Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that are ultralightweight allow you to move freely and independently. Ideal for all-day use, they can reduce stress on both the caregiver and the user.
The key is to choose the right chair with seating components that can meet the user's posture needs and are as light as possible.
Comfort
Our ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are made to offer superior comfort for users, reducing the stress on their bodies as well as caregivers. Features include movable footrests that can be folded inwards or swung out of the way to allow for safer and more comfortable transfers into and out of the chair. The ergonomically designed seat offers support and posture while the soft-touch fabric panels on the sides offer the user with a comfortable grip. There are also options to personalise the wheelchair by selecting a variety of upholstery colours to suit your individual style and personality.
A wheelchair is a vital mobility aid that will allow you to live more independently and continue to enjoy your favorite activities. It's vital that you select the correct wheelchair for your needs. If you're unsure of the options, our team is available to help you.
Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes to meet your individual requirements and are often made from durable materials to ensure lasting performance. A basic wheelchair is best for people weighing up to 300 pounds. It also offers the option of being self-propelled when your energy levels are high or pushed by an attendant when they're low.
Standard wheelchairs come with two large rear wheels and four smaller front wheels. These wheels are used for stability and steering. They are difficult to push and can cause stress for both the caregiver and user. They are thus better designed for short-term or travel purposes.
The lightweight wheelchairs are constructed of lighter materials, like aluminum. They are also more maneuverable than heavier models. This makes them easier to push by caregivers and users. They're also designed to fold compactly and can be easily transported in vehicles, providing an ideal solution for daily use or travel.
The lightweight frame of the wheelchair allows for easier access into and out of the chair. This eliminates a common frustration for many. There are other features that allow users to more easily use the wheelchair, such as adjustable brake controls and an easy-to-use height adjustment feature for the seat.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair is equipped with several features that are designed to make moving and transporting this chair more convenient. Firstly, the front wheels are raised with two stepper tubes that permit a carer to safely raise the tyres to the top of obstacles or curbs. The rear tyres have long reach brakes that can be activated by the user or caregiver to slow down speed and ensure safe parking. The 20cm (8") solid Polyurethane (PU), front tyres provide an easy maneuverability on a variety of surfaces. They are durable and low maintenance.
Our studies have found that new rigid ultra-lightweight frames have higher propulsion efficiency compared to folding frame wheelchairs, when measured over carpet and concrete. The performance of a wheelchair can be significantly affected by its components, such as the casters and tires, as well as its environment and use. The wheelchair's environment can create vibrational forces, impact loads, and inertial torques during use that are not reflected within the current tests for wheelchair failure [1010.
Real-world mobility is described as a series of short, slow stretches with frequent stops, turns and starts. This type of mobility is not evident in wheelchair failure tests as it isn't often performed on the same surface or at the same time. We gathered a sample of wheelchair users with a seat switch to measure their occupancy and an accelerometer to document their daily movements.
The study revealed that the majority of participants travelled 1.7 km on average per day, and that rapid (>1 milliseconds) and lengthy (>2 minutes) periods of wheeling were not common. This finding shows the importance of the importance of focusing on maneuverability when prescribing and educating wheelchairs.
The results also showed that a wheelchair's overall efficiency can be improved with lightweight tires and a frame however, any weight reductions in the future are unlikely to improve the efficiency of its propulsion significantly. The reason is that weight increases the metabolic costs as a result of vibration, flexion and the relative motions of loosely attached, removable components like footrests. When measured over concrete the addition of 5 kg to the mass of the frame doesn't significantly impact its energy efficiency.
User-Friendliness
Its appeal is largely due to the ease of use. It is difficult for wheelchair users to keep their independence when they are dependent on others to take their needs met. what is a self propelled wheelchair can go shopping, visit friends, or pursue your passions and hobbies without needing someone to take you there.
The size of the wheel is a major aspect in determining the ease of pushing in a wheelchair. Standard wheelchairs for adults have two massive rear wheels, which can range from 20 to 26 inches in size and are designed to provide propulsion, while the front casters tend to be smaller and are responsible for steering and stability. The smaller front wheels are more comfortable to push compared to the larger rear wheels since they require less effort to travel the same distance.
These benefits are accessible to those who select a lightweight wheelchair. They are more mobile and can be utilized in tight spaces. This lets you navigate bridges, kerbs, and other obstacles that would normally pose a problem for standard wheelchairs. This allows you to access areas of your community or home that were previously inaccessible, such as grassy or cobbled surfaces.
It is also important to consider whether you plan to use the wheelchair by yourself or with a companion. If you plan to be able to use the wheelchair for extended durations without assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a Basic or Lightweight Wheelchair. If you will be relying on an attendant to help you, we suggest you look at the features of a Transport Chair or one of our Heavy Duty models.
Our lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs can be folded down and disassembled easily making them much easier to transport, store and 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 because they are able to be easily carried into restaurants and hotels. The chairs come with footrests that can be flipped or swung to help you get into and out.
Customisation
While most wheelchairs have standard features, there are numerous options available to adapt them to each user's preferences. For instance, some models come with footrests that fold up or removed from the way, allowing for safer and easier transfers in and out of the chair. Some models offer various armrests and seat heights to help reduce shoulder strain.
You can also look at wheelchairs with suspension. This is crucial for those who spend a large portion of their time in the chair, since it can reduce the vibrations that travel through the frame and may cause discomfort. It also makes it more sturdy and able to handle various types of terrain.
The suspension of a wheelchair can also cut down on the effort needed to propel them. They are more efficient at transferring energy through the wheels into forward motion. This can reduce stress for both the caregiver and the user of the wheelchair especially when they have to push the chair for long distances or over steep slopes.
Ultra-light and light weight manual wheelchairs are more affordable than their standard counterparts, meaning they are ideal for people on a budget. However, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional, as they can suggest the best wheelchair for your specific circumstances.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall in 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 to 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 is ordered it will be delivered to your home to use immediately.