Wheelchairs improve the quality of life for those who need them, but like any product, some are better than others. Before you purchase the first wheelchair you see, you should know that there is a wide range of varieties you can choose from. To select the perfect wheelchair for you or any family member, you must understand the difference between all types of wheelchairs and what qualities to look for.

Wheelchairs vary in size, material, and features, so keeping in mind why you need the wheelchair will narrow down your options. Based on your needs, you will know which type of wheelchair will make your life better and select the right one. Here are the main types of wheelchairs and the qualities to look for.

Manual

A manual wheelchair is a great option for outdoor mobility. It’s designed for those who can walk with a stick or a frame but cannot walk long distances. Those who use a manual wheelchair must have enough arm strength to self-propel their wheelchair. Although most of the manual wheelchairs come with push handles so it can be pushed by someone else, they’re not the ideal option for those who need it permanently as it may affect their arms. Getting a manual wheelchair for someone who will use it permanently means that they will either self-propel their wheelchair, and in the long run, it will weaken their arms, or they will need someone to push them most of the time. They are a great choice for those with a leg injury or seniors who will only use them instead of walking long distances.

Electric

Unlike manual wheelchairs, electric ones don’t need arm strength or someone to push the wheelchair. They are the perfect choice for users who want to move freely on their own for long distances and rely entirely on the wheelchair. However, there are a lot of important qualities to consider before you choose an electric wheelchair. Knowing the driving controls, battery type, storage, and reading as many wheelchair reviews as you can is a must before buying any. Over or under-sensitive drive controls can be an issue for the user.

Getting moderate drive controls that can be easily used is essential, especially if the user will need the wheelchair permanently. The battery capacity should be sufficient enough to make the user enjoy their daily routines without interruptions. If you chose a small battery capacity, you will need to charge the battery more often and may not be able to stay outdoors for a long time. Electric wheelchairs are usually large and consume a lot of space to be stored. So, if you don’t have that much space, look for a small electric wheelchair.

Features you should look for

Now that you know the two main types of wheelchairs, it’s time to look into the features and choose what suits your needs the most. The features to look for are armrests, adjustable footplates, back and headrest, storage bags on the side or under the seat, and wheelchair cushions. These features will provide the user with leg, head, and back support for more comfort, especially if they use it for a long time. If you’re expecting that the wheelchair will be transported a lot, it’s preferable to get a portable one. It would be best to choose a lightweight wheelchair for easier transportation. The heavier the wheelchair, the more difficult it will be to move it from one place to another.

Choosing a wheelchair is a big decision. Some people say that you should make the decision carefully as if you’re buying a new car. The different features, types, and sizes you will find when looking for a wheelchair may make the decision harder. However, making your needs or the user’s needs a priority will help you select the right one. If you know that the wheelchair will be transported a lot, it’s best to get a portable or foldable one for easy storage and transportation. Still, you have to keep in mind that almost all foldable wheelchairs are manual, and only a few of the electric ones are portable and lightweight.

Also, consider how long the user will need a wheelchair. Is it forever or just for a short time? A manual foldable wheelchair is a good choice for temporary use, while electric heavyweight ones are suitable for those who need it permanently. The choice of a wheelchair will improve the user’s and family members’ lifestyle, making life easier and less stressful by purchasing the perfect one.

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