Tips for Buying Lightweight Wheelchairs

Lightweight wheelchairs have many advantages over standard chairs. Of course, they are primarily designed for occasional use, but there are some very light models that are made to be robust enough for daily use.

Consider how you will be using the wheelchair

Before buying one of these wheelchairs, it is important to think about what you will be using it for and how often you will be using it. Doing this will help you to determine which chairs are worth considering and which are not.

If you want to travel with other friends and family in a car, you will need one that is collapsible. Most lightweight models are designed to fold up, but not all of them will fold down small enough to fit into the boot of a family car.

In addition, you need to consider how easy it is to fold the chair up and stow it. If you rely on an elderly partner to get about this is an especially important consideration. Should you be planning to fly consider buying a chair that can fold up into a holdall.

How you will propel the chair is another important consideration. Most lightweight versions are designed to be pushed rather than self propelled. If you want a self-propelled one you will need to shop around more and will almost certainly end up paying more.

Consider comfort

Whilst you may intend to buy the chair to travel with you need to think about how long you will spend in it. For example, if you plan to use it for your annual holiday, it needs to be comfortable enough to spend all day in for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you are going to use it just to visit friends and family you may be able to manage OK with a cheaper one. Look at the padding on the seat, and at how comfortable and robust the armrests are, also consider how your back will be supported. Another important consideration is footrests. Not all collapsible lightweight wheelchairs have them. As with all major purchases, it makes sense to do your research and shop around before buying a lightweight wheelchair.

You can buy good quality lightweight wheelchairs online from simplelifemobility.co.uk at very reasonable prices. They provide plenty of detail about each chair to help you to make an informed decision.