Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that weigh less than a pound let you move freely and independently. Ideal for fulltime use they can ease stress on both the user and caregiver.
The most important thing is to select the right chair with seating components that are able to meet the user's postural requirements and are as light as possible.
Comfort
The specially designed design of our ultra light wheelchairs provides users with superior comfort, which helps to lessen the strain on both their bodies and caregivers. Features include movable footrests which can be folded up or moved out of the way to facilitate safer and easier transfers into and out of the chair. The chair has been designed ergonomically to support and posture, while soft-touch fabric side panels offer the user with a comfortable grip. There are also the option of personalising the wheelchair with a choice of upholstery colours to suit your personal style and character.
A wheelchair is a crucial mobility aid that can allow you to be more independent and continue to enjoy your favorite activities. However, it's important to select the best model that meets your specific needs. If you're unsure our team of experts in mobility is always on hand to help you navigate the possibilities.
Wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes to meet your specific requirements and are often constructed of robust materials to provide long-lasting performance. A standard wheelchair is best for people weighing up to 300 pounds and offers the option of self-propelled when your energy levels are high or assisted by an attendant when they're low.
Most standard wheelchairs feature two large rear wheels as well as four smaller front caster wheels that serve as steering wheels and for stability. These kinds of wheelchairs require a substantial amount of effort to push, and could strain both the caregiver and the user over time. Because of this, they're better suited to temporary use or travel.
Lightweight wheelchairs are constructed from lighter materials such as aluminum and are typically more maneuverable than heavier counterparts, making them easier to push for caregivers and users. They can also be folded up and transported in vehicles. This makes them a great choice for use on the go or in everyday life.
The light weight of the frame of the wheelchair also makes it easier for users to get into and out of the chair, which is the frustration that is a common issue for many. For further ease of use there are features such as adjustable brake controls, easy-to-use seat height adjustment, and an easy folding mechanism that enables the wheelchair to be collapsed in just seconds.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair is equipped with a number of features that are designed to make moving and transporting this chair easier. Firstly the front wheels are raised by two stepper tubes that permit an individual to safely raise the tyres to the top of obstacles or curbs. Long reach brakes on the rear tyres can be easily activated by a user or carer to reduce speed and allow for a more stable parking. The 20cm (8") solid Polyurethane (PU), front tyres offer easy maneuverability on different surfaces. They are durable and low-maintenance.
In our research, we found that the new ultra-lightweight, rigid frame offers superior performance in propulsion compared to folding frames wheelchairs when tested on carpet and concrete. The performance of a wheelchair can be significantly affected by its components, including the casters and tires, as well as its environment and use. The environment of a wheelchair can cause vibrational forces, impact loads and inertial torques during use that are not reflected in current wheelchair failure tests [1010.
Real-world mobility is described as short, slow bouts with frequent stops, turns and even starts. This type of mobility is not reflected in tests for wheelchair failure because it is not often performed over the same surface or at the same time. We set up a sample with a seat switch to measure the occupant's occupancy and an accelerometer to track their daily movement.
This study found that most participants walked 1.7 km on average every day, and speedy (>1 m/s), and long (>2 minutes) periods of wheeling were rare. This study highlights the importance of paying attention to the ability to maneuver when prescribing and teaching wheelchairs.
The results also showed that a wheelchair can increase its overall efficiency by using frames and tires that are lighter however, further weight reductions will not boost its propulsion efficiency in any significant way. The reason is that additional weight increases metabolic costs because of vibration, flexion, and relative motions of loosely attached, removable parts such as footrests. Averaging 5 kg to the frame mass does not significantly alter its energy efficiency when measured over concrete.
Easy to Use
The convenience of using an ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is an important element in its appeal. Relying on others to take you places is very restrictive for many wheelchair users, and having the freedom to go where you want and when you want is crucial to maintain your independence. You can shop and visit your friends or engage in your passions and hobbies without needing someone to take you there.
One of the most important aspects in determining how easy it is to push a wheelchair is the wheel size. Standard wheelchairs for adults have two massive rear wheels, which are often 20 to 26 inches in diameter and are designed to propel the user, while the front casters tend to be smaller and are responsible for stability and steering. The smaller front wheels are more comfortable to push as compared to the larger rear wheels as they require less effort to push the same distance.
The people who choose a lightweight wheelchair benefit from these advantages since they are more maneuverable, meaning you can maneuver in tight spaces and turn sharply more easily. This lets you cross bridges and kerbs that would normally be difficult for wheelchairs of standard size. This lets you gain access to areas of your home or community previously inaccessible, such as cobbled or grassy surfaces.
You should also consider whether you intend to use the wheelchair alone or with a companion. If you intend to to use the wheelchair for prolonged periods of time without assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a basic or light Wheelchair. If you are going to be relying upon an attendant to help you then we recommend that you consider the features of our Heavy Duty or Transport Chair options.
The ultra-light self-propelled wheelchairs we sell can fold down and be removed with minimal effort, which makes them much easier to transport, store or clean. They can be tucked away in the boot of a car and they are also an excellent option for those who need to travel for long distances since they are able to be easily carried into restaurants and hotels. The footrests on these chairs can be turned up or away from the way to make safer transfers in and out of the chair.
Customisation
While most wheelchairs are equipped with standard features, there are many options available to help adapt them to each user's requirements. For instance, some models have removable footrests that fold up or removed from the way, making safer and more comfortable transfers into and out of the chair. Some models provide a variety of armrest and seat heights to help reduce shoulder strain.
Another option is to look at wheelchairs that have suspension. This is crucial for those who spend a lot of their time in a wheelchair, since it will lessen the vibrations that are transmitted through the frame and could cause discomfort. This can also make it more robust and capable of handling various terrains.
The suspension of a wheelchair 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 the strain on both the caregiver and the user particularly if they have to push them over long distances or up inclines.
They are more affordable than conventional manual wheelchairs, which makes them ideal for those who are on a budget. However, it is still crucial to consult with an expert in healthcare, as they can suggest the best wheelchair for your particular needs.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall under the category of complex Rehab equipment, which means they are usually recommended by a Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They can assess your needs, recommend appropriate equipment, and submit all necessary paperwork to get funding approval for a new wheelchair. Once your wheelchair has been ordered and delivered, it can be brought to your home to start using straight away.