Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchairs let you move comfortably and with confidence giving you freedom and autonomy. Ideal for full-time use These wheelchairs can ease stress on both the user and caregiver.
It is important to choose the chair with seating components that are lightweight and that meet the posture needs of the client.
Comfort
Our ultra-lightweight chairs are designed to offer superior comfort for users, while reducing the stress on their bodies as well as caregivers. Features include movable footrests which can be folded down or removed to facilitate safer and easier transfer into and out of the chair. The seat is ergonomically designed to provide support and posture and soft-touch fabric side panels provide the user with a comfortable grip. There are also the option of personalising the wheelchair by choosing a range of upholstery colours that match your individual style and personality.
A wheelchair is an essential mobility aid that can help you remain independent and to enjoy many of your favorite activities. It's vital that you select the right wheelchair for your requirements. If you are unsure about the choices we are here to help you.
Wheelchairs come in many sizes to meet your requirements and are constructed of durable materials for long-lasting performance. A standard 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 assisted by an attendant when they're low.
The majority of standard wheelchairs come with two large rear wheels and 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 strain both the caregiver and the user in the course of time. For this reason, they're best suited for short-term use or for travel.
Lightweight wheelchairs are built from lighter materials such as aluminium and are often more maneuverable than heavier counterparts, making them easier to push for both caregivers and users. They're also designed to fold compactly and are able to be easily carried in vehicles, providing an easy solution for everyday use or for travel.
The lightweight frame of the wheelchair also makes it easier for users to get into and out of the chair, eliminating the frustration that is a common issue for many. To make it easier to use there are features such as adjustable brake controls, easy-to-use 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 is equipped with a number features that make it easier to move and transport. Firstly the front wheels are raised by two stepper tubes that permit an individual to safely raise the tyres over obstructions or curbs. The rear tyres are equipped with long reach brakes that can be activated by the user or caregiver to reduce speed and allow for stable parking. The solid polyurethane (PU) 20cm (8") front tyres are durable and low maintenance, allowing for an easy maneuverability on a variety of surfaces.
Our research has revealed that the new ultra-lightweight rigid frames provide superior propulsion efficiencies compared to folding frame wheelchairs when measured over concrete and carpet. The performance of a wheelchair is greatly affected by its components, like the casters and tires as well as its environment and use. The environment in which a wheelchair is located can cause vibrational loads, impact loads and torques inertial during usage. These forces aren't evident in the current tests for wheelchair failure.
Real-world mobility is characterized as a series of short, slow stretches with frequent stops, turns and even starts. This kind of mobility is not evident in current tests for wheelchair failure, since it is seldom done on the same surface at the same time. We set up a sample with a seat-switch to assess the occupant's level of occupancy and an accelerometer to track their daily movement.
The study found that the majority of participants walked 1.7 km every day, and speedy (>1 milliseconds), and long (>2 minutes) bouts of wheeling were rare. This study is a strong argument for focusing on the ability to maneuver in wheelchair prescriptions and training.
The results also showed that a wheelchair can increase its overall efficiency by using lighter tires and frames, but that further weight reductions will not improve the efficiency of its propulsion significantly. This is due to the fact that 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. When measured over concrete, adding 5 kg to the weight of the frame will not significantly impact its energy efficiency.
Simple to Use
Its appeal is largely due to its simplicity of use. Relying on others to drive you places is very restrictive for many wheelchair users and having the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want is essential to keep your independence. Selecting a lightweight manual chair will give you the freedom to shop or visit friends without having someone else to drive you around, making it possible to stay in touch with loved ones and also pursue your favourite hobbies and interests.
One of the most important aspects in determining how easy it is to push a wheelchair is its wheel size. The size of the wheel is an important factor in determining how simple it is to push a wheelchair. The smaller front casters are simpler to push than the larger rear wheels since they require less force to travel the same distance.
The people who choose lightweight wheelchairs benefit from these advantages because they are much more maneuverable, so you can maneuver through tight spaces and make sharp turns more easily. This allows you to navigate bridges, kerbs, and other obstacles that would normally cause problems for standard wheelchairs. This also means you can access areas of your neighborhood or home that were previously unaccessible, like cobbled or grassed areas.
You should also consider whether you will use the wheelchair alone or with an assistant. If you plan to be able to use the wheelchair for extended 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 our Heavy Duty models.
Our ultra-lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs can be folded down and disassembled easily making them easy to transport, store and clean. They can easily be transported in the trunk of cars. They are also ideal for those who travel long distances, since they can be rolled into restaurants and hotels. The footrests on these chairs can be turned up or swung away from the way to facilitate safer movements into and out of the chair.
Customisation
While most wheelchairs have standard features, there are numerous options available to customize them to the user's preferences. For instance, some models have removable footrests that can be folded up or removed from the way, making more secure and easy transfers into and out of the chair. Some models provide different armrests and seat heights to help reduce shoulder strain.
Another option is to look into wheelchairs with suspension. This is particularly important for people who spend long hours in their wheelchair. My Mobility Scooters will reduce the vibrations transmitted through the frame which could cause discomfort. This will also make the chair more robust and capable of handling various types of terrain.
Wheelchairs with suspension can also help to cut down on the effort it takes to propel them, as they are more efficient at transferring energy through the wheels and transferring it into forward motion. This can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the user, especially if they need to push them over long distances or climb inclines.
They are cheaper than standard manual wheelchairs, making them ideal for those who are on a budget. However, it is still crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, as they can suggest the best wheelchair for your needs.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall into the category of Complex Rehab equipment, which means that they are typically recommended by an Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They will be able evaluate your needs, recommend appropriate equipment, and provide all paperwork needed to secure the necessary funding approval for a brand new wheelchair. Once your wheelchair has been purchased, it can be delivered to your home to use immediately.