Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that are ultra light let you move with ease and confidence, providing freedom and autonomy. Ideal for use all day long they reduce stress on both the caregiver and user.
It is important to choose the chair with seating components that are lightweight and that meet the posture needs of the person.
Comfort
The specially designed design of our ultra lightweight wheelchairs gives users the highest comfort, which helps to lessen the stress on their bodies and caregivers. Features include movable footrests which can be folded up or removed to make it safer and easier transfers into and out of the chair. The seat has been ergonomically designed to provide support and posture, while soft-touch fabric side panels provide a comfortable grip. There are also options to personalise the wheelchair by choosing a range of upholstery colors to match your individual style and personality.
A wheelchair can be a useful mobility aid that allows you live independently and continue to enjoy many of your favorite activities. However, it's important that you choose the right model to match your unique requirements. If you're unsure our team of mobility experts are always available to guide you through the choices.
Wheelchairs are available in a range of different sizes to meet your individual needs and are usually made from robust materials to provide long-lasting performance. A basic wheelchair is best for people who weigh up to 300 pounds and offers the option to be self-propelled when your energy levels are high, and driven by an attendant if they're low.
Standard wheelchairs have 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 they can be a burden for both the user and caregivers. For this reason, they're better suited to short-term use or travelling.
Lightweight wheelchairs are built from lighter materials such as aluminum and are typically more maneuverable than their heavier counterparts which makes them easier to push for both caregivers and users. They can also be folded and transported in vehicles. This makes them a convenient option for everyday use or travel.
The lightweight frame of the wheelchair makes it easier for users to get in and out of the chair, eliminating the common cause of frustration for many. For further ease of use there are features such as adjustable brake controls, simple height adjustment for the seat and a simple folding mechanism that allows the wheelchair to be folded in a matter of seconds.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair comes with several features that are designed to make mobility and transportation of this chair easier. First, the front wheels are raised by two stepper tubes which allow the carer to safely raise the tyres to the top of obstructions or curbs. The rear tyres are equipped with long reach brakes that are easily activated by the user or caregiver to slow down speed and ensure secure parking. The solid Polyurethane (PU) 20cm (8") front tyres last for a long time and are low maintenance, allowing for ease of movement over a variety of surfaces.
Our research has revealed that new rigid ultra-lightweight frames provide superior propulsion efficiencies in comparison to folding frame wheelchairs when measured against concrete and carpet. The performance of a chair can be affected by its components such as the casters, tires, and its environment. The environment of a wheelchair can result in vibrational loads, impact loads and torques inertial during use. These forces are not evident in current wheelchair failure tests.
Real-world mobility is characterized as short, slow bouts with frequent stops, turns and restarts. This kind of mobility is typically not observed in current wheelchair failure testing, as it is seldom performed on the same surface over the same 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.
This study found that most participants wheeled 1.7 km on average per day, and that fast (>1 m/s) and lengthy (>2 minutes) bouts of wheeling were uncommon. This finding reinforces the need to focus on the ability to maneuver in wheelchair prescriptions and training.
The results also showed that a wheelchair could improve its overall efficiency by using frames and tires that are lighter, but that further weight reductions will not increase its propulsion efficiency significantly. This is because weight adds the metabolic cost of the frame due to vibration and flexion, as well as the relative motion of removable, loosely attached parts like footrests. Averaging 5 kg to the frame's mass does not significantly alter its energy performance when measured against concrete.
Easy of Use
The accessibility of an ultra light self-propelled wheelchair is a key aspect of its appeal. how to use a self propelled wheelchair can be difficult for wheelchair users to keep their independence when they are dependent on others to get them places. You can shop, visit friends, or pursue your interests and hobbies without needing someone to drive you.
One of the most significant factors that determines how easy it is to push a wheelchair is its wheel size. Adult-sized wheelchairs have two large rear wheels, which can range from 20 to 26 inches in diameter and are specifically designed to provide propulsion however the front casters are typically smaller and are responsible for steering and stability. The smaller front casters are simpler to push than the larger rear wheels because they require less force to move over the same distance.
These benefits are for those who opt for a lightweight wheelchair. They are more mobile and can be used in tight spaces. This allows you navigate kerbs and bridges which would normally be an issue for regular wheelchairs. This allows you to access areas of your community that were that were previously difficult to access, such as cobbled or grassy surfaces.
It is also important to consider whether you intend to use the wheelchair by yourself or with an assistant. If you intend to to use the wheelchair for prolonged periods of time without assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a Basic or Lightweight Wheelchair. If you'll be relying on an attendant to propel you, we recommend you think about the features of a Transport Chair or one of our Heavy Duty models.
Our ultra-lightweight self-propelled chairs can be folded down and removed easily making them easy to store, transport or clean. They can be tucked away in the boot of a car and are an ideal option for those who have to travel for long distances since they can be easily rolled into hotels and restaurants. They have footrests that can be flipped or swung to facilitate getting into and out.
Customisation
Wheelchairs are available with a range of standard features. However they can be modified to meet the specific needs of every individual user. Some models feature removable footrests which can be folded or swung away to make it easier and safer to get in and out of a wheelchair. There are also models that offer a variety of seat heights and armrest configurations, which help to lessen stress on shoulders.
Another alternative is to consider wheelchairs that have suspension. This is particularly important for people who spend long hours in their wheelchair. It can reduce vibrations transmitted through the frame which may cause discomfort. This can also make it more sturdy and able to handle various conditions.
The suspension of a wheelchair also helps to cut down on the effort required to propel them, as they are more efficient in transferring energy through the wheels and into forward motion. This reduces stress for both the wheelchair user and caregiver, especially when they have to push the chair over long distances or over steep slopes.
They are more affordable than conventional manual wheelchairs, which makes them ideal for those who are on a budget. It is important to consult an expert in healthcare to determine the best wheelchair for you.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall in the category of Complex Rehab equipment, meaning that they are usually recommended by an Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They can analyze your needs, recommend the best equipment for you and submit all necessary paperwork to get the funding approval needed for your new wheelchair. After your wheelchair has been ordered it will be delivered to your residence for you to start using straight away.