Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs revolutionise mobility by giving users the ability to dictate speed and direction, as well as their destination without the need for an assistant. They can also be customised by adding a variety of accessories for convenience and efficiency.
From frame materials to dimensions of the seats There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a self-propelled chair. Here are some of the most important ones:
Independence
Losing your independence is a major concern in the event that you have mobility issues. It can be a traumatic experience to depend on others to take you to where you need to go or go shopping. Self-propelled wheelchairs (also called manual chairs) can help you to retain or regain your freedom. These are safe and easy to push, so you can get out and about without having to wait on someone else to take you where you need to be.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are equipped with large rear wheels and hand rims that provide the strength to propel yourself forwards and backwards without the need of an accompanying person. They are suitable for more people than you think, especially those with good upper body strength. They are also great for anyone who has difficulty walking long distances, or over difficult terrain.
Here at Mobility Shop we have a range of different self propelled wheelchairs for all kinds of users. You'll find a wide range of wheelchairs, ranging from lightweight and portable models suitable for daily use to crash-tested wheelchairs for storage and travel. To make your life more comfortable, we also offer a wide range of self-propelled wheelchairs that recline.
You can purchase our self-propelled wheelchairs online and have them delivered the next day to most UK addresses. You can also use the search box to sort wheelchairs based on the kind of frame, seat or features you require.
Contact our customer service team if have any questions about wheelchairs or require assistance in selecting the best one for your needs. We are always happy to help and can be reached on 01278 764454 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward hearing from you! (c) 2024 The Mobility Outlet (formerly Webster Wheelchairs) All rights reserved. Registered company in England & Wales no 07004640. Registered office: Harben House Harben Parade Finchley Road London NW3 6LH.
Manoeuvrability and ease of use
Self-propelled wheelchairs are great for those who wish to move around freely but don't have enough strength in their upper bodies to propel the chair. They give users a new lease of life and the ability to control their mobility. They are also ideal for those looking to stay clear of the expense and burden of powered chairs.
The frame and the centre of gravity of a wheelchair are largely responsible for its manoeuvrability. A chair with wheels that are as close as is possible to the centre of gravity can reduce the force on the turning.
It is also important to take into account the weight of the user when determining its manoeuvrability. Heavy chairs usually have a higher centre of gravity, which makes them more difficult to maneuver. Light chairs, on the other hand have a lower center of gravity. This makes them more maneuverable and easier to operate.
A lot of modern self-propelled wheelchairs are designed with ease of manoeuvrability in mind, as shown by their small dimensions and lightweight frames. They are highly customizable with features such as adjustable seat heights and angles for the backrest. This allows users to customize their wheelchair to meet their specific requirements, which enhances comfort and reduces the risk of pressure sores and other discomforts.
In addition to offering maximum mobility, self-propelled wheelchairs can be fitted with a variety of accessories and add-ons that enhance the comfort. A cushion, for instance, can aid in positioning the user and ease strain. Additionally, a wheelchair could be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system to help lower the chance of flat tires.
mymobilityscooters of self propelled wheelchairs is that they are simple to transport and put away. Many models feature quick-release rear wheels which make it easier to take off the chair footplates and front castors. Many models come with half-folding backrests that fold and fold away which makes them more convenient to store and transport. They're often equipped with parking brakes that are operated by the driver or their attendant, offering additional safety and convenience.
Customisation
Self-propelled chairs can be a great alternative to powered wheelchairs. They allow the user control over the chair. In order to empower independence, these chairs use large rear wheels with hand rims to allow the user to dictate speed and direction, not only promoting physical activity, but also aiding to maintain strength and cardiovascular health.
For active users, these wheelchairs are designed to be versatile and capable of handling many different environments, from roads with pavement to steep hills. These wheelchairs are usually lighter than transit chairs and can be folded in small cars. This makes them a practical and efficient mobility aid for daily use especially for those who live alone or with only a small amount of aid.
Aluminium is the most popular frame material but titanium's superior resistance to fatigue and strength makes it a top choice for those who are demanding. Titanium is also renowned for its ability to dampen vibration, which is increasingly important since pushing around can cause significant discomfort for certain wheelchair users. Some models, such as Ki Mobility's Ethos are specially designed to minimise this impact, resulting in a comfortable ride while permitting the user to remain in control of their chair.
Wheelchair accessories are becoming more and more popular, with options including simple track wheels that raise your front castors off of the ground to increase off-road traction, to electric rear wheels (controlled similar to a powerchair, but without the requirement for batteries) to handbikes like Triride's Special HT, Rehasense's PAWS City and the Empulse F55. These extra features offer an extensive amount of customization and the ability to take on the most difficult terrains, increasing your freedom and comfort while doing it.
The lightweight, self-propelled wheelchairs from Mobility Shop offer a variety of additional features, to assist you in finding the ideal wheelchair for your requirements. Our Lite 2 wheelchair, for example, is equipped with a power assist system that allows you to convert a manual wheelchair into a motorized one by using an attendant control. It can be operated by an armrest lever or via the push handle - whichever is most convenient for you.
Comfort
It can be confusing to pick the right wheelchair to meet your needs. It is also recommended to discuss your options with a mobility specialist or GP to get the best advice for your particular circumstances.
Self-propelled wheelchairs can be an excellent choice for daily mobility if you've got good upper-body strength and mobility. These wheelchairs come with larger back wheels as well as an outer push-rim that you can use to propel the chair. They're also fitted with an adjustable handlebar that you can use to steer and control the wheelchair. Self propelled chairs are generally significantly lighter than transit models, and they're also easier to manoeuvre.
Attendant-propelled wheelchairs on the other hand are designed to be pulled from behind by an attendant. They are smaller in size and are typically easier to push than self propelled chairs, however, they can be a challenge to climb obstacles like paving curbs. These chairs are also a bit heavier and more difficult to fit into the boot of your vehicle.
Many organisations offer wheelchair rental on a daily schedule for parks and zoos. They are usually lightweight manual wheelchairs, but it's best to book ahead to avoid disappointment. You can also rent wheelchairs for a longer amount of time from mobility shops. It is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this alternative, however it may be more cost effective in the long run to purchase your own chair.
You can further enhance your comfort in a self-propelled wheelchair by incorporating additional accessories. Some are useful, such as storage bags or footplates. Others assist you in finding a comfortable seating position. For instance, you could add seat cushions to reduce the strain on your thighs and buttocks or headrests to provide additional support.
You can also opt to have your self-propelled wheelchair equipped with brakes that are attendant which are essential for those who frequently have to be pushed by someone else. These brakes will make stopping, slowing and turning far more simple, especially for those who are heavier.