelchair by yourself or with an assist. If you plan to to use the wheelchair for long durations without assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a Basic or Lightweight Wheelchair. If you plan to rely on an attendant to push you, we suggest that you consider the features of a Transport Chair or one of our Heavy Duty models.
The ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchairs we provide can fold down and be taken apart with a minimum of effort, which makes them much easier to transport, store or clean. They can be easily transported in the trunk of cars. They are also great for those who travel for long distances as they can be rolled into hotels and restaurants. These chairs have footrests that can be turned or moved to make it easier to get into and out.
Customisation
While most wheelchairs are equipped with standard features, there are a variety of options to customize them to the user's requirements. Certain models come with removable footrests which can be folded or swung to make it safer and easier to transfer into and out of the wheelchair. Some models provide various armrests and seat heights to help reduce shoulder strain.
Another option is to look into wheelchairs with suspension. This is particularly important for people who spend much time in their wheelchair. It will reduce the vibrations generated by the frame that could cause discomfort. This will also make the chair more robust and capable of handling different types of terrain.
Wheelchairs with suspension can also help to reduce the effort it takes to propel them, as they are more efficient at transferring energy through the wheels and transferring it into forward motion. This reduces stress for both the wheelchair user and caregiver particularly when they need to push the chair for long distances or on steep slopes.
Lightweight and ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs are cheaper than regular counterparts, so they are ideal for those on a budget. However, it's crucial to consult with an expert in healthcare, as they will be able to suggest the best wheelchair for your specific circumstances.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall in the category of complex Rehab equipment, meaning that they are usually recommended by a Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They will be able to analyze your needs, recommend the best equipment for you and then submit all the paperwork needed to secure the funding approval needed for your new wheelchair. After your wheelchair has been ordered, it will be delivered to you so that you can start using it immediately.