Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that are ultralightweight allow you to move around freely and independently. Ideal for use all day long, they can reduce stress on both the caregiver and the user.
It is essential to select a chair that has seating components that are lightweight and can meet the needs of postural of the person.
Comfort
The unique design of our ultra-lightweight wheelchairs provides users with superior comfort, helping to reduce the strain on both their bodies and caregivers. The footrests are movable and can be folded and removed to make transfers easier and safer. The ergonomically designed seat offers support and posture, while soft-touch fabric panels on the sides offer an easy grip. You can also personalize your wheelchair by selecting from a range of upholstery colors that match your style and personality.
A wheelchair can be a valuable mobility aid that helps you live independently and continue to enjoy many of your favourite activities. It's vital that you select the right wheelchair for your requirements. If you're unsure our team of experts in mobility are always available to guide you through the possibilities.
Wheelchairs come in many sizes to suit your needs and are made of robust materials for long-lasting performance. A basic wheelchair is ideal for those who weigh between 300 and 400 pounds. It can be self-propelled or driven by a caregiver if the energy levels are low.
Most standard wheelchairs feature two large rear wheels as well as four smaller front casters that are used for steering and stability. These types of wheelchairs require a significant amount of effort to push, and can put a strain on caregivers and users in the course of time. Because of this, they're more suited for short-term use or travelling.
Lightweight wheelchairs are constructed from lighter materials like aluminium and are often more maneuverable than heavier counterparts, making them more comfortable to push for caregivers and users. best self propelled wheelchair can also be folded and transported in vehicles. This makes them a convenient option for everyday use or travel.
The light weight of the frame of the wheelchair also makes it easier for users to move into and out of the chair, removing a common source of frustration for many. To make it easier to use, there are features like adjustable brake controls, a simple height adjustment for the seat and an easy folding mechanism that enables the wheelchair to fold in just a few seconds.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair is equipped with a number features that make it easy to move and transport. The front wheels can be raised safely by a caregiver using two stepper tubes. The rear tyres have long reach brakes that can be activated by the caregiver or user to reduce speed and allow for secure parking. The 20cm (8") solid Polyurethane (PU) front tyres provide an easy maneuverability on different surfaces. They are durable and low maintenance.
In our studies, we found that the ultra-light and rigid frame provides superior propulsion efficiency compared to folding wheelchairs when measured on concrete and carpet. The performance of a wheelchair is greatly affected by its components, including the casters and tires as well as its environment and use. The environment of a wheelchair can introduce vibrational loads, impact loads and torques inertial when it is in usage. These forces are not reflected by current wheelchair failure tests.
Real-world mobility is described as a series of short, slow stretches with frequent stops, turns and even starts. This type of mobility is not evident in wheelchair failure tests because it is not often done over the same surface and time. We used a convenient sample of wheelchair users using a seat switch to measure their level of occupancy, and an accelerometer to document their daily bouts of mobility.
The results of this study demonstrated that the majority of participants rode only 1.7 km per day on average, and fast (>1 m/s) and lengthy (>2 min) intervals were not common. This finding shows the importance of focusing on maneuverability when prescribing and educating wheelchairs.
The results also showed that a wheelchair can improve its overall efficiency by using lighter tires and frames, but that further weight reductions won't increase its propulsion efficiency significantly. The reason is that additional weight can increase the metabolic cost because of vibration, flexion and the relative motions of loosely attached, removable components like footrests. Adding 5 kg to the frame's mass will not significantly alter its energetic performance when measured against concrete.
Simple to Use
The accessibility of an ultra light self-propelled wheelchair is a major element in its appeal. It can be difficult for wheelchair users to keep their independence when they rely on others to take them places. You can shop, visit friends, or pursue your favorite hobbies and interests without having someone else drive you.
Wheel size is a major aspect in determining the comfort of pushing a wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs for adults come with two large rear wheels, which range from 20 to 26 inches in size and are designed to propel the user however the front casters tend to be smaller and are mostly responsible for stability and steering. The smaller front wheels are simpler to push as compared to the larger rear wheels because they require less effort to move the same distance.
These advantages are available to those who choose the lightweight wheelchair. They are more mobile and can be utilized in tight spaces. This makes it easier to navigate bridges and kerbs that are normally a problem for regular wheelchairs. This also means that you are able to access areas of your home or community that were previously inaccessible like cobbled or grassed areas.
You should also think about whether you will use the wheelchair by yourself or with an assistant. If you are planning to to use the wheelchair for long periods of time without assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a basic or light Wheelchair. If you'll be relying on an attendant to help you, we recommend you look at the features of a Transport Chair or one of our Heavy Duty options.
The ultra-light self-propelled wheelchairs we offer fold down and are removed with minimal effort, which makes them easy to transport, store and clean. They can be tucked away in the car's boot and they are also an ideal option for those who have to travel long distances as they are able to be easily carried into restaurants and hotels. The footrests on these chairs can be flipped up or swung out of the way to facilitate safer transfers in and out of the chair.
Customisation
While wheelchairs come with standard features, there are many options available to help customize them to the user's needs. For example, some models come with footrests that can fold up or swung out of the way, allowing for more secure and easy transfers into and out of the chair. Some also offer a range of armrest heights and seat configurations, which help to lessen strain on shoulders.
Another alternative is to consider wheelchairs that feature suspension. This is particularly crucial for those who spend a lot of time in their wheelchair. It can reduce vibrations transmitted through the frame which can cause discomfort. This can also make the wheelchair more robust and capable of handling a range of conditions.
Wheelchairs that have suspension can also reduce the effort required to propel them. They are more efficient at transferring the energy of the wheels into forward motion. This reduces stress for both the person using the wheelchair and their caregiver particularly when they need to push the chair for long distances or over steep slopes.
Lightweight and ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs are more affordable than their conventional counterparts, which means they are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. However, it is still essential to consult a healthcare professional, as they can recommend the most suitable wheelchair for your specific circumstances.
Ultralight, light and lightweight manual wheelchairs fall in the category of Complex Rehab equipment, which means they are usually recommended by a Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They can evaluate your needs, suggest appropriate equipment, and submit all paperwork needed to secure the necessary funding approval for a brand new wheelchair. After your wheelchair is ordered it will be delivered to your home to use immediately.