Best Lightweight Wheelchairs

If you are compelled to use a wheelchair, and your medical condition allows it, you would probably prefer a lightweight wheelchair. A lightweight wheelchair will be more maneuverable, either when going up stairs, or even just on a level surface.

But, besides the actual weight of the chair, you’ll want to make sure that it’s comfortable, both for the person sitting in it and for their attendant who will be wheeling them around. You’ll have to make sure that there is still adequate padding, and comfortable armrests and footrests. And, although the padding and frame will be lightweight, you’ll still want something that is durable. This guide will give you some more insight into what to look for when considering buying a lightweight wheelchair.

• Manual wheelchairs: Over the years, these wheelchairs have evolved to tackle the challenges of conquering obstacles on the road. They are usually being pushed by an individual from the back of the wheelchair. There are rigid frame wheelchairs, transport wheelchairs, and folding frame manual wheelchairs.

• Powered wheelchairs: This is a more sophisticated kind of wheelchair that can be controlled by the user or an individual close by. The more advanced kinds of powered wheelchair are well constructed for almost any need. Some of the components that it can include can be a respirator, environmental control, and more.

• Pediatric wheelchairs: These are specifically constructed for children, and usually are designed to improve a child’s self-esteem. In addition, they are also made to allow a child to feel comfortable when interacting with other children.

• Positioning Wheelchairs: These are designed to relieve pressure on different parts of the body, most especially the skeleton. Some additional functions that they have may include monitoring cardiac function, respiration, and digestion function.

• Sports wheelchairs: These are used mostly by athletes when recuperating from an injury or medical procedure.

• Mobility scooters: These are also known as electric scooters or power-operated vehicles. These scooters include four-wheel mobility scooters, lightweight portable mobility scooters, three-wheel mobility scooters, and all-terrain mobility scooters.

The following are some of the comments regarding what people feel about these wheelchairs:

• Independent brakes: One customer said that an independent brake is an absolute necessity for a wheelchair and that they were surprised that the Days Escape Wheelchair can only be stopped by the attendant with the brakes on the handles. It’s better if the person riding in the wheelchair also has a means of applying the brakes.

• Detachable footrests: Some customers preferred a wheelchair where the footrests could be swiveled out of the way, or detached. The footrest sticking out could injure the patient while going into or out of the chair.

• Easy to fold up: Customers prefer a wheelchair that can be folded up easily and packed in the trunk of a car. That way, the patient can be transported by car, and then transferred to the wheelchair with ease.

When trying to get the right wheelchair, there are certain questions you may need to ask yourself:

• How much support would you need from your wheelchair? You may need to support both the upper and lower body. Get a wheelchair that has support options such as headrests and footrests, and a seatbelt if necessary.

• There is a need to consider the size, weight, and height of the user: Get a wheelchair that meets the height, size, and weight requirements of the patient. For example, the Days Escape Wheelchair can support as much as 100 kg.

• What kind of activity would the user be involved in? There are different wheelchairs made for different purposes. If the user is into sports, then he or she might consider using the sports wheelchair. Also, depending on where the user would want to go, it is important to get the ideal one that matches the required activity.

• EZ Lite Cruiser Deluxe DX12: When it comes to getting an electric wheelchair that you can count on, then this brand takes the crown. Some of its features include adjustable armrests and being very easy to fold up and unfold. When fully charged, you can travel as far as 10 miles.

• Medline Lightweight Wheelchair: This wheelchair brand is mostly used by seniors. Some of its features include breathable nylon webbing, smooth-rolling magnesium-alloy wheels, and 300-pound weight capacity.

• Featherweight Wheelchair: This wheelchair is regarded as one of the best lightweight wheelchairs. This wheelchair doesn't have much fuss when assembling and dismantling. It is very firm, as there is no unnecessary forward or backward movement. Some of its features are a two-braking system, quick-release wheels, and easy-to-fold construction.